Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
Long time since last post
I have not posted in quite awhile. A friend reminded me that people still look in to check on me. I have been well. I am still sore at times, mostly because I need to rebuild some muscles. The more active I become, the more I use my muscles, so it's kinda like working out just walking around and doing general tasks like laundry.
I am looking forward to feeling well for Christmas for the first time in nearly 5 years. I had considered having my "2nd" surgery this month, but am likely to put it off until after the New Year.
On another note, I did have my first car accident. Well, not an accident like with another car or anything, but rather a deer had run into my car, and cracked up my bumper. Now I have to find out what it will cost to repair with and without using my insurance.
How sad for my 18 month old car to be smashed by a deer. Luckily, the deer ran off seemingly unharmed. I had Mike peek into the woods to see that it didn't fall down a few hundred feet in, and he assured me that it was long gone. So, we're happy that the deer didn't appear injured.
We put up our xmas tree early this year to get in the holiday spirit, and so far it's working. The house looks nice and festive.
All for now.....
I am looking forward to feeling well for Christmas for the first time in nearly 5 years. I had considered having my "2nd" surgery this month, but am likely to put it off until after the New Year.
On another note, I did have my first car accident. Well, not an accident like with another car or anything, but rather a deer had run into my car, and cracked up my bumper. Now I have to find out what it will cost to repair with and without using my insurance.
How sad for my 18 month old car to be smashed by a deer. Luckily, the deer ran off seemingly unharmed. I had Mike peek into the woods to see that it didn't fall down a few hundred feet in, and he assured me that it was long gone. So, we're happy that the deer didn't appear injured.
We put up our xmas tree early this year to get in the holiday spirit, and so far it's working. The house looks nice and festive.
All for now.....
Sunday, October 28, 2007
*Getting Better*
I am getting better.....so it seems. I still get tired easy, but am getting around much more. I have been shopping and went to the movies. (We saw "30 Days of Night"...save your $$, not very good).
I still can't lift more than 5 measly pounds, mostly because of the hernia that was repaired. When I do lift or bend down I get pain under my belly button so the doctor said to still take it easy.
I keep busy with little hobbies around the house. I have taken up sewing on a sewing machine. I made some hemmed squares, just some random fabric that I will use as gift wrap. Very earth-friendly because it can re-used by the recipient. :-)
I also made some pretty uneven curtains for our bathroom. Michael says they look great (how sweet of him to spare my feelings) because they look kinda squigly and lop-sided, lol. But they're my first attempt, cost about $1.00 in fabric, and only took me about 2 hours. I'll keep practicing and see if I can't make something cool in the next few weeks.
I am looking forward to my next doctor's visit with my surgeon in Philly the 2nd week of November. He will do an exam and some tests to see if I'm healed up enough to have a much easier, shorter, and much less painful surgery to "restart" my GI tract. The surgeon in Ohio was figuring sometime around 12 weeks post-op which would put me near mid-December.
I still can't lift more than 5 measly pounds, mostly because of the hernia that was repaired. When I do lift or bend down I get pain under my belly button so the doctor said to still take it easy.
I keep busy with little hobbies around the house. I have taken up sewing on a sewing machine. I made some hemmed squares, just some random fabric that I will use as gift wrap. Very earth-friendly because it can re-used by the recipient. :-)
I also made some pretty uneven curtains for our bathroom. Michael says they look great (how sweet of him to spare my feelings) because they look kinda squigly and lop-sided, lol. But they're my first attempt, cost about $1.00 in fabric, and only took me about 2 hours. I'll keep practicing and see if I can't make something cool in the next few weeks.
I am looking forward to my next doctor's visit with my surgeon in Philly the 2nd week of November. He will do an exam and some tests to see if I'm healed up enough to have a much easier, shorter, and much less painful surgery to "restart" my GI tract. The surgeon in Ohio was figuring sometime around 12 weeks post-op which would put me near mid-December.
