Surgery advice

[Edgey]

surgery advice

hey everyone,

I'm 18 and currently on pred after having a flare up and I've recently got told that i need surgery for a certain part of bowel that's narrowed down and causing the bottom half of my intestines to dilate, I've never before had surgery and I'm really worried and don't really know what to expect, as daft as it sounds my main worries are being put to sleep for the operation and the recovery process as i hear its quite ruff but my doctor says it could be life changing so i guess i have no choice

If there's any advice on anything that might ease my mind a bit or anything its appreciated

 

[Sailorluna]

Hi Edgey,
It is totaly normal to be worried about this. I was very worried too. They will put you all the way out and that is a bit scary to think about. For my resection they got me all ready to roll into surgery (nothing too scary - got the iv going - put me in a special gown) when they started rolling me to the operating room it was a bit after 1 PM - they started the meds and the next thing I knew I was in my room and it was 4 AM.

I was very confused when I woke up at 4AM. Not to long after that I got to know the morphine drip fairly well.

My husband says that I was out of surgery and with him by 6PM and mostly slept. By then they had taken out the oxygen and stuff - he never saw anything attached to me but the IV. He said that I occasionally woke up and asked the same questions over and over and went back to sleep. I don't remember any of that.

Good luck with your surgery.

 

[philiprambo]

Re:

You have described the facts in a very effective way.Thanks a lot for sharing.Keep it up.

 

[akpatti]

I know that it is scary and a bit of work after, but I think that it is worth it...I am only 10 days post surgery, but my gut already feels so much better. The hard part I think was trying to keep my mind busy before hand.
Someone did recommend a epidural and I did both the epidural and the general. If you can that is the route I would recommend. It helped a lot. I had a friend that was able to go back with me (she is a doc) so she was there while I passed out...apparently quickly with funny stories.
The next thing I knew it was 2.5 hours later and I was in my room. They had to give me morphine while they waited for the anesthesiologist...the epidural blocked the pain the stricture in the ileum, but not in the jejunum, which was a concern with how high it was...that being said they adjusted the epi amount and the problem was fixed. They should also have you hooked up to a morphine machine so when you hurt they tell you don't wait just hit the button...I was on this set up for the first 2 days which really helped.
I do remember quite a bit, but it was more my roommate But she was moved within the first 24 hrs
The hardest part with recovery was the first time getting out of bed, but for me each time was easier. Had to be monitored when walking while on the epi (which can cause leg numbness and did), but when the epi came out they let me wander the halls on my own.
A few folks suggested gum to get the gut working again and I have to say it works and to get up and walk as much as you can tolerate.
I hope this helps in someway and that you don't worry quite as much. I know it is a lot to go through even when you know what to expect all I can say is that again I think it has been worth it and once they go to put you under you go out pretty fast.
Keep us posted and don't be afraid to post more as it is hard not to get edgy...the folks here do understand

 

[butafli]

Hi Edgey,

I had a resection in April last year and was really really scared too. I asked a lot of questions on here then I posted a few things straight after surgery. Have a look if you want. But I have found the operation has definitely changed my life for the better. If your mainly scared about the being put to sleep, don't be. The doctors are so amazing and if you ask for a strong premed you won't even know much about the whole thing.
The after part is pretty sore but I found it wasn't as bad as I was expecting. You just have to remember to get up and move about lots afterwards. The nurses are amazing with all of that too. And they watch you very closely. The good thing is that since it's a planned op, the cut shouldn't be as big. this will make it easier too.
Just remember that your not alone through all of this. There are so many amazing people on here for great advice. It's a real lifeline when you really need it.
Don't hesitate to ask questions.
Good luck

 

[Edgey]

Thanks for all the advice, I feel a lot more confident with going through with it now ,

Sailorluna, I feel better knowing I'm going to be confused and not knowing what the actual situation is and i hope you get better from you're flare up

philiprambo thanks for the response, welcome to the forums although I'm pretty new myself and you think? I find it hard to explain my situation in words sometimes

akpatti, epidural sounds quite scary having numbed legs but I guess any things better than the pain also thanks for the gum advice I shell defiantly try this, good to hear you're already feeling better

butafl, I will definatly check your posts/threads out later on, good to hear its changed your life for the good

thanks all, surgery seems quite life changing for most people but my small narrowed part of the bowel I seem to doubt will be so effective for me but what do I know
I'm still quite worried about a temporary Stoma that surgeons can sometimes put on to improve the healing process, I just hope they don't use one.

I'll keep this thread updated as best as i can also
my uncles came together and have been doing my room out so it should be a comfy recovery apart from the days in hospital which from what I've so far been through aren't all that bad,

thanks again for all the responses! :thumright: