TWMac
03-09-2006, 07:15 PM
Afternoon all,
Just wanted to pop in and say hello and let you know that I finally got home today after my re-section last Thursday. This was, without question, a week that I don't ever care to repeat or re-live!
There are some interesting things that I have to share with you regarding my experience, but I'll probably do that over the next few days as my energy level returns. I'm dog tired today.
Overall, the process was a success and long term outlook is great! Thanks to all of you for keeping my family and I in your thoughts and prayers over the last week.
Have a great evening and we'll talk more over the next several days.
TM
Just wanted to pop in and say hello and let you know that I finally got home today after my re-section last Thursday. This was, without question, a week that I don't ever care to repeat or re-live!
There are some interesting things that I have to share with you regarding my experience, but I'll probably do that over the next few days as my energy level returns. I'm dog tired today.
Overall, the process was a success and long term outlook is great! Thanks to all of you for keeping my family and I in your thoughts and prayers over the last week.
Have a great evening and we'll talk more over the next several days.
TM
Sponsor
MrsQueeZ
03-09-2006, 07:57 PM
Hi TM! Welcome back! Get the rest you need, and let us know how it went for you as you are able!
Renata
Renata
maggiemoo
03-09-2006, 08:55 PM
TM.
Glad you let us know that you're home. Remember to balance resting and walking around. Take pain meds when you need--that's why you have them.
Let us know how you're doing.
Maggie
Glad you let us know that you're home. Remember to balance resting and walking around. Take pain meds when you need--that's why you have them.
Let us know how you're doing.
Maggie
goody2shuz
03-09-2006, 09:48 PM
Welcome Back, TM :wave: Glad you're out and hope things are going well for you!! We look forward to your update and as Maggie already said, take it easy and rest up, eat right and before you know it you'll be feeling better and looking back on this as all being worth it. ;)
Until then, know that you are in our thoughts ~ Goody :angel:
Until then, know that you are in our thoughts ~ Goody :angel:
TWMac
03-10-2006, 02:08 PM
Thanks for the nice thoughts and comments, ladies....and a good afternoon to you all.
I feel pretty decent today....a little tired, a lot achy down there, but overall, I'd say I feel okay. I know the path back is long and will take time, but coming here helps to pass that time and sharing information with you all makes it much more bearable.
First thing I have to say about my over all experience is this: my surgeon is one of the finest, (IMO), in downstate Illinois. He removed my appendix 15 yrs ago and we decided we wanted him to do this and I will never regret that decision in any way, shape, or form. That guy is simply the best. Also, the nursing staff at the hospital in which I stayed was AMAZING! I probably was in contact with 20+ different nurses and student nurses over the last week and they were all fantastic! Not just to me, but with my family as well. And that made a big difference for them.
Now, to the re-section itself. I was scheduled for 7:30AM last Thursday morning and was wheeled into the OR at about 7:40AM. According to the staff in there, that was pretty typical. Turns out, that was about the only typical thing about the rest of the entire day. Now, keep in mind, when I first looked into this, I was told that on average, this type of operation normally takes 2 1/2 - 3 hours. Not a big deal. I was in for 6+ hours and was personally responsible for the cancellation of my DR's afternoon surgery schedule. Don't know why, but I get a kick outta that. I do feel badly for the people that had to wait an extra day. If that had been me, I'd have been pissed.
When he got in, he realized that my lower sigmoid colon area was much more heavily damaged from my previous tics flare-ups than the colonoscopy revealed. So he had to snip a little lower in that area than he would prefer. To do that, he needed to stretch the upper portion of the colon down a little more than normal, so he had to snip some of the upper mesentery (sp?) tissue a little bit in order to do that. That and some creative re-arranging of stuff down there, required the 6+ hours to do all that.
He told me that due to the extensive damage down there, I literally was a walking bomb waiting to explode. Next flare up could have been typical in that no hospitalization would be required, but as the tissue repaired itself, I was very close to suffering from blockage and obstruction. Obviously, not a good scenario.