Friday, October 12, 2007
Feeling a bit better
Alight, so dehydration it is. I started to drink only electrolyte water and Hydralyte yesterday, and I already feel much better. I have been able to retain my fluid intake significantly more than just 2 days before. I know that the difference is obvious as I was drinking in excess of a gallon of liquid daily and was only passing urine twice daily. I am now going 4+ times per day. What a difference some e-lytes can make. Funny how I can be on the internet talking about urine output. But I suppose with all I've been through the last 6 years, modesty and tact have manage to elude me :)
I feel very fortunate to have the support of my friends and family. I have been blessed with many home-cooked meals, flowers, cards, emails, and phone calls. If not for the love of my family and friends, I'm not sure I'd have the strength to look ahead towards better times. I am looking forward to healing and spending the holiday season with all my loved ones.
I even received an email from a dear friend who is all the way in the Czech Republic. She is living there with her young son and husband, who is there on an art/glass making scholarship.
I feel very fortunate to have the support of my friends and family. I have been blessed with many home-cooked meals, flowers, cards, emails, and phone calls. If not for the love of my family and friends, I'm not sure I'd have the strength to look ahead towards better times. I am looking forward to healing and spending the holiday season with all my loved ones.
I even received an email from a dear friend who is all the way in the Czech Republic. She is living there with her young son and husband, who is there on an art/glass making scholarship.
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Well, that's the healing process. Looks like a train track, more like a train wreck, LOL.
I am trying to fight off dehydration, now. I can't seem to keep my electrolytes in balance. I ordered a supplement called Hydrolyte that is supposed to boost my electrolytes and help with absorption. I should get that tomorrow.
Sunday, October 7, 2007
UGH...slowly, but surely
I am more than 3 weeks post-op, and my recovery is slow going. I am tired and uncomfortable most of the time. Not exactly painful, though I am at times, I am mostly just weak and tired. I am trying to maintain my fluids and eat regularly, but despite that I continue to lose weight. I have lost 20 pounds since surgery. I'm not unhappy that I lost some weight, but I am sorry that I have lost it so quickly, and it continues to drop. I am anxious to feel better and get on with life already.
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Doin well at home
We've been home now for 3 days, and I am feeling a little better each day. I am eating good, moving around, not much pain, :)
I had a visit from home health nurses yesterday and today. They are happy with my current condition, so with any luck I will have an uneventful recovery. It'll just be a slow process, but well worth it in the end.
Love,
annie
I had a visit from home health nurses yesterday and today. They are happy with my current condition, so with any luck I will have an uneventful recovery. It'll just be a slow process, but well worth it in the end.
Love,
annie
Sunday, September 23, 2007
Actual Surgery Notes...if you think you can handle it
OPERATIONS: Laparotomy lysis of adhesion extensive (type 3 and 4),
abdominoperitoneal resection of J-pouch; repair ileal pouch anal
anastomotic vaginal fistula; neo-ileal J-pouch; redo ileal pouch anal
anastomosis with completion proctectomy; and mucosectomy; loop
ileostomy; drain bilateral ovarian cysts; omental pedicle graft to
pelvis; repair enterotomy; and repair umbilical hernia.
ANESTHESIA: General.
PREOPERATIVE DIAGNOSES: Ilial pouch anal anastomotic vaginal fistula
status proctocolectomy and J-pouch ulcerative colitis status post
pouchitis.
OTHER DIAGNOSES: Bilateral ovarian cysts and umbilical hernia.
OPERATIVE PROCEDURE AND FINDINGS: The patient had been followed for the
chronic pouchitis by Dr. Shen and myself, and she was found to have a
pouch vaginal fistula. She had been diagnosed with ulcerative colitis in
June 2002. She underwent proctocolectomy with ileal pouch anal
anastomosis and loop ileostomy on September 19, 2003, at Jefferson
University Medical Center by Dr. Gerald Eisenberg. The loop ileostomy
was closed on February 6, 2004. She stated that approximately 2 to 3
months after ileostomy closure, she had noted some stool coming through
the pouch vaginal fistula, which had subsequently been diagnosed.
