Hi all!
The surgery (proctectomy/sphincter saved) went very well. Had ileo in Dec 09.
Had an awesome surgeon who did some magic - he's tops in BC - one of the 5 top rated in Canada. What did he actually do? Why do I not have a messy or hurting bum? Who knows ... these surgeon rock stars are not the best communicators. I have a follow-up appointment on Dec 19 and want to know exactly what was done. Apparently the majority (all?) was done laparoscopically.
Have a pubic line small (horizontal) incision. Belly button incision. Tiny incision for the drain. Had an epidural in addition to general anesthetic - I don't respond well (high tolerance) to pain blockers. What a difference it made! I woke up from the ileo moaning and in such pain. This time I woke up pain-free (they left the epidural stint in and administered pain meds via it).
So ... very little bum pain. Don't have to sit on a special cushion. I could ride a bike today if I felt like it. The pain I do have is coming deep from one side of the pubic incision. That is where I was 'stapled' inside. But it's a come and go pain, not bad at all ... definitely a healing type of pain.
Why did I wait almost 3 years to get this done! (Ileo in Dec 09). I had been wearing a pad (often with extra toilet paper wedged in my bum) for almost 4 years solid. I have not had a pad on since I woke up from surgery.
Best of all ... that troublesome rectum that decided to plague me with UC is gone! No chance of rectal cancer.
I'll describe in better detail what was actually done once I know. But let's just say this gal is a happy Barbie Butt camper. Today is 3 weeks post-op and I'm taking the dog for a 20 min walk and then driving myself to the optometrist.
And many thanks for all the good wishes ... they made me happy.
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