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About to have surgery


Sun, August 19, 2012 6:15 PM

Hey everyone!
I am meeting with my surgeon in a few weeks to schedule my surgery. Going to be having the jpouch surgery but in two stages. I am trying to get things ready for the surgery (rearranging my room to make things easier to get to, buying pajama shorts and comfy tshirts) I was wondering if there was anything you found to be very helpful for the surgery or the recovery? I just want to be as prepared as I can. Thanks!

FPO phishgurl
Joined Oct 13, 2010

Thu, September 13, 2012 4:04 PM

 Reply posted for phishgurl.

Hi Phishgurl-
Plan on doing some walking, so having shoes that you can comfortably slip into w/o having to bend over to put on/tie is nice.  Flip-flops work initially, but eventually you’ll graduate.  In retrospect, I maybe would have liked to have a pedometer.  I measured my distances in number of mailboxes from my house, but as I healed, I would have liked to challenge myself up to a mile and beyond.  I was up walking the night of the surgery.  For some reason that’s all I wanted to do.  It felt better than lying down. 

I took books and some other things to the hospital, but didn’t use any of it. It’s not that you’re out of it, but you’re kinda doped up on pain med and most everything around you can keep your interest.
The ostomy nurse will set you up fine, and folks here can give tips.  I’ll just suggest that you use the belt that comes with the supplies right from the beginning.  For some reason I didn’t and when I finally snapped it on to the bag, it was like I had invented the wheel.  They will send you home with food do’s and don’ts.  I didn’t feel like eating much right away anyway, so I didn’t do much in the way of food prep.  I started from soda crackers and moved from there.

I had my first surgery last year at this time, and set up some furniture outside.  It was nice being able to sit under the autumn skies and read.  Otherwise, do anything around the house that requires bending over, because you won’t be able to bend for a bit. 

You’ve got this.  It’s scary, but worth it.  I had my last J pouch surgery (reversal) 7 months ago, and now I’m training for the CCFA half-marathon in December.  I can eat almost anything I want, sleep through the night, and only use the bathroom 4-6 times a day (WHEN I WANT TO!).  You’ve got this!

FPO rtl331
Joined May 25, 2011

Mon, September 10, 2012 2:46 PM

 Reply posted for phishgurl.

If it's your first time with an ileostomy, utilize your ostomy nurse - that's what he/she is there for!  Ask as many questions as you can think of, request extra demonstration, whatever makes you feel most comfortable as you go home with your new "accessory."  Look for blogs of girls with ostomies - they have a lot of advice on how to dress so it doesn't show, best products to use, etc.  FullFrontalOstomy is a good one.  I also have a lot of tips & tricks that I'm happy to share, if you're interested.

Before my surgeries, I have usually cooked a few casseroles, soups, etc. that are easy to freeze, so I just have to heat them up while I'm still recovering and may not feel up to spending a lot of time in the kitchen.

Remember to get up and walk as soon as possible after surgery!  The more you're up and moving around the unit, the sooner they're likely to send you home.

Best of luck!

mymisbehavingcolon.wordpress.com

FPO amandanl82
Joined Sep 10, 2012

Sun, September 02, 2012 10:04 AM

 Reply posted for tltt2004.

Mine will be in two surgeries. First will be taking out my colon, second will be making/using the jpouch. I think they will be about 2-3 month apart. 

FPO phishgurl
Joined Oct 13, 2010

Tue, August 28, 2012 1:11 PM

 Reply posted for phishgurl.

You seems to be on the right road. Comfy clothes are a plus. Theres really not much a difference with the J-Pouch in regards to you will still have 
a estomy bag until you have the reversal surgery. I'm confused with your J-Pouch surgery being in 2 surgerys. My daughters was in 3.
1st- they removed her colon, and we had the estomy bag
2nd- they formed her J-Pouch, but that was not used until her Dec surgery, when they did the last part of the sugery
3rd- The last part the REVERSAL

Is this how they are going yours? Someone we know had 2 surgerys. 1st was they removed and formed the J-pouch
last was the REVERSAL. 


Wish you the best, hope I was al ittle help.

FPO tltt2004
Joined Aug 28, 2012

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