However, this was difficult to identify both at Jefferson and at the
Cleveland Clinic. The problem seemed to be relatively slight and mostly
she was feeling fairly well until the summer of 2005. At that time, she
had developed what appeared to be a Bartholin gland abscess. This was
treated by incision and drainage by Emergency Room doctor; however, the
fistula occurred after this and has persisted. She did complain of
fatigue, misses work occasionally. There has been no weight loss.
Convalescence is good. She had Remicade infusions. After the third
infusion she got a reaction, so this was discontinued in June 2006.
Repair of pouch vaginal fistula was performed in October 2006 after
first applying a seton. This had been previously treated in August 2005
with advancement rectal flap elsewhere, and she further had another
repair attempted using the Surgisis plug. Thus, the patient had some 3
attempted repairs of the fistula prior to coming to the Cleveland
Clinic. She had also been diagnosed of chronic pouchitis.
Surgery was advised after informed consent. With the patient under
general anesthetic and in the Yellofin stirrups, the abdomen and
perineum were prepared and draped. The rectal pouch was irrigated out
with saline solution. The vagina was prepared with Betadine solution.
Midline incision was used. On entering the peritoneal cavity an
umbilical hernia was identified, and this was trimmed and the sac
excised. Subsequently, this was repaired with double stranded #2 PDS
sutures.
On entering the peritoneal cavity, it was immediately apparent that
there were extensive adhesions and these were type 3 and type 4. The
pouch was traced out into the pelvis, but this was promptly interrupted
by very large bilateral multilocular ovarian cysts, which were glued to
the serosal surface of the small bowel. In the course of dissecting
these free, an enterotomy was made approximately at the site of the
previous ileostomy closure. This was repaired in 2 layers with 3-0
Vicryl, 3-0 Ethibond.
Minimal contamination occurred. Continued mobilization was then carried
out. Specifically, bilateral ureteric stents had been placed and the
ureters were tagged with chromic catgut loose marker on either side.
With this as a guide, we were able to mobilize and identify the superior
mesenteric artery as it coursed over the brim of the pelvis into the
feeding mesentry of the small ileal pouch. We were thus able to develop
a plane behind the superior mesenteric artery, and this was traced down
to the junction of the upper third and lower two-thirds of the sacrum.
However, it was apparent at this point that a problem existed. The pouch
was fused almost inextricably to the sacrum itself. Mobilization was
carried out carefully using scalpels, cautery, and scissors. However, it
was impossible despite hydrodissection to avoid injury to the pouch and
during the course of this mobilization down to the coccyx, multiple
enterotomies were made in the pouch itself. Anteriorly, the dissection
was not much easier. However, we were able to develop a plane down to
the posterior vagina. At this point, there was dense fibrosis around the
distal portion of the pouch at a distance of 2 to 3 cm cephalad to the
anastomosis. Ultimately, we were able to mobilize the entire pouch down
to the anorectal ring. At this point, the pouch was disconnected by
cutting cautery dissecting across the anastomosis itself. The pouch was
thus delivered into the abdominal wound proper.
Gloves and gowns were changed. Irrigation of the pouch was carried out
and the pelvis was packed. Hemostasis was considered excellent. However,
attention to the pouch revealed that this would require extensive
reconstruction to preserve the current pouch, and it was felt desirable
to use a new pouch. Accordingly, the pouch was excised, and the cut end
of the small intestine was checked and blood supply was considered
excellent. A Bainbridge clamp was placed across here.
The pelvis was packed. Attention was then directed to the perineum.
Effacement sutures x6 were used. Submucosal adrenaline was used in the
residual portion of the anorectum. Then a mucosectomy was carried out
starting at the dentate line extending cephalad to the anastomosis. A
number of staples were still present at the cephalad portion of this
including one or two that were fused to the posterior wall of the vagina
but these did not appear to have traversed the vagina. The defect was
identified ultimately in the vagina at this point. Closure with 2-0
Vicryl was then carried out on that defect.
