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My son is 12


Thu, April 30, 2015 1:30 PM

My son is 12 and we are preparing him for surgery to have his colon and rectum removed. His initial diagnosis was UC/Crohns. The doc now thinks that he just has UC. My question is what can I do for him while hes recovering from surgery? He is having 2 surgeries. They are going to remove his colon and give him a temporary ostomy bag for about 6 weeks and then they will reconnect and he wont have the bag anymore. I understand there will be pain but what can I do that will comfort him? He is a great spirit and I just want to make this all as easy as possible for him. Thanks for your help :)

FPO thatboysmom
Joined Apr 30, 2015

Tue, May 19, 2015 9:26 PM

 Reply posted for thatboysmom.

I'm 23 and just had surgery and I have to say having my mom there was the best thing anyone could do for me. The extra pillows will definitely help. I know I didn't have much of an appetite so having whatever weird food sounded good around the house helped. As the other post said, help with the basic things is most important. I had a lot of trouble getting up from bed in the morning so i would text my mom on the phone to come help me. If your son doesnt have a cell phone id suggest a walkie talkie or something so he can still have some independence but you're there. Best of luck to you and your son! 

FPO akr008
Joined Sep 2, 2014

Tue, May 19, 2015 9:25 PM

 Reply posted for thatboysmom.

I'm 23 and just had surgery and I have to say having my mom there was the best thing anyone could do for me. The extra pillows will definitely help. I know I didn't have much of an appetite so having whatever weird food sounded good around the house helped. As the other post said, help with the basic things is most important. I had a lot of trouble getting up from bed in the morning so i would text my mom on the phone to come help me. If your son doesnt have a cell phone id suggest a walkie talkie or something so he can still have some independence but you're there. Best of luck to you and your son! 

FPO akr008
Joined Sep 2, 2014

Tue, May 19, 2015 8:16 PM

 Reply posted for thatboysmom.

He's going to need a lot of help doing normal things. He will have zero abdominal strength- even something as simple as getting out of bed or putting on a pair of pants will be impossible for him to do without help for a little bit. Have lots of pillows for him to help him be comfortable in bed since he won't be able to move around. Get some games and books for him to do in bed. Other than that, there's nothing you can do other than to be around for him:)

FPO ria75
Joined Aug 23, 2014

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