Proctectomy a week on Thursday

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CheerBear12

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Jul 10, 2012
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Hi I'm feeling very nervous, scared and emotional. Hoping it won't be postponed again coz I can't take this anymore just want it over with even tho I don't want it all. If I'm like this now can't imagine what I'm going to be like on the day :( -.- I know this is normal but I'm trying not too stress as much coz I don't want my hair to fall out again... Do you get put on steroids afterwards to help build your body up again? And are you in intensive care for a few days after? This is all so hard for me :(:(:(:( I'm such a worrier :(:(:(
 
I was not put on steroids or put in ICU even though I stopped breathing on them. They were going to send me to ICU, but then my O2 sats raised to normal and they canceled it.
 
Hi Cheerbear,
Waiting is the hardest part. I threw myself into baking to keep myself busy. I also did the whole leg wax, eyebrow shape and colour and eyelash colour at beauticians for a distraction and then had a cut and colour at the hairdressers. This was a two pronged attack, the first, it was a distraction and the second I knew I was going to feel like crap but at least I wouldn't look like it.

I didn't have steroids post op, I haven't heard of this occurring. I went to ICU for 48 hours post op. Itwas the protocol at the hospital I was in, once again this will all depend on your surgeon and his preference. As you already have a Stoma your op will be different to what I had so unsure. I did make sure that there was a nice comfortable cushion for me to sit on for the trip home. Your bottom will be tender for a little while.

I am hoping that you have no more changes to your surgery date. all I wanted to do as I was wheeled down to theatre was jump up and run, but I knew that was not a good choice! I was also frozen with fear and cried until I went to sleep, not hysterically, but definitely not normal for me.

I am thinking of you and will be checking to see how you are going.
Stay brave
Jano
 
Thank you I will be working right up until the day before so that will distract me a bit. I broke down into tears the other night coz of it can't imagine what I'm going to be like a week today. I'll be an emotional wreck :/
 
I think I've got a throat infection now keeping getting sore throats and my throat is really red with white things on it this is all I need think its from a summer cold I had a couple of weeks ago had sore throat ever since :(:( hoping they still go through with op on Thursday?
 
Could be strep throat or tonsillitis (do you still have your tonsils?). Might be best to have a doctor take a look to make sure you're still go for surgery or at least call up your surgeon and GI and let them know just in case. They will decide if its ok to go forward with the surgery as being sick may cause complications with the anesthesia and could result in you being sicker after surgery.

"If you have a cold or the flu, it is likely that your anesthesia and operation will be postponed. If you have a sore throat with no other symptoms, then your anesthesiologist may consider that you can proceed, although your throat may be very sore afterwards. If the sore throat is an early sign of the development of a cold or the flu (and it isn’t always), then the resulting illness may be hastened and you may feel extremely unwell after the operation. Again, the decision to proceed rests with your anesthesiologist and your surgeon, although if you decide not to proceed your wishes will be respected.

There is an increased probability of respiratory complications when anesthesia is administered to a patient with an established cold or influenza." http://www.allaboutanesthesia.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=100&Itemid=137

I hope you get better and that you surgery goes as planned and that you have a speedy recovery. Keep us posted. :)
 
Yeah I still have my tonsils and I had a cold a couple of weeks ago with a sore throat and the cold has gone but still got the sore throat from a couple of weeks ago ugh but I feel fine apart from that. Hopefully they'll do op and then treat sore throat afterwards... I'm scared and I will keep you posted and thanks
 
I was hoping you were going to say that. I'm hoping they don't postpone it cos just want it over with so hoping they still do it but just treat my throat afterwards.
 
Hi thanks everyone I'm in absolute agony I'm on morphine still I need it. feel like i've been hit by a truck. I'm feeling very weak, sleepy,dizzy. I'll just take 1 day at a time.
 
Have you discussed with them that you don't feel like you are ready. They sent me home to early and had to go back to the hospital for 5 more days because of dehydration. Home you'll get to feeling better soon.
 
Not yet haven't had the round yet but all the team are happy for me to be going home I'm walking about and showered the only thing I struggled with was drying
 
Stay where you can get your morphine if you need it!!!
thinking of you my dear. Hope the pain goes away soon.
 