At any rate, they wheeled me into recovery around 2:30PM and there I stayed until about 9:30PM that evening. They had absolutely no beds available in that place. It never ocurred to me that a hospital would be jam packed full like that. I eventually did get into a bed, but not until way late in the evening.
Well, I think I'm gonna take it easy for a while now. I'll be back a little later this afternoon and share some more goodies from my last week.
Take care everybody.
TM
I feel pretty decent today....a little tired, a lot achy down there, but overall, I'd say I feel okay. I know the path back is long and will take time, but coming here helps to pass that time and sharing information with you all makes it much more bearable.
First thing I have to say about my over all experience is this: my surgeon is one of the finest, (IMO), in downstate Illinois. He removed my appendix 15 yrs ago and we decided we wanted him to do this and I will never regret that decision in any way, shape, or form. That guy is simply the best. Also, the nursing staff at the hospital in which I stayed was AMAZING! I probably was in contact with 20+ different nurses and student nurses over the last week and they were all fantastic! Not just to me, but with my family as well. And that made a big difference for them.
Now, to the re-section itself. I was scheduled for 7:30AM last Thursday morning and was wheeled into the OR at about 7:40AM. According to the staff in there, that was pretty typical. Turns out, that was about the only typical thing about the rest of the entire day. Now, keep in mind, when I first looked into this, I was told that on average, this type of operation normally takes 2 1/2 - 3 hours. Not a big deal. I was in for 6+ hours and was personally responsible for the cancellation of my DR's afternoon surgery schedule. Don't know why, but I get a kick outta that. I do feel badly for the people that had to wait an extra day. If that had been me, I'd have been pissed.
When he got in, he realized that my lower sigmoid colon area was much more heavily damaged from my previous tics flare-ups than the colonoscopy revealed. So he had to snip a little lower in that area than he would prefer. To do that, he needed to stretch the upper portion of the colon down a little more than normal, so he had to snip some of the upper mesentery (sp?) tissue a little bit in order to do that. That and some creative re-arranging of stuff down there, required the 6+ hours to do all that.
He told me that due to the extensive damage down there, I literally was a walking bomb waiting to explode. Next flare up could have been typical in that no hospitalization would be required, but as the tissue repaired itself, I was very close to suffering from blockage and obstruction. Obviously, not a good scenario.
At any rate, they wheeled me into recovery around 2:30PM and there I stayed until about 9:30PM that evening. They had absolutely no beds available in that place. It never ocurred to me that a hospital would be jam packed full like that. I eventually did get into a bed, but not until way late in the evening.
Well, I think I'm gonna take it easy for a while now. I'll be back a little later this afternoon and share some more goodies from my last week.
Take care everybody.
TM
MrsQueeZ
03-10-2006, 06:41 PM
Wow, TM, you must have had quite a bit done from the sound of it. It sounds like it is a good thing you made it until you got in!! You will probably be amazed at how good you are feeling when this is all said and done. You probably didn't realize how much it was all draining you! You have a recovery ahead of you now. Take it easy, and don't even think about doing too much! Lots of rest, but not so much that you interrupt your normal sleep, which is what I did on occasion. Keep telling us more as you are able!
Renata
Renata
gomer4
03-10-2006, 08:07 PM
TM,
Glad to hear from you...........
I guess I'm next (she said with fear and trembling.......)
Lori
Glad to hear from you...........
I guess I'm next (she said with fear and trembling.......)
Lori
TWMac
03-11-2006, 05:28 PM
Afternoon all,
Hey Renata and Lori....good to hear from the both of you. Hope this finds you both doing well.
Lori, it is normal to be a little scared about all of this. I didn't sleep much at all the night before I went in. Lots of tossing and turning, worrying about all sorts of different things.
