Hello everyone! I am actually still here. I just passed my 7th year in Ileostomy World. A lot has gone on with me lately. I just had open heart surgery on the 11th of April. I spent 6 hours in surgery and 4 days in ICU. I did not have a heart attack. It was discovered that I have Hypertrophic Obstructive Cardiomyopathy and not enough blood was getting through the left ventricle. I was passing out, had dizziness, had trouble breathing, and could barely walk without having to stop every 30 feet. I was taking medication but was unable to titrate up to the next dosage. The VA sent me to the University of Colorado Medical Center to have the surgery. I did okay but had a horrible experience when waking up. I had to go on the heart/lung machine because they had to stop my heart to do the surgery. When waking up afterward, I had a horrible panic attack. The breathing tube air was very warm and the room was hot. I couldn't speak, so I couldn't tell the techs that I needed to have the cool air on. The hotter I got, the more panic I felt. They had to tie my hands down so I wouldn't pull out the tube. I thought at that moment, this is what it must feel like to go to hell. You can't speak, you feel like you're choking to death, and the heat was unbearable! I started to pray. I asked God to calm me so I wouldn't struggle. I asked Him to take away the panic attack and help me to stay still. Then, I felt the breathing tube being removed, and I began to breathe cool, fresh, cleansing air. I knew I was breathing the breath of our Savior! I knew Jesus was there in my room, calming me, taking away the fear, helping me with each loving breath that I took. I never want to go through this surgery ever again. I now have a scalpel scar from the top of my breastbone all the way down to just above my pubic area. My breastbone is wired together with steel wire, and I have one more week until I can drive. However, in spite of all of this, I no longer have dizziness, shortness of breath, or passing out, and I can walk a fair distance without stopping. The doctor could only get me to 75 - 80 percent, but to me, that is so much better than I was. I was sent home with oxygen but only had to use it for three weeks. My goal is to have a whole year with no surgery! I have so much metal in me that I could set the airport scanner off from 100 yards, LOL! I am home, happy, and feel great heart-wise. I am still struggling with my two autoimmune skin disorders. They have gotten under my skin barrier, and it is difficult to control the painful blisters. My dermatologist is available any time I need him, and he can give me shots in the blisters and nodules to shrink them. My daughter had my third grandchild on the 4th of January 2024. Her name is Naomi, and she's a peach! They are coming out to Montana in July, so I will be able to see them. My daughter gained her Master's Degree in Education Leadership and is teaching in middle school. She will be able to have her own classroom in the fall. My son-in-law completed his doctorate in Music Education and holds a chair position at Louisiana Christian College, where he is in charge of the choirs, teaches ear training, and works with ensembles. My ex-husband passed away on the 24th of February from stage 4 colon cancer. He only lasted two years after diagnosis. I made sure he knew that I forgave him for everything, including trying to poison me, which caused my lower bowel to die. He accepted the Lord before he passed, and I was very happy about that. Take care, everyone! Thanks for listening!

MeetAnOstoMate has 40,475 members of all ages.
🔒 We take privacy very seriously. Profile information, photos, and many features are only visible to logged-in members.
Many come here for advice, others find lasting friendships, and some even find love.
Advertisement
Hollister
We conducted a survey to better understand the impact that living with an ostomy has on sleep.
Learn the results of our ostomy sleep survey.
Learn the results of our ostomy sleep survey.