Hemostasis was obtained. Copious irrigation of the perineum was carried
out. At this point, we attempted to identify if a pouch could be
delivered down into the pelvis. The particular arrangement of the
terminal ileum was such that an S pouch conferred no advantage to
fashioning a functioning pelvic reservoir. After extensive stepladder
incisions in the mesentry of the peritoneum overlying the small bowel
mesentry especially across where the superior mesenteric artery lay, it
was feasible in my view to be able to get a relatively tension-free
anastomosis.
Accordingly, a J-pouch was then constructed using 20-cm limbs by using
two passes of the ILA 100. The tip of the J was closed with a stapler,
TA30, and reinforced with Lembert sutures of 3-0 Vicryl.
The sutures were then placed into the cut edge of the anoderm including
a segment of internal sphincter; 8 of these were placed
circumferentially around the anus. This pouch was then delivered down
onto the perineum and Babcock clamps were used to maintain its position;
however, there was only modest tension on one lip at the end of the
procedure after the anastomosis was completed.
The small Fergusson retractor was placed in the open anastomosis and
further sutures were placed between the main caudal 8 sutures.
Having done this, the pouch was then tested out. This was done by
putting a rectal tube back into the pouch and insufflation with air
while holding the pouch under a layer of saline. No leaks were seen.
Attention was then directed back to the abdomen. Gloves and gowns were
changed. The previously marked stoma site was addressed, and a trephine
was made with a rectus-splitting incision. A loop of ileum was
identified upstream of the pouch and tagged proximally and distally.
This was cephalad to the enterotomy. This was then brought through the
ileostomy aperture over a sheath of Seprafilm and placed over a plastic
rod. A further sheath of Seprafilm was placed between the small bowel
and loops and the anterior abdominal wall; an omental pedicle graft had
first been placed down into the deep pelvis and sutured to the left deep
levators. In addition, an Atraum drain was placed in the pelvis and
brought out through a left lower quadrant stab incision parallel to the
omental pedicle graft that was fashioned and sutured into position.
The abdomen was then closed after mobilizing the fascia of the fat from
the previous surgery. Continuous double-stranded PDS was used for the
fascia closure. The skin was closed with staples. The stoma was then
matured with the proximal functional end cephalad and the nonfunctional
end caudad. The appliances then made, and the patient tolerated the
procedure well. She was re-dosed with antibiotics on two occasions
throughout the course of the operation and hemoglobin at the end of the
procedure was 9.2.
abdominoperitoneal resection of J-pouch; repair ileal pouch anal
anastomotic vaginal fistula; neo-ileal J-pouch; redo ileal pouch anal
anastomosis with completion proctectomy; and mucosectomy; loop
ileostomy; drain bilateral ovarian cysts; omental pedicle graft to
pelvis; repair enterotomy; and repair umbilical hernia.
ANESTHESIA: General.
PREOPERATIVE DIAGNOSES: Ilial pouch anal anastomotic vaginal fistula
status proctocolectomy and J-pouch ulcerative colitis status post
pouchitis.
OTHER DIAGNOSES: Bilateral ovarian cysts and umbilical hernia.
OPERATIVE PROCEDURE AND FINDINGS: The patient had been followed for the
chronic pouchitis by Dr. Shen and myself, and she was found to have a
pouch vaginal fistula. She had been diagnosed with ulcerative colitis in
June 2002. She underwent proctocolectomy with ileal pouch anal
anastomosis and loop ileostomy on September 19, 2003, at Jefferson
University Medical Center by Dr. Gerald Eisenberg. The loop ileostomy
was closed on February 6, 2004. She stated that approximately 2 to 3
months after ileostomy closure, she had noted some stool coming through
the pouch vaginal fistula, which had subsequently been diagnosed.
