Hi, my name is Pippa and I just read the message. It brought everything back to me because my situation was very similar. I had emergency surgery in July 08 and ended up with a colostomy.
I had had an operation and was feeling quite good considering having surgery. I was sent home after 2 days. 1 week later, my husband rushed me to the hospital. I had shallow breathing and a temperature. After many blood tests, x-rays, and CT scans, I was rushed to the theatre for surgery. They opened me up, took a litre of abscesses away, gave what's called a washout, and gave me a colostomy.
After 7 days in P.O.C.C.U, I was transferred to I.C.U where I spent 9 weeks. I had lots of complications and had to go down to the theatre and be reopened because I was not getting any better. Eventually, I did get better and spent 3 weeks on a general ward.
I was told there had been a suture put in my colon (from my first op) which had leaked. I had septicemia, septic shock, and all my major organs were starting to close down. I had 24 to 36 hours to pull through. My husband and 2 kids were told this. I can't imagine my family being told. I had a tracheotomy, all my hair had fallen out, I lost 2 stone in weight, and I had to learn to walk again.
It's now 9 months and I am slowly recovering from my traumatic time. I still go to physio, which helps.
It does make you re-evaluate your life and I agree with what's been said. You do enjoy life more. I have reconnected with some old school friends and we have a ball. It's so good. Also, my family, we have all become a lot closer. It's fab now. My only concern is having my reversal. I am not looking forward to it. Pippa