More Surgery...What to Expect?

cover2

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Got to go back in on Monday to have my cholostomy closed. Been a little better than four months since I had 18 inches of my LI removed (after a perforation from Diverticulitis) along with my spleen. Felt lousy due to some meds prescribed while in the hospital recovering, but for the last month I have felt better than I have in the last 4-5 years (ostomy bag and Multiple Myeloma notwithstanding). Doc tells me I can expect four days to a week stay in the hospital and then at least one more week to get some strength back and heal. After that, he said it would be up to how I felt in regard to when I could return to work, etc.

If any of you all have any experience with this sort of thing, what can you tell me about the recovery period and what to expect? Also, not real sure as to what my digestive process will be afterward (same before initial surgery or somewhat compromised with certain dietary restrictions). A month shy of 57, I'm glad to still be here, but since I've felt so much better of late (more like my old self), I'm thinking, within reason, that I can enjoy a little better health. Let me know what you know. Thanks.
 

Swamp Queen

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No experiences with anyone I know to help you out, but wish you the best of luck! So glad to hear you're feeling so much better too!
 

GatorBart

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Got to go back in on Monday to have my cholostomy closed. Been a little better than four months since I had 18 inches of my LI removed (after a perforation from Diverticulitis) along with my spleen. Felt lousy due to some meds prescribed while in the hospital recovering, but for the last month I have felt better than I have in the last 4-5 years (ostomy bag and Multiple Myeloma notwithstanding). Doc tells me I can expect four days to a week stay in the hospital and then at least one more week to get some strength back and heal. After that, he said it would be up to how I felt in regard to when I could return to work, etc.

If any of you all have any experience with this sort of thing, what can you tell me about the recovery period and what to expect? Also, not real sure as to what my digestive process will be afterward (same before initial surgery or somewhat compromised with certain dietary restrictions). A month shy of 57, I'm glad to still be here, but since I've felt so much better of late (more like my old self), I'm thinking, within reason, that I can enjoy a little better health. Let me know what you know. Thanks.
Just when you start feeling better, of course you have to go back in have more work done. :headslap:
Good luck C2 - safe a speedy recovery!
 

divits

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Again, sorry you're having to deal with this stuff. With this surgery the thing you need to watch out for is a leak at the anastomosis (the place where they suture the two ends of you bowel together). So if you develop a fever and/or new sharp pains that don't show signs of relief you need to let the doc know immediately. On a side note, I used to sell a product called Tisseel that acts as a natural type of glue that helps seal around suture lines to prevent leaks. Think of it as caulking the surgical site. Might want to ask your surgeon about it.

I've been around patients with these procedures and the recovery has gone very well for the most part. You'll probably have some dietary changes and be taking pro-biotics which I imagine you're already pretty familiar with.

The good news is that the diseased area that had the diverticula has been removed and hopefully you're done with GI surgery. And your body should continue to absorb nutrients like before because most of that happens in the small intestine. What you're probably going to have to watch is your fluid intake to make sure you're taking in enough along with adding vitamins with minerals since water and minerals are absorbed in the large intestine. If you haven't consulted a dietician I would highly advise you to. They specialize in this stuff.

Good luck!
 
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NavetG8r

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I have an Aunt who had a hole develop in her colon and had to have a bag for a while. They went in and reversed it a bit later and she's doing fine today pooping out the brown eye as nature intended. Hope all goes as well for you too C2.
 

cover2

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Again, sorry you're having to deal with this stuff. With this surgery the thing you need to watch out for is a leak at the anastomosis (the place where they suture the two ends of you bowel together). So if you develop a fever and/or new sharp pains that don't show signs of relief you need to let the doc know immediately. On a side note, I used to sell a product called Tisseel that acts as a natural type of glue that helps seal around suture lines to prevent leaks. Think of it as caulking the surgical site. Might want to ask your surgeon about it.

I've been around patients with these procedures and the recovery has gone very well for the most part. You'll probably have some dietary changes and be taking pro-biotics which I imagine you're already pretty familiar with.