However, this was difficult to identify both at Jefferson and at the
Cleveland Clinic. The problem seemed to be relatively slight and mostly
she was feeling fairly well until the summer of 2005. At that time, she
had developed what appeared to be a Bartholin gland abscess. This was
treated by incision and drainage by Emergency Room doctor; however, the
fistula occurred after this and has persisted. She did complain of
fatigue, misses work occasionally. There has been no weight loss.
Convalescence is good. She had Remicade infusions. After the third
infusion she got a reaction, so this was discontinued in June 2006.
Repair of pouch vaginal fistula was performed in October 2006 after
first applying a seton. This had been previously treated in August 2005
with advancement rectal flap elsewhere, and she further had another
repair attempted using the Surgisis plug. Thus, the patient had some 3
attempted repairs of the fistula prior to coming to the Cleveland
Clinic. She had also been diagnosed of chronic pouchitis.
Surgery was advised after informed consent. With the patient under
general anesthetic and in the Yellofin stirrups, the abdomen and
perineum were prepared and draped. The rectal pouch was irrigated out
with saline solution. The vagina was prepared with Betadine solution.
Midline incision was used. On entering the peritoneal cavity an
umbilical hernia was identified, and this was trimmed and the sac
excised. Subsequently, this was repaired with double stranded #2 PDS
sutures.
On entering the peritoneal cavity, it was immediately apparent that
there were extensive adhesions and these were type 3 and type 4. The
pouch was traced out into the pelvis, but this was promptly interrupted
by very large bilateral multilocular ovarian cysts, which were glued to
the serosal surface of the small bowel. In the course of dissecting
these free, an enterotomy was made approximately at the site of the
previous ileostomy closure. This was repaired in 2 layers with 3-0
Vicryl, 3-0 Ethibond.
Minimal contamination occurred. Continued mobilization was then carried
out. Specifically, bilateral ureteric stents had been placed and the
ureters were tagged with chromic catgut loose marker on either side.
With this as a guide, we were able to mobilize and identify the superior
mesenteric artery as it coursed over the brim of the pelvis into the
feeding mesentry of the small ileal pouch. We were thus able to develop
a plane behind the superior mesenteric artery, and this was traced down
to the junction of the upper third and lower two-thirds of the sacrum.
However, it was apparent at this point that a problem existed. The pouch
was fused almost inextricably to the sacrum itself. Mobilization was
carried out carefully using scalpels, cautery, and scissors. However, it
was impossible despite hydrodissection to avoid injury to the pouch and
during the course of this mobilization down to the coccyx, multiple
enterotomies were made in the pouch itself. Anteriorly, the dissection
was not much easier. However, we were able to develop a plane down to
the posterior vagina. At this point, there was dense fibrosis around the
distal portion of the pouch at a distance of 2 to 3 cm cephalad to the
anastomosis. Ultimately, we were able to mobilize the entire pouch down
to the anorectal ring. At this point, the pouch was disconnected by
cutting cautery dissecting across the anastomosis itself. The pouch was
thus delivered into the abdominal wound proper.
Gloves and gowns were changed. Irrigation of the pouch was carried out
and the pelvis was packed. Hemostasis was considered excellent. However,
attention to the pouch revealed that this would require extensive
reconstruction to preserve the current pouch, and it was felt desirable
to use a new pouch. Accordingly, the pouch was excised, and the cut end
of the small intestine was checked and blood supply was considered
excellent. A Bainbridge clamp was placed across here.
The pelvis was packed. Attention was then directed to the perineum.
Effacement sutures x6 were used. Submucosal adrenaline was used in the
residual portion of the anorectum. Then a mucosectomy was carried out
starting at the dentate line extending cephalad to the anastomosis. A
number of staples were still present at the cephalad portion of this
including one or two that were fused to the posterior wall of the vagina
but these did not appear to have traversed the vagina. The defect was
identified ultimately in the vagina at this point. Closure with 2-0
Vicryl was then carried out on that defect.