It's tomoz now changing me from tramadol to liquid codeine to try and stop sickness and get pain under control before I go
 
Feeling weak and tired only realised coz I was speaking to a friend on fb and I was struggling to type for long first time doing it on chat since. Feel awful hopefully Won't be too long.... xx
 
Do you have someone with you?
I am so sorry you are in so much pain. If that continues, I would think they need to check and see why.

Get some rest as much as possible. Let someone take care of you as much as possible.

sending hugs and prayers your way.
 
Yeah I live with my parents and its only been 5 days so its still early days hoping its gets less and less each day hasn't so far tho. Last time it was 3 and a half months before it went away hoping its not going to be the same...
 
Glad you have your parents :)
I hope it doesnt take that long either. My heart goes out to you my dear.
 
Hi, Just checking in to see how you are doing today?
Please keep us posted... thinking of you.
julie
 
You are such a caring strong person, I hate to see you have to go through this. I hope the pain is gone soon and this surgery proves to put you in a place that you can find some relief.

I am sure rest is an important part of your recovery. It will take a while for your body to heal after the surgery.
 
I seen the stoma nurse on Tuesday she came to see me in hospital and she said you'll have to take it easy for 2-3 months :( thanks so do I :(:( still tired and already had a nap.
 
What does a granulated bum mean after proctectomy? When the doctor checked and said its granulated:( he said its common but didn't say what to do.
 
Still in agony hardly slept last night every time I turned over knocked my bum wound :( going docs on Monday for them to check my wounds don't think they healing well and district nurse told me too go to docs.. Need to get another sick note as well. I've also got a rash on my stomach from where the dressings were. Think I'm illergic to them made me really itchy. Changed them on Thursday but still hasn't gone. One of my wounds has also opened up and keeps leaking. My mam blames me scratching for it opening up :( the district nurse was useless as well can't believe she has left me like this. My mam has been changing my dressings and cleaning them. Thanks for asking hope your kids are well
 
It sounds like there could be some infection and sensitivity to the tape.
I hope you can find a tape that wont cause you any soreness/itchiness... you DONT need that!!!

I am sure you have all kinds of pillows already in place at night to give you extra support. If not, maybe a few more would help :)

Do they let you use a cold pack for the soreness?

I hope things heal quickly.
hugs
Julie
 
My mam has put surgical tape on this time and am not scratching so far but it still looks bad but is drying out. Thank you never thought of extra pillows will try it tonight hopefully will be better... Got a bad pain in my bum :( wish it would just bugger off :( they never mentioned anything about a cold pack so not sure. Sorry for moaning :(
 
Ha thanks its been 16 days now and it's still as bad as when it was first done :( will it ever go away. Getting sick of it not getting better at all. I'm at docs on Monday anyway see what they say.. Probs can't do anything but we'll see. Help me plz can't take it. Was in tears last night coz it was that bad even tramadol didn't work for me :( I'm due tablets soon
 
Did they give you any creme for the granulated tissue?
Not sure what available in the uk
But I know there are a few in the us that really help heal things up when the tissue granulates.
Two Suggestions for Granulation Tissue
In the March/April LifelineLetter Tube Talk column, I saw the discussion about granulation tissue. You may not be aware of something called Kenalog or Triamcinalon cream. It is a wonderful alternative to silver nitrate, as there is no pain or discomfort involved in the application. When my son, Sean, gets granulation tissue, we apply a very tiny amount of this directly to the tissue, 4x per day, and usually within a day or two it is completely gone. It is a cortizone type cream, so you need to be careful not to apply it for more than a few days running, as it thins the skin surrounding the stoma. It comes in .1% and .5% concentrations.
Click to expand...

From:

http://www.oley.org/lifeline/Tissue.html

Hope that helps
 
I'm sorry I missed this thread....I'm so sorry that you're feeling poorly. I have absolutely no advice but know that I'm sending healing thoughts your way! I didn't even know that you were going in for surgery, but from what I've read from others having the same procedure, it takes a while to heal (I know, not what you want to hear). Hang in there! It's bound to get better....
 
My little penguin loving the name! But on a serious note they never gave me anything for it :( didn't even tell me what to do or how to stop it. The doctor didn't tell me what it means either so I don't know what it means. Hope it nothing serious?:( but when the district nurse had a look she didn't mention it unless she doesn't know what it is or what she is looking for coz she was really rubbish.

