Seeking Advice on Major Abdominal Surgery Experiences

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Putz
Jan 21, 2010 6:01 pm
I started out with what the doc's said was a gulbladder problem, so it was removed in Feb 2009... no relief... went to mayo in Aug and after a number of test  and Pelvic Floor Rehab and over billing my ins. company/me, they did a j loop/illeo on me in Sept 2009, then had a hernia surgery in Nov 2009. .... Now I am going back under the knife on Monday 25th, 2010.



Docs are planning to remove everything ( colon, rectum and 2 muscles) but about 15 in of my small intestine will remain, need less to say there will be NO reversal for me when done.



Does anyone know more about haven this done, more details of what I am looking at?



My life has so totally changed, moods been ok to good so far, now that I am getting gutted like a fish, I am starting toget scared.



Thanks in advance to all,

Melissa
Gus
Jan 21, 2010 6:19 pm
hey Putz

I have had my colon and rectum removed due to crohns disease. Not at the same time but had them done nevertheless. It's a major surgery and does mean having a permanent front bum but it's not the end of the world and you should recover fairly well. I have had 4 surgeries on my gut with the first being a total colectomy when they did an Ileo/rectal anastomosis. They joined the small bowel to the rectum. I then had the 1st Ileostomy fitted due to a crohns flare up in my rectum. and after that a reversal. Once again the crohns flared up so my rectum was removed and a permanant Ileosstomy was done. Apart from the nurse forgetting to deflate the catheter ballon when remvoving it (bloody painful) I recovered ok but I was Left me with erectile dysfuntion and phantom ueges to take a dump. Listen to your Doc, if he says you need a catheter in for 7 days make sure no one touches it till then. Take the pain meds as long as you can and rest. It's gets as boring as bat shit but its worth it. I,m sure you wil be fine and now you have found us in the forums there are plenty of us to help you through your journey as an ostomate and you will end up as wacked as the rest of us. Good luck on Monday and I for one will be thinking of you.



Steve
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Hugo

This site has been a blessing for me in learning how to cope with and navigate this journey as an ostomate. I have a colostomy as a result of a perforation in my colon since May of this year. I don't know yet if it will be permanent or reversible. The people on here have provided me with so much advice and information about living with an ostomy that I don't think I could get anywhere else. You all have given me hope and a place to come to for support. I still struggle with acceptance, but know that it will come if I am patient. Patience has never been my strong suit! Also, I love all the humor, although it really pissed me off when I first came on here. Thanks to all of you.

Txgirl
Jan 21, 2010 7:10 pm


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I don't have what you have Putz but I just wanted to say' I will be thinking about you.

Hannah
lottagelady
Jan 21, 2010 7:28 pm
Dear Melissa,

I understand how you feel about that. I will probably have to have all or some of that surgery if my next (and final) repair to my fistula fails again. I too have had loads of surgery, but this one is freaking me somewhat, I think because up to now it has all been done in smaller ops, and this one is much more of a 'biggie'. I think Gus has given some good advice, not sure I can add to that.



Will be thinking of you over the next few days, take care, Rachel xx
eddie
Jan 21, 2010 8:49 pm


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  I had bowel cancer, I had my colon all removed and part of my small intestine and rectum, I didn't have any muscle removed not sure what they are talking about, I found it painful but they should give you meds to deal with it, you will have an incision from beneath your breastbone down to the pubic line and from the beginning of your rectum up to the base of tailbone.It cannot be reversed and you will have an ileostomy .  It sounds horrible but you get through it.  I had this surgery and was back to work full time in 7 weeks, of course everyone is different in the healing process but the reason I share this is to give people hope and knowing they are not alone!  I hope this helps we are all here to help you through it so ask away!

eddie
 

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Putz
Jan 22, 2010 1:15 pm
Good morning,

Just wanted to thank everyone for being you, the replys, the laughs and the wonderfull stories I have found on this site in few days I have been here.



My hope from  surgery is tobe back on my feet by motorcycle  riden season, ( Got to think positive ), There was only 1 road trip last year due to being sick and healing times. So, had bike redone,  Need to show off the pretty thing this year.

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Other then my business, running Buy a Bag Program, grandbabies, my bike and riding is my life.



As I am writing this, it just dawned on me..... I do have a full life.



I guess it is true... write it, put it on paper..... you may see more then you think.



I will keep in touch, will have my laptop with me in hospital.



Take Care and again Thank You...
Txgirl
Jan 24, 2010 5:31 pm
Hi Putz....I'm glad to see you feeling a little better.

It is so easy to focus on the negative and what we have all been through, rather then the wonderful things in life we DO have. I go through it a lot myself.

I found a lot of comfort in these people I call my friends on here. They have been an invaluable source of support and information. I hope we can do the same for you.



Keep your chin up honey and post some pics of yoiur kickass bike!

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beatrice
Jan 24, 2010 6:11 pm
Will be thinking positive thoughts for you, Putz.



Can't add any info about your operation - lots of good info already. I just wonder about the 'removing muscles' part.



Has a doc/specialist gone through (slowly, and maybe more than once) exactly what the surgery will include? I found that having someone (my hubby) there when things were explained was invaluable. I was nervous, so much info coming at me ... not all of it sinks in the first time.



Be optimistic, but also realistic. And yes, you have a full life and will get throught this and thrive!
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