Hemostasis was obtained. Copious irrigation of the perineum was carried
out. At this point, we attempted to identify if a pouch could be
delivered down into the pelvis. The particular arrangement of the
terminal ileum was such that an S pouch conferred no advantage to
fashioning a functioning pelvic reservoir. After extensive stepladder
incisions in the mesentry of the peritoneum overlying the small bowel
mesentry especially across where the superior mesenteric artery lay, it
was feasible in my view to be able to get a relatively tension-free
anastomosis.
Accordingly, a J-pouch was then constructed using 20-cm limbs by using
two passes of the ILA 100. The tip of the J was closed with a stapler,
TA30, and reinforced with Lembert sutures of 3-0 Vicryl.
The sutures were then placed into the cut edge of the anoderm including
a segment of internal sphincter; 8 of these were placed
circumferentially around the anus. This pouch was then delivered down
onto the perineum and Babcock clamps were used to maintain its position;
however, there was only modest tension on one lip at the end of the
procedure after the anastomosis was completed.
The small Fergusson retractor was placed in the open anastomosis and
further sutures were placed between the main caudal 8 sutures.
Having done this, the pouch was then tested out. This was done by
putting a rectal tube back into the pouch and insufflation with air
while holding the pouch under a layer of saline. No leaks were seen.
Attention was then directed back to the abdomen. Gloves and gowns were
changed. The previously marked stoma site was addressed, and a trephine
was made with a rectus-splitting incision. A loop of ileum was
identified upstream of the pouch and tagged proximally and distally.
This was cephalad to the enterotomy. This was then brought through the
ileostomy aperture over a sheath of Seprafilm and placed over a plastic
rod. A further sheath of Seprafilm was placed between the small bowel
and loops and the anterior abdominal wall; an omental pedicle graft had
first been placed down into the deep pelvis and sutured to the left deep
levators. In addition, an Atraum drain was placed in the pelvis and
brought out through a left lower quadrant stab incision parallel to the
omental pedicle graft that was fashioned and sutured into position.
The abdomen was then closed after mobilizing the fascia of the fat from
the previous surgery. Continuous double-stranded PDS was used for the
fascia closure. The skin was closed with staples. The stoma was then
matured with the proximal functional end cephalad and the nonfunctional
end caudad. The appliances then made, and the patient tolerated the
procedure well. She was re-dosed with antibiotics on two occasions
throughout the course of the operation and hemoglobin at the end of the
procedure was 9.2.
Saturday, September 22, 2007
GOING HOME
We are coming home today. I am feeling better, anxious to get back in my own bed and home! We are flying out of Cleveland Hopkins at 6:10pm and Julio will be fetching us in Philly around 7:30pm. It is so depressing to be sick and so far from home. Mike is amazing, I can't tell you how glad I am that he was here the whole time. I was struggling a bit and he really pulled me through. We are looking forward to better times.
annie
annie
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Getting discharged
I'm doing well and will be discharged tomorrow. Not home, though, I have to stay in Cleveland for a few days post-op...just in case I have any post-op complications. So we are staying in the hotel until Monday, then we will fly home.
We had an uplifting day today, there was a sweet couple who brought in their therapy dogs to visit patients. They were 2 CORGIS!!! So cute, made me miss my doggies so much. Mike laughed and said I should train Loki, LOL, except he would pee on people and bite them when they hug him. It's really cool to be in a place like this and have cute dogs wandering the halls cheering people up.
I've since had 2 roommates who both relentlessly snore, UGH. It's like sleeping next to Mike, but worse cause they sleep day and night.
Non surgery related is a sad note about my co-worker, Jennifer Kehrli, who was killed in a car accident early Sunday morning. I am sad that I can't mourn her and be there with my Vetco friends to show her family how important she was to us. Mia will be there to speak for me.
Thanks to everyone for your thoughts.