Nyx thank you hopefully won't take long.... when I asked my surgeon how long healing would take he said a month!! I'm sure it's gonna take a lot longer than that. But everyone is different and I don't go see him again until 2-3 months. I'm just scared of what he will say is happening down. Feels weird and still getting bleeding and discharge :(
 
My little penguin just read the info very informative thanks a lot wish I'd got given things like unless he's thinking it might go away on its own..... Doesn't feel like it tho feels like I got a tennis ball up my bum :( sorry tmi lol. Thanks again not sure the UK does things like that...
 
Hi CheerBear,

I'm so sorry you're in such a state of pain. My surgery was on April 1 and I remember very clearly the pain and agony you're in. I was at the lowest of low points thinking I cannot live the rest of my life like this.

What I am SO SO SO excited to share with you, however, is how I'm feeling now. I am back to work full-time (third week this week) and I feel so amazing, I don't even know how to properly convey it to you. I had no idea this is what normal felt like. Never in my all of my 42 years do I recall feeling this good. Honestly. My whole body is more relaxed, free of tension and just plain comfortable. I've gone from 'I can't live like this' to "WOW!" in a matter of weeks.

One thing that was a fairly big turning point for me was a simple pair of underwear. I got the one's from Ostomy Secrets and the second I put them on, I felt my confidence increase. I started to feel like maybe I could do it. Not sure if you've tried any of the special undies, but the sure helped me.

I know that you're feeling just awful right now, but hang on to that light at the end of the tunnel. It seems tiny and far away right now, but it's coming...and I promise it's not a train! :)
 
Thank you :) I've never tried them but I should because I'm not very confident more so since my ileostomy. How long does it take to go away pain wise thought the first one was bad but this ones just as bad especially coz you need to sit on it -.- on average I know everyone is different. I'm still taking tramadol it's this bad and it's been 17 days wwwwwwaaaaaahhhhhhhhh. Thanks for saying it won't last can't wait to be back to normal dunno when that will be tho hopefully sooner rather than later....thank you for advice :)
 
I was still on 10mg hydrocodone pills every six hours probably 5-6 weeks out before weaning off of them. I would talk to your doc and get something a little better for the pain. Tramadol is fine for minor pains, but what you've got going on needs a bit more of a bite, I believe.
 
Thank going docs tomoz for another sick note and for them to check my bum wound -sorry tmi I'll mention tablets as well. I'll let you all know how I get on
 
Well I've got another sick note for two weeks think I'll need another one after this one ends. She didn't really understand what a permanent ileostomy was when I said can you check my bum she said I'll only give you a external examination coz I don't want to go inside! My mam said you'll have a job it's sealed up! She said oh they useless sometimes! Anyway she said its inflamed and oozing so put me on antibiotics for a week :(:( it's so painful it's unbelievable even tramadol isn't working just making me tired lol
 
Your bum sounds like mine was. It was oozing stuff and was very painful. About 3 weeks after surgery my surgeon opened it back up and packed it for it could drain and heal from the inside outward. He told me if he never opened it I would have more problems if the outside healed and trapped all that stuff inside. I was is agony on the ride to see my surgeon which is a 2 1/2 hour ride. The ride home was much better and a lot less painful. Hope you get to feeling better soon!
 
Nope, He opened it back up in his office. Hurt like hell for a minute, but once it was open it felt a whole lot better.
 
thinking of you Cheerbear. If he has to open it up, it sounds like it will heal faster... Make sure they do what is best for you to feel better and heal. sending hugs.
 
Thank you just started my antibiotics and feeling awful today with sickness as well as pain in bum :( one thing after another. Hoping they will do the trick...
 
Hi CheerBear!
Just wanted to send my support and hugs. I have a temp. ileostomy at the moment and have been talking about taking out my rectum at some point with my surgeon. Reading all the comments helps me know what to expect. Really hoping the anitbiotic helps and your pain calm soon!!! Hugs!!
 
CheerBear12 said:
Omg
Click to expand...

It really not as bad as you think. My bum was hurting so bad when the doctor opened it up the fact that he cut a few stitches never made it a whole lot more. Like I said once it was open then pain was much better. I did have pain medicine on board when did this.
 