In looking back, however, I would not hesitate to make the same decision again. Obviously, I have a LONG way to go to complete recovery, but knowing now what I do know about the condition of my lower colon, waiting, or putting this surgery off would have been nuts! I literally was a walking time bomb due to the amount of damange done to my lower colon over the years by the numerous tics flare ups. At least in this instance, I was somewhat in control of the situation and not the situation being in control of me, if that makes sense. I went in under controlled conditions; my doc was able to open me up and take his time in cleaning my gut up the way it needed to be done, rather than letting an emergency determine the method of treatment. I feel very fortunate in this respect.
Yes, I did have a rough week, but considering it should be one of the last times I ever have to deal with this, I am completely comfortable and happy with it. I hope this helps somewhat. Nobody can ever tell you how to deal with all this. But you are in good hands with this group of people. They helped me get through this; they helped me to better understand what I might expect during all this. I'll help and I know the others will, too.
Take care and have a great afternoon everybody.
Todd
Hey Renata and Lori....good to hear from the both of you. Hope this finds you both doing well.
Lori, it is normal to be a little scared about all of this. I didn't sleep much at all the night before I went in. Lots of tossing and turning, worrying about all sorts of different things.
In looking back, however, I would not hesitate to make the same decision again. Obviously, I have a LONG way to go to complete recovery, but knowing now what I do know about the condition of my lower colon, waiting, or putting this surgery off would have been nuts! I literally was a walking time bomb due to the amount of damange done to my lower colon over the years by the numerous tics flare ups. At least in this instance, I was somewhat in control of the situation and not the situation being in control of me, if that makes sense. I went in under controlled conditions; my doc was able to open me up and take his time in cleaning my gut up the way it needed to be done, rather than letting an emergency determine the method of treatment. I feel very fortunate in this respect.
Yes, I did have a rough week, but considering it should be one of the last times I ever have to deal with this, I am completely comfortable and happy with it. I hope this helps somewhat. Nobody can ever tell you how to deal with all this. But you are in good hands with this group of people. They helped me get through this; they helped me to better understand what I might expect during all this. I'll help and I know the others will, too.
Take care and have a great afternoon everybody.
Todd
Marmex
03-11-2006, 11:57 PM
Hi Todd-
So glad that you are home and back on the boards. Sounds like you got this done just in time. Like everyone has said- take it easy and rest while you can. My resection was done on 2/24 and I came home on 3/04. Been a rough week but know it will eventually get better. Trying different foods and resting while I can. It is so good to have it behind me.
Keep writing and letting us know how you are doing. Take care-Stackie
So glad that you are home and back on the boards. Sounds like you got this done just in time. Like everyone has said- take it easy and rest while you can. My resection was done on 2/24 and I came home on 3/04. Been a rough week but know it will eventually get better. Trying different foods and resting while I can. It is so good to have it behind me.
Keep writing and letting us know how you are doing. Take care-Stackie
TWMac
03-12-2006, 01:17 PM
Morning all,
Hey Stackie, good to hear from you. From what I read thru your update, sounded like you had some issues with that NG tube. I hated mine, without question. That thing started started my gag reflex to working overtime and I had problems with it until they took that stupid thing out. I understood the need for it, but still didn't mean I had to like it any. And they put yours back in while you were awake!?!?!?!?! That had to be the absolute worst! Glad to hear that you're doing better.
I have felt really good the last couple days. The incision area is sore, which is to be expected, but for the most part, I feel very nice. Oh, and the lack of energy is annoying, but I give that another week or so before that's not an issue any more. I'm gonna start boosting my energy a bit this week by going to our local shopping mall and walking around for awhile after we drop the kids off at school. Just walking around and getting strenght back will do wonders.
Question for all you vets of this.....at my hospital, the main IV was, I believe, in the carotid artery of my neck. The explanation for that was due to the large volume of fluids that were to be pumped into me, post surgery, they wanted a vein/artery big enough and strong enough to handle the volume. This does make sense to me. However, since I've gotten home, I've got some nasty bruising down in the collar bone area of my neck where the IV was inserted. Also, I have some muscular discomfort in my shoulder and neck that runs from my neck down into the elbow of my right arm. I suspect the IV to be the culprit of all this and was wondering if anybody else had experienced anything similar? Any thoughts?