We had an uplifting day today, there was a sweet couple who brought in their therapy dogs to visit patients. They were 2 CORGIS!!! So cute, made me miss my doggies so much. Mike laughed and said I should train Loki, LOL, except he would pee on people and bite them when they hug him. It's really cool to be in a place like this and have cute dogs wandering the halls cheering people up.
I've since had 2 roommates who both relentlessly snore, UGH. It's like sleeping next to Mike, but worse cause they sleep day and night.
Non surgery related is a sad note about my co-worker, Jennifer Kehrli, who was killed in a car accident early Sunday morning. I am sad that I can't mourn her and be there with my Vetco friends to show her family how important she was to us. Mia will be there to speak for me.
Thanks to everyone for your thoughts.
Sunday, September 16, 2007
little setbacks
So, I had a little set-back last night. I was put on oral pain meds instead of IV and I vomited. Yes, it hurt like HELL! I was delirious with pain, but my nurse was with me the whole time, helping me relax. Today I am doing better, just ice chips for now, maybe we'll add some jello and broth again tomorrow. I am back on IV drugs for pain now, much better.
I also had an allergic reaction to the pouching system for my ileostomy. I was dressed with a pouch lined with a "caulking"-like substance called Stomahesive paste, and it caused almost an immediate reaction. My skin is red and weepy, and some skin has pulled off with the wafer. The nurses (ET) have discountinued the current system and placed me on a different brand, and they assure me that I will not go home until the skin problem is resolved. I'm grateful for that. I feel too beat up to even think about going home right now.
Mike is with me almost constantly, he has been so helpful. I feel sorry for patients that can't have family members with them to help and encourage. He's been super brave.
I also had an allergic reaction to the pouching system for my ileostomy. I was dressed with a pouch lined with a "caulking"-like substance called Stomahesive paste, and it caused almost an immediate reaction. My skin is red and weepy, and some skin has pulled off with the wafer. The nurses (ET) have discountinued the current system and placed me on a different brand, and they assure me that I will not go home until the skin problem is resolved. I'm grateful for that. I feel too beat up to even think about going home right now.
Mike is with me almost constantly, he has been so helpful. I feel sorry for patients that can't have family members with them to help and encourage. He's been super brave.
Friday, September 14, 2007
Michigan Sept 7-Sept 10
We had a really good time in Michigan with Joe, Gail, Matt, Kristen, and Logan. They made us feel so welcome and comfortable. We went to Lake Michigan on our anniversary on Saturday the 8th to watch the sunset.
my surgery outcome
My surgery was on Wednesday, Sept, 12th. It took about 7 hours to complete. 3 hours were used to separate adhesions. Dr Fazio was surprised to find my Jpouch was "glued" to my tailbone, That explains why I have been experiencing so many secondary pains like lower back pain, oh and I had an umbilical hernia that he repaired, that surprised us also.
My pain is being well managed with a patient regulated button of Fentanyl, I think. I have been able to get up and walk around a bit. I am going to walk again later this evening. The doctor started me on some food today, well not really food, but jello, tea, water. I will probably be expected to eat more solid foods in the next couple of days. Mike is being incredibly supportive. He helps me walk, feeds me jello, and brushes my hair. I am so proud of him. He is reading a lot of information to help me post-op so we aren't going to go home and not know what the hell we are doing.
Well I will post more later.
My pain is being well managed with a patient regulated button of Fentanyl, I think. I have been able to get up and walk around a bit. I am going to walk again later this evening. The doctor started me on some food today, well not really food, but jello, tea, water. I will probably be expected to eat more solid foods in the next couple of days. Mike is being incredibly supportive. He helps me walk, feeds me jello, and brushes my hair. I am so proud of him. He is reading a lot of information to help me post-op so we aren't going to go home and not know what the hell we are doing.
Well I will post more later.
Pics of surgery
Here's me, fingers crossed, ready to go in.
Post-op...waking up
EEEK! This is my new belly
Michael and me
Post-op...waking up
EEEK! This is my new belly
Michael and me
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