I'm so sorry to hear you're so unwell and in so much pain CheerBear.
I hope the antibiotics do the trick for you.
Hope you're feeling better soon.
 
My heart goes out to you as well. I so hope you feel better soon and everything works itself out. This is different, but I know that when my (abdominal) wound had to be opened, it hurt a *lot* less for having been drained. I hope you're in less pain today. Sending warm thoughts. xx
 
Yes I am on loads of antibiotics too (post-op day 7) after an anastomotic re-do post-leak and stuff. They are nasty! I'm sure I don't feel nearly as bad as you - everyone tells me the badness will be over soon because it has to be, my surgeon told me pre-op that sooner than you think this is all just a bad memory. Sometimes it makes me want to sock them, but they're right. One day soon you *will* feel better, and it will feel so wonderful! - until then I'm so sorry you're going through this and I hope it's short-lived. xx
 
I'm 20 days post op and still don't feel any better. Tramadol works for a bit but its just getting me to take it coz don't like aniseed so am taking it with blackcurrent dilute lol. If these antibiotics don't work I'm going to have to go see my surgeon sooner than 2-3 months when he wants to see me. Only 5-6 more days of antibiotics hope they go quick lol :) hope you feel better soon! Hope it goes quick for you as well:) you still in hospital? Sorry you had to go through that and get well soon
 
Hi Cheerbear, just came across this, sorry you have to go through all of this. I had my rectum removed with my ileostomy and it got infected almost straight away, which was lucky in a way because the wound stayed open (ie, no trapping of infection leading to incredible pain etc...). My docs also packed it from the beginning like Dukeis? And let it heal from the inside out. It takes a while for this to happen. I started with a 3-4 inch deep and 1 inch wide tapping hole but it heal healed over perfectly in about 6 weeks. I would definately get your surgeon on the phone and start demanding a better look, they can do imaging to see if there is a pocket of infection in there before slicing you back open. I know they did with me to observe the track of the wound. Just an FYI, antibiotics don't usually help much if there is bacteria trapped in an area and if they are going to work you will usually start to see improvement with 48-72hrs of taking them. This surgery is painful but you should not still be having. The kind of pain that you are describing. I hope you can get something more done soon. Good luck.....Hugs
 
Hi I'm still in pain get some days where its really bad and some alright days finished antibiotics on Sunday. I've got my hospital appt through July 22nd so hopefully It'll heal a bit by then. I've tried looking at it and there is a hole like its opened a bit unless its intentional... I'm still taking tramadol and paracetamol but trying to reduce them. I'm getting another sick note for 2 more weeks on Monday and see how I am after that. I'm getting there slowly.
 
I'm in absolute agony today with my bum :(:(:(:( even tablets aren't working very well don't know what to do with myself. It's a month in three days and its still not getting better. Thinking of going bk to work in two weeks I'm fine apart from my pain my bum and slow at walking.
 
Can you get in to see your surgeon/family dr in the next day or so? Having so much pain a month post op probably should be checked out... Hope you get some helpful answers :)


HD
 
I'm going docs on Monday for sick note so will ask then I got them to check it a week and a half ago and got put on antibiotics but finished them on Sunday. Some days it's bare able today it's not.
 
I'm still getting a lot of pain in my bum a month after surgery when does it go away? My doc can't understand why I'm in so much pain :(:(:( she said its healing ok just need to keep it dry. It hurts that much to the point where I have to stand to eat my meals. I got another sick note for two more weeks then hopefully bk to work. I just want the pain to go away I'm sick :(:(:(:(:(:( Help me plz
 
Rachel,
I am so sorry you are in so much pain. do they have you sitting on the donut or does the ice pack work much?
 
They told me not to use a donut cushion coz can make it worse I just use my pillow when eating meals but can only sit for 10-20 mins max so have to then stand to eat for rest of it. As for lying down I just lie down on my side and keep swapping sides even that is so uncomfortable :(:(:( I haven't got an ice pack not heard from anyone else that's used ice pack either.
 
wow, you poor thing. I hope it heals soon. do you think the antibiotics have helped and it is getting better? I would sure call the nurse and ask them what all can be done to relieve pain and discomfort after surgery...

sending hugs your way and lots of prayer..... I know we cant take away your pain. It is something that only you must face right now. But you have my support and concern for you.
 