Well, that should be enough for now. Have a great day everybody.
Talk with you all later.
Todd
Hey Stackie, good to hear from you. From what I read thru your update, sounded like you had some issues with that NG tube. I hated mine, without question. That thing started started my gag reflex to working overtime and I had problems with it until they took that stupid thing out. I understood the need for it, but still didn't mean I had to like it any. And they put yours back in while you were awake!?!?!?!?! That had to be the absolute worst! Glad to hear that you're doing better.
I have felt really good the last couple days. The incision area is sore, which is to be expected, but for the most part, I feel very nice. Oh, and the lack of energy is annoying, but I give that another week or so before that's not an issue any more. I'm gonna start boosting my energy a bit this week by going to our local shopping mall and walking around for awhile after we drop the kids off at school. Just walking around and getting strenght back will do wonders.
Question for all you vets of this.....at my hospital, the main IV was, I believe, in the carotid artery of my neck. The explanation for that was due to the large volume of fluids that were to be pumped into me, post surgery, they wanted a vein/artery big enough and strong enough to handle the volume. This does make sense to me. However, since I've gotten home, I've got some nasty bruising down in the collar bone area of my neck where the IV was inserted. Also, I have some muscular discomfort in my shoulder and neck that runs from my neck down into the elbow of my right arm. I suspect the IV to be the culprit of all this and was wondering if anybody else had experienced anything similar? Any thoughts?
Well, that should be enough for now. Have a great day everybody.
Talk with you all later.
Todd
goody2shuz
03-12-2006, 01:45 PM
Hey, Todd :wave: Wow...you had what I believe is a central line and it is usually placed in the subclavian vein to deliver mazimum amount of fluids. Did they place enough pressure on it once it was removed to make sure that it didn't bleed after it was removed??? sometimes if they don't do this for a good amount of time some of the excess blood will pool beneath the skin causing what they call a hematoma. It usually self absorbs and while it does you will see the awful colors going from reddish purple, to green and then to a wonderul looking yellow :D . You may also feel some pain.
Placing a warm, moist compress over the area may help...just wet a washcloth and microwave it in a ziplock for a minute and then place it over the area (make sure it is not too hot...you may need to place another washcloth between this and your skin until it cools off a little bit) do this a few times a day.
I`hope that this helps some....if it doesn't a call into your doctor may be necessary.
Keep up the good work and remember to not overdue things.
And the best to you, Stackie as well :wave:
((((HUGS)))) ~ Goody :angel:
Placing a warm, moist compress over the area may help...just wet a washcloth and microwave it in a ziplock for a minute and then place it over the area (make sure it is not too hot...you may need to place another washcloth between this and your skin until it cools off a little bit) do this a few times a day.
I`hope that this helps some....if it doesn't a call into your doctor may be necessary.
Keep up the good work and remember to not overdue things.
And the best to you, Stackie as well :wave:
((((HUGS)))) ~ Goody :angel:
gomer4
03-12-2006, 04:48 PM
Todd..........you hit on something that is part of my biggest fears in this whole thing........the NG tube. Did they put it in while you were under? How long was it in? Was it horrid coming out?
Did you hear? According to my doctor note, I am only going to be out of work for 1 week. Obviously there is something wrong with your energy level, because I am going to have all mine back in one weeks time!!!!! (HeHe)
Lori
Lori
Did you hear? According to my doctor note, I am only going to be out of work for 1 week. Obviously there is something wrong with your energy level, because I am going to have all mine back in one weeks time!!!!! (HeHe)
Lori
Lori
TWMac
03-18-2006, 09:14 AM
Morning all,
Sorry for not posting for a few days. We had some nasty storms roll through a few nights ago and I have been having internet headaches ever since. Maybe I've gotten them taken care of for the time being, however.
Lori, you're only out for a week?!?!?! I don't know whether to offer congratulations or condolences on that one....holy cow! ;) Hopefully that was just a mistake on the part of your doc and he will correct that for you. I don't know how anybody could be expected to return to full activity after a week. And I was out like a light when they put the NG tube in and was awake when they removed it. It was no big deal coming out. I had it in until my gut finally decided to wake up and start becoming active. I had surgery on a Thursday and it was removed the following Tuesday. So I had it in awhile. :eek:
Goody, you were correct about the IV type that I had for my surgery. However, I didn't have a hematoma. I had a couple of small blood clots. When I woke up and showered Monday morning, my neck, shoulder and arm all hurt. The thing that really startled my wife and I were the number of bruises dotting my shoulder and neck area down to my elbow. Also, my right hand and arm were a bit darker colored than my left. To make a long story short, we went to see my PCP and they did an ultrasound on my neck and shoulder area and discovered the clots. They were small, thank goodness. I am now on blood thinners until the problem is corrected. Hopefully, it will only be 10-14 days.
Other than that, I feel great. The surgical stuff has been the least of my concerns this week. I've been eating pretty much anything I want. I just have to limit my portions a bit so as to not overdo it. And the plumbing all seems to be in great working order. Before surgery, I could easily end up in the bathroom after eating a meal. Now, I go once, maybe twice a day and that's it!! Hopefully, that's how it will be going forward.
Well, that's about all for now. Have a great day and great weekend everybody.
Talk to you later.
Todd
Sorry for not posting for a few days. We had some nasty storms roll through a few nights ago and I have been having internet headaches ever since. Maybe I've gotten them taken care of for the time being, however.
Lori, you're only out for a week?!?!?! I don't know whether to offer congratulations or condolences on that one....holy cow! ;) Hopefully that was just a mistake on the part of your doc and he will correct that for you. I don't know how anybody could be expected to return to full activity after a week. And I was out like a light when they put the NG tube in and was awake when they removed it. It was no big deal coming out. I had it in until my gut finally decided to wake up and start becoming active. I had surgery on a Thursday and it was removed the following Tuesday. So I had it in awhile. :eek:
Goody, you were correct about the IV type that I had for my surgery. However, I didn't have a hematoma. I had a couple of small blood clots. When I woke up and showered Monday morning, my neck, shoulder and arm all hurt. The thing that really startled my wife and I were the number of bruises dotting my shoulder and neck area down to my elbow. Also, my right hand and arm were a bit darker colored than my left. To make a long story short, we went to see my PCP and they did an ultrasound on my neck and shoulder area and discovered the clots. They were small, thank goodness. I am now on blood thinners until the problem is corrected. Hopefully, it will only be 10-14 days.
Other than that, I feel great. The surgical stuff has been the least of my concerns this week. I've been eating pretty much anything I want. I just have to limit my portions a bit so as to not overdo it. And the plumbing all seems to be in great working order. Before surgery, I could easily end up in the bathroom after eating a meal. Now, I go once, maybe twice a day and that's it!! Hopefully, that's how it will be going forward.
Well, that's about all for now. Have a great day and great weekend everybody.
Talk to you later.
Todd
goody2shuz
03-18-2006, 07:18 PM
Wow, TM!!! I am glad that you had that problem checked out...it only goes to show how here we cannot really serve in a medical capacity and how each of us have to go by our own instincts and when in doubt have it checked out. Thank goodness you did and I hope all works out well with you. Please take it easy and keep us informed as to how things are going.
So glad to hear that the plumbing is all in order!! :D That's what counts after having a resection!! :D
Hope things keep on improving!!!
~ Goody :wave:
So glad to hear that the plumbing is all in order!! :D That's what counts after having a resection!! :D
Hope things keep on improving!!!
~ Goody :wave: