Facing My Major Surgery on Monday: Seeking Advice and Support

I know this day would come and was able to hold it off for 29 years. But the day is here and set for Monday, 29 at 1 PM. It is going to be an ileostomy with rectum removal. I've been trying to keep an upbeat outlook on life, but no one has volunteered to take my spot in surgery, so I guess I will have to show up. But I do have a new family here if I need to talk, thanks all. I was diagnosed with Crohn's when I was 18 and have gone through a number of operations to get to this part. But I do have a question: Did anyone have any prep before surgery? They don't have me doing any except showering with red antiseptic soap.

Hello Blueboy,I don't have any experience of not having prep before surgery but I feel sure that they will know what they are doing. My last prep involved taking senacot which made me violently ill - so I would be pleased not to be going through that again! It may be just as easy for them to sort you out under anesthetic.Anyway, I just posted to say that I hope everything goes well for you.Best wishes Bill

I just recently had my ileostomy surgery and my only prep was nothing to eat or drink the night before surgery. I thought it was a bit odd that was the only prep but whatever I was certainly glad I didn't have to do anything else. Good luck to you hope all goes well.

Hi BlueBoy, wanted to wish you loads and loads of luck for Monday. I'm sure you'll be fine. I've just had an ileo (1st of July). I'm now feeling really healthy and back at work, etc., so you'll be okay! I have just discovered I have to have my rectum removed, and I really wish I'd had it done in one operation. I was admitted to the hospital a week before my operation with a severe flare-up of UC and was then told they'd be doing an operation. I couldn't eat or drink from midnight the day before my operation and had to wash with antiseptic soap. I also met the stoma nurses at the hospital who showed me the different types of pouches and talked me through how the operation was done and gave me an information pack as well. I was also marked up two days before my operation with a black marker pen so I knew where my friend would be when I woke up. I really hope everything goes well for you, make sure you log on and let us know!!! Love, Mrs. O xx

Hi boyblue, just want to wish you luck with your op, chin up all will be fine. You've come a long way. This is a start to a new life. Take care, ambies.

Words of Encouragement from Ostomy Advocates I Hollister

I had to fast the day before and drink Miralax with a 64 oz gallon of Gatorade, plus take laxatives. They wanted to make sure I was cleaned out before surgery. I will never drink Gatorade again. Good luck with your surgery.
Donna

Best of luck on the surgery. I had this done when I was very young, about 50 years ago. I remember that there was no prep for the surgery, only no eating after midnight. Hope you rest well tonight. Kids live in Boston and survived the hurricane with no real damage. Only positive thoughts! Barry

Hi BlueBoy, no, I didn't have any prep. They just said I had cancerous polyps and they needed to come out. So, the first op went well and no stoma, but the polyps kept growing, so complete removal of the bowel and close up rectum. But now I have an ileostomy and a urostomy. You just learn to live with it all. Best of luck.

Hello, and I hope your surgery went well. I was in my twenties when I was finally diagnosed with Crohn's after a few years of gradually getting worse. I had finally had a minor stroke as a complication of malnutrition, as I had eventually stopped eating due to the pain the Crohn's caused every time I tried to eat. My second operation was the removal of my colon and rectum. I have had my ileostomy for over twenty years. It gave me back a quality of life the disease took from me, so I guess that helped my adjustment and acceptance. The disease has been in remission ever since, so I consider myself luckier than many who have suffered much more for longer and had more than two operations. Please realize that life honestly can be as normal, full, and as good as you want it to be. This comes from one who honestly has been there.

Hope everything went well. I had to prep before colostomy surgery and it was awful. It is good you got to skip that. KBD

Hello Blueboy. I had the same operation three years ago. After forty years of Crohn's, I didn't have any prep, had a long spell in hospital, but now feel so much better, free from pain, etc. I know how you feel, but this time next year, your life will be so much better. Hope all goes well, I know it will, all the best Peachy.

I have dealt with Fistulizing Crohns for 8 years and then after 7 surgeries and tons of medication, I finally decided to have my colon removed and will have full rectum removal next year. Even though I was scared to death, I am glad that I had it done. I have not felt this good since before I was diagnosed. I almost feel like I did when I was a teenager. My ileostomy surgery was in June. Took a while to get out of the hospital due to other complications. Best of wishes and hope you are feeling great soon and ready to begin your new chance at life. Well.... that's what I felt like it was for me.

Keep smiling, mate... I had the same three years ago, just about your age. You will be sore for a little while, but that passes quickly. I can honestly say I can do all I could do before, and there is no reason you shouldn't be the same. It's amazing how easy it is to adapt and get on with it. You have your whole life ahead of you, so keep your chin up and smile, worry about the things you can affect, and don't waste a minute worrying about things you cannot change...

Wish someone (particularly a doctor) would have suggested laser hair removal around the stoma site before surgery (but not immediately before - it gives you a sunburn). It makes changing the appliance and itchiness way better. I had it done afterwards, which is doable, but it would have been way easier beforehand. Hope things went well - I had the same thing as you about a year ago and am traveling well.

funguy, Laser hair removal sounds like a wonderful idea. Wish I had it done. I think I get more skin irritation from shaving than from the appliance and tape. Plus there's always the fear of nicking the stoma.BoyBlue64, keep reading what all these caring people have to write and you'll be convinced your surgeon is advising you correctly and you'll be enjoying a great, new life sooner than you might imagine. Prayer is a terrific idea also. You'll be in mine. Mike

Thanks everyone, and Funguy, that is a good idea. I wish I had known before. Well, I'm a week and a half post-op and finally home. I had my first visit from visiting nurses; they say all looks good. My friend called me an asshole for not telling him and his wife what was going on. Can you guess what my response was? (You can't call me an asshole anymore because I don't have one. Try "shit bag" next time.) LOL