I think the antibiotics did work it's just taking time :( I'm supposed to keep it as dry as poss but its easier said than done down there. No matter how many times I do it still ends up wet even when I don't shower/bathe :/ it's not much pain right now I haven't taken any tablets so far but I can't go longer than mid day without taking any coz it gets really bad then. It's currently 08:20. I can't sit longer than 10-20 mins directly on my bum which makes it really difficult for meals. I have to stand the rest of my meal. Hoping it'll get less and less...
 
Yesterday I went without tablets all day until the night wished I hadn't it got unbearable in afternoon I struggled through but still didn't take any big mistake. Today I'm not doing that again just took tramadol with orange juice( don't like aniseed and throw it up with just water) only went without to see how I would be it was awful.
 
Rachel,

it sounds like you are doing everything possible. I hope the meds were able to help you with your pain. My heart goes out to you my dear.... I pray you feel well soon
 
Going bk to work on Tuesday after having 2 months off to recover. It still hurts but am not taking painkillers anymore. Am due to go see surgeon 22nd July I have got a hole in my bum wound! -.- do you think they'll have to put a stitch in or is it supposed to be like that so that it looks normal? Nervous! And I'm scared about going bk to work but doing Tuesday and Friday 12-3 to start off with.
 
Hi just been hospital it's open but he said it'll close up itself but could take 6 months. It's still painful and he said it will be coz its in a awkward place. When they removed my rectum it was inflamed also the disease was still there. If I'd have been joined up again might have come bk or been that bad that I'd have to have it removed anyway! It's all good I made the right decision! need to go see in 6 months to see how my bum is doing.
 
I'm so sorry you're still in pain Rachel.
Four months is a long time to be suffering.
I hope you get some relief soon.
 
Thank you so do I sick of it now tbh I didn't expect this much pain :( I can't sit on it for long either. I've got a hole in my bum but surgeon said should close on its own but can take 6 months... I go bk to see him in January to make sure it's all closed. I've got a feeling it won't but we'll see. Hope I'm wrong if it doesn't what will they do put stitches in?
 
hi CheerBear12.

any advise for me. had a subtotalcolectomy ilestomy in jan 13. pain was omg. got my protectomy next week, scared to death, would like any advise. how you handling pain so far.
 
Hi doom my op took 2 hrs 35mins and I woke up in absolute agony in recovery. The nurse gave me morphine every couple of mins and it didn't touch it. Not sure how long I was in recovery for but then I went into surgery ward a few hrs later. I had a morphine pump for 2-3 days and it was still horrendous. When they took the morphine pump off me I was having tramadol and paracetamol every 4 hrs. I was in there 5 days I felt like it should of been a week but they wanted my bed. I was still in absolute agony when they discharged me but they gave me plenty of painkillers to come home with. I took them every 4 hrs for about 2 months. I was off work for 2 months and don't lift anything heavy for at least 6 weeks. I still don't lift anything heavy coz still getting pain. It's been 5 months nearly and still in pain. I didn't expect this much pain much worse than the ileostomy surgery. I don't want to scare you coz every one is different but just warning you it's not a nice op to go through. I did get a infection in my bum 2 weeks after op district nurses fault and wounds on belly opened up. Wishing you all the best good luck and keep me informed please
 
well erm morphine,tramadol dont work on me, so they said they gonna do a countinus eppy,

they told me 4-5 days, in pain already, now im not a drug user, but if pain is bad after surgery im gonna for the 4 leaft herbal type of pain killer. lol.
 
Epidural Continuous
Infusion

What Is An Epidural Infusion?
The epidural space is an area which lies close to your spinal cord through which the
nerves in-charge of your body’s sensations pass.

The insertion of an epidural involves a fine plastic tube called an epidural catheter
being placed into the epidural space. Local anaesthetics are then injected/infused
into it reducing pain the number of pain messages and other sensations from
reaching your brain. This can cause numbness, which varies in extent depending on
the amount of local anaesthetic given. The epidural catheter is then connected to an
epidural infusion pump which enables a mixture of local anaesthetic and other pain
relieving drugs to be given continuously over a period of days to keep your pain well
controlled.


i have a spinal injury as i was hit by a 4x4 in 2008,
 

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