Where has the time gone?

I know it's been a few month's since I last posted.  I have been going through a lot.  Been to the surgeon a few times.  Went to the ER 2 times.  And will be having more surgery on the 30th to remove my rectum, last of my sigmoid colon and fix my parastomal hernia with mesh.

The surgery is necessary because I now have the worse case of Active Colitis my doctor has ever seen.  The pain is so severe I jumped 2 times on the table while asleep during my recent sigmoidoscopy. 

Many who read my blog have asked me about Michelle and I too have not heard from her since her trip to Kansas.  If any has heard from her please tell her I said hi and that I am praying for her.  Deb

3 weeks since my ileostomy

I am still trying to learn how to change the appliances.  There are so many products on the market that I have a hard time choosing what one to use.  I am finding ones that don't agree with my skin - skin rashes are now present as well as irritated skin.

I ordered all latex free products from 6 different companies some of the samples have arrived - some are going back not for me. 

I have to use pouches, adaptors, paste, powder, rings and things.  This surgery was my only resort but it is a lot of work to maintain it to prevent infections.

Lilly doesn't sleep at night so I have to set 5 alarms just so I can get up to empty or burp her.  Lilly acts like a new born - she sleeps all day and when I try to take a nap she wakes up and has to go potty - typical baby right? 

Anyway I am doing well and will get through this and it will become second nature to me with the Lord's help.

Surgery is over, now at home

My surgery was on July 10th, was suppose to be a 2 hour surgery.  A cut here, a snip there and wallow a stoma.  Yah right, not me.

I complained for 6 months of pain in my groin area where I knew my doctor originally spliced my 10" of colon to my intestines, but no doctor would listen to me.

When my surgeon went in to do the snipping she discovered my junction was completely attached to my pelvic wall, hence the pain and an extra 1hr an a half more for surgery.   Total time 3+3/4 hrs.  1hr for recoup then up to my room.

I asked the nurses to move me via the slide sheet because I know how sick I get - nope they insisted I move myself (big mistake).  I got sick of course.  I told them bring a bucket and at the same time told them I was moving my bowels already.  They said that was impossible - "I feel it" I yelled.

To our surprise I prolapsed about 6" of my intestines into my new pouch, they had to call my surgeon who was already at home.  She had to travel an hour back to the hospital 9:30 at night to put me back together again.

Now every time I cough I have to press on my stoma so she doesn't prolapse again, if she does you guessed it more surgery.  I was supposed to go home 5 days later but Lilly as I call her wouldn't cooperate so I had to stay 8 days.  Now I am home learning how to work with her. 

Ostomy Training

My Stoma Nurse is very nice, she was late and kept apologizing, she said it was one appt. after another. We told her it was okay not to worry.

I will be getting a two piece appliance because of my neck fusion, I can't see to empty it so I'll just remove it - empty it - attach it and away I go. Piece of cake.

Frieda told me that I am a lucky one as for supplies because I will not have to keep getting upgrades from other companies. I'll be able to stay with one company thanks for having a Latex allergy.

I am sorry to say this but bring it on - I am tired of "trying" to go, I am ready to get this over with.

Wednesday seems so far away.  After my surgery then I keep her until I learn how to do all the care by myself.  She said I will be coming to her on an outpatient basis once in awhile to see how well I am healing.  This shall go well I am not worried in this least little bit.