Surgery in my near future nervous and excited

[cleuger]

Ill start from the beginning
2 months ago I had an abdominal abscess started by a fistula. I had surgery to remove that and wore a wound vac for about 5 weeks. Well that darn fistula made its way to the surface of my skin and now I'm pooping out my side I'm not quit sure what Ive done in my life to deserve this. Sorry I am having a pitty party with myself. So when I saw my gastro today he put me on flagyl and levequin not sure of the spelling for either one. He stopped the cimzia until I recover from surgery. I go on the 5th of August for my evaluation and im taking my medical records with me. I'm nervous because surgery scares me but at the same time im looking for relief. At this point and time in my life I have no quality of life at all its a struggle just to go to work. I cant plan anything because I always feel like crap. I'm hoping to gain some of my life back through surgery. how long was it before any of you that's had surgery could go home? this is a bowel resection surgery I'm talking about. What was your total down time?

Thanks Cindy

 

[DJW]

Hi Cindy. Fistulas are awful. I've had them drain from the most bizzare places.
I'm usually in 5-7 days. Out of commission for 8-10 weeks.

Hope you feel better soon.

 

[cleuger]

Was that surgery for a resection? down 8 to 10 weeks how does anyone survive financially? Its a surgey that is inevitable my procrastination with surgey is what got me where Im at now I have 2 strictures and a fistula thats surfaced through the skin Yuk!!! Im scarred for sure. How were your first few days in the hospitol? do they give you anything for pain? I know when they removed my abdominal abscess they gave me pain meds through IV what a blessing. How soon were you up and walking?

Sorry for so many questions Ive never had a bowel resection before?

Thanks
Cindy

 

[DJW]

Keep asking questions.

Going back to work really depends on what you do.
Financially - in Ontario we can collect employment insurance (sick benefits allowance) if we have no benefits through work.

I've had surgery for strictures and resections. I've had an epidural post surgery for pain. I'vealso had pain mmanagement pumps post surgery.

I was up and walking the next day. Started with ice chips right after surgery. Discharge is based on how long it takes for the bowel to wake up after surgery.
Steps for food are clear fluids, full fluids, light food, full food.

One thing that's pretty common is gas pains . It passes with walking.

 

[Ckk4]

I've had a small bowel resection. No fun! I have a big scar on my lower right abdomen. You can apply for assistance if you don't have insurance or even if you do. I had to with my hospitalization and surgery. Be sure to ask for the paperwork. They don't offer it, you have to ask. Anyways I had surgery, now my scar tissue is inflamed.

 

[cleuger]

I've had a small bowel resection. No fun! I have a big scar on my lower right abdomen. You can apply for assistance if you don't have insurance or even if you do. I had to with my hospitalization and surgery. Be sure to ask for the paperwork. They don't offer it, you have to ask. Anyways I had surgery, now my scar tissue is inflamed.

What type of assistance? I still hold a full time job and will hopefully go back to work after a few months. Is there short term help? Is it with social security? Who would I ask for the paperwork from the hospitol? Thanks so much for your help I am worried about how to pay my bills