The good news is that the diseased area that had the diverticula has been removed and hopefully you're done with GI surgery. And your body should continue to absorb nutrients like before because most of that happens in the small intestine. What you're probably going to have to watch is your fluid intake to make sure you're taking in enough along with adding vitamins with minerals since water and minerals are absorbed in the large intestine. If you haven't consulted a dietician I would highly advise you to. They specialize in this stuff.

Good luck!
Thanks all for the well wishes! Y'all are good people.

As for Divits, suffice it to say that you're a guy that obviously knows your sh!t (pun intended)! Thanks for the info. The "caulk" will be worth asking about and the digestive part is good reinforcement.

I have an Aunt who had a hole develop in her colon and had to have a bag for a while. They went in and reversed it a bit later and she's doing fine today pooping out the brown eye as nature intended. Hope all goes as well for you too C2.
Hope to join your aunt in a return to elimination "as nature intended!" :flush:
 

stephenPE

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Divits had to make you feel better. I know my FIL had colon cancer and the colostomy bag and he hasnt had a problem in 15 years. He was older than you, too. Sending good thoughts and prayers your way, Cover. I hope it goes perfect.
 

Traumagirl

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RN took care of these cases post op. Everyone's bowel is different and paralyzed from being handled. Four days to a week is about right, you will have an NG tube. As stated absorption is small intestine, I am not sure you will have any dietary restrictions but because what is dumped from small to large where water is absorbed to make solid waste, depending on how much large intestine you have you might have issues with loose stool. As said before there can be leak at the anastomosis site (where they hooked it up). Abdominal distention with fever is an emergency as it can cause overwhelming infection (sepsis). Go straight in don't be brave. Slight rough go but to be rid of the bag and chance for another stool leak in the abdomen so well worth it. In my prayers!
 

cover2

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Wishing you a speedy re-Cover-y, 2.

:) Coot, you are, indeed, the guy when it comes to witticisms!

RN took care of these cases post op. Everyone's bowel is different and paralyzed from being handled. Four days to a week is about right, you will have an NG tube. As stated absorption is small intestine, I am not sure you will have any dietary restrictions but because what is dumped from small to large where water is absorbed to make solid waste, depending on how much large intestine you have you might have issues with loose stool. As said before there can be leak at the anastomosis site (where they hooked it up). Abdominal distention with fever is an emergency as it can cause overwhelming infection (sepsis). Go straight in don't be brave. Slight rough go but to be rid of the bag and chance for another stool leak in the abdomen so well worth it. In my prayers!

Thanks, TG. I appreciate the benefit of your knowledge and experience!
 

LagoonGator68

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You are at your healthiest in years and are not dealing with a perforation dumping bacteria into the abdominal cavity. Should be a piece of cake compared to what you've already overcome. Dietary issues can be baby steps trial and error. Caffeine, nicotine, chocolate, and alcohol can all cause digestive tract problems from their diuretic and acid stimulating effect. Be a good patient and be patient.

Best wishes for a speedy recovery, Cover.
 

cover2

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You are at your healthiest in years and are not dealing with a perforation dumping bacteria into the abdominal cavity. Should be a piece of cake compared to what you've already overcome. Dietary issues can be baby steps trial and error. Caffeine, nicotine, chocolate, and alcohol can all cause digestive tract problems from their diuretic and acid stimulating effect. Be a good patient and be patient.

Best wishes for a speedy recovery, Cover.

Thanks Goon and Coach. Started my prep about 11:00 this morning. Sort of like a colonoscopy prep, but it all collects in the bag. Up and down since then. One more time about 6:00. Eating is over with for a while. Going in tomorrow at noon with surgery scheduled around 1:30. Good advice Goon.

Was down in Gainesville for a Shands oncologist check-up and stopped by Total Wine searching for Erdinger beer. Found it and had one last night. Will have to be judicious with what remains when I have recovered. It's PDG beer! Other stuff shouldn't be too much of a problem.

Again, appreciate all the well wishes. I'll check back in when I'm able.
 

cover2

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Thanks Bernie. Unfortunately the bag only holds about a pint, so there have been a few sprints :run:
Cleanup is a bit easier, thank goodness. Looking forward to getting back to this however...

:poop:

(Sorry if too graphic, but I'm delirious from food depravation about now!)
 

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