JustaPatient585

A couple of months ago I was doing a research on a surgical procedure (Total Colectomy), basically to know what to expect, before I had it done. Members of this group were very helpful in helping me know, beyond what a doctor or a medical textbook could tell me. It's been 5 weeks past my surgery, which had it's share of complications like trouble keeping blood oxygen levels above mid 60s without supplemental oxygen, parallytic ileus, and an extended surgery time of 8 hrs). As it turned out, instead of 3-5 days, I was there 12 days. All in all, I feel pretty good, and am back to work. I was at a teaching hospital and there were plenty of people assigned to me on any given shift (although it was sometimes confusing, because some were 10hr, 12hr and 8hr shifts). Usually an RN, RN student, and a couple of nurse techs. I would encourage anyone reading this to make sure they communicate with each other. I know thats supposed to happen during report and charting practices, but it sure didn't with me. There was confusion over things from whether I could have anything by mouth, to what the latest on my pain meds were and their timing, etc. I was kind of "out of it" and couldn't advocate for myself. If my wife was there, she helped keep things straight, but if she wasn't, I would have been pretty uncomfortable and vulnerable. At one point, on the second day after surgery, I was asked if I was ready to get washed up and a basin was filled with warm water,2 washcloths, soap, and she just left. On the surface that may not sound so bad, but I was still very weak and considering the help I needed just to get into a position to get cleaned up, it should have been obvious. Please don't misunderstand, I know you have a difficult if not sometimes impossible job. I just figured this would be a good place to put a reminder out there for nurses or students that are in similar situations. I really am thankful for the profession you've chosen, and how critical you are to getting people better. Have a Happy Thanksgiving! JP585

Thanks for all the kind and encouraging replies. Is it possible that the dosage for my diabetes, and hypertension meds will need to be adjusted, either due to the weight loss or my altered digestive system?

In mid October, I had a total colectomy due to problem with colon inertia and a very long (an extra 3ft)and tortuous (docs word not mine) colon. It took 8 months of tests to get to the root of the problem. First was diet and exrecise changes, then adding various laxatives (Miralax, Lactulose, various lytelys, etc.) There were 2 failed colonoscopies 1 failed barium enema, lots of imaging (MRI, CAT, Xrays). Then came the motility studies. All the while this condition was taking a real toll on my personal and professional life. Never again when someone says they are constipated, will I minimize in my mind, their discomfort. I orginally joined this site to see if I could find out what to expect from this procedure and and recovery. For those interested, this was done laparoscopically. It was supposed to take 4 hrs, but ended up being 8 hrs due to complications. They were having trouble getting a good seal between the small bowel and the rectum. Once I got out of surgery they couldn't keep my oxygen sats up (60-70% without oxygen). Then digestive system wouldn't wake up, so they put in an NG tube, then a pic(?) line a week later to get me some nutrition. For pain control they gave me a thing called a PCA. You push the button as needed, it makes sure you don't overdose. I had a hard time with it. The dose didn't last very long and the pain kept waking me up in the middle of the night instead of someone wanting to take vitals or something. My wife took up the issue with the doc and I got something that was a little more long lasting and the pump was needed only occasionally. Anyway all this drama translated into 12 days in the hospital, instead of 3 to 5. Today is 4 weeks and I'm doing pretty good. Getting the flu complicated things a bit. Still tire easily, but incisions healing, not having to take pain meds, doing a lot of walking an getting back to my "normal routine" of chores. Overall, I consider this a success, just could have done without the issues. Frankly I don't know how the nurses kept everything related me and my chart, straight. I hope this story is of interest to some of you, just as a story of one person's experience with this procedure. If anyone has questions, I'd be happy to respond. Be well JP585-Doug

You replied to my message a while a go about a colectomy I was having. The surgery is tomorrow and I have to admit I'm a little nervous. May I keep in touch?

To all who have been encouraging me. Thanks! My surgery has been changed from November to next week 10/14. I guess it will be 3-5 days in the hospital, 4-6 wks out of work. I'll keep in touch. Thanks again, Doug

Thanks for the encouragement and wishes. It's a total colectomy I'm having in Nov, so it might be tougher than the hernia I had repaired a few years ago, but I'm still pretty young (50) and in decent health. I'll be around. God bless you all!

I have to give the nurses here, the utmost credit. The challenges of your profession (administration, doctors, patients, medical advances, just to name a few) have to be a significant barrier to overcome sometimes, in your goal to give the care you would like in a compassionate, professional manner that also helps patients help themselves. I can't imagine anyone who isn't truly called to this profession, to be in it for very long. I can also understand those who can become calloused, based on what they see and experience everyday. For those discouraged, keep the faith. Your real value is beyond whatevery you might be paid. This board has also given me insight as to the kind of patient I would want to be, if for no other reason than not wanting to find a desciption of myself up here. :chuckle. I'm having some surgery in November and will be a better patient for having been here.

I have said numerous times. I am not seeking advice! I'm simply asking for nurses experiences with patients with similar procedures. There's a difference. I understand the reasons for not giving advice. Heck my wife is a nurse, but now does management stuff, outside of a hospital/patient setting. Thanks for responding, I hope you can contribute, beyond this. Peace

I fully understand the who matter of not giving medical advice. Lots of very good reasons for that. I also can appreciate the mission of this site. Nurses are in a difficult profession, with many sides to it. This place serves a valuable purpose.

It tells me I don't have permission to PM yet. Maybe I need to meet some requirement, like a certain number of posts or something.

Thanks for the info, and good luck on progress. Sounds like you've been through it.

Thanks BBQvegan, The prep won't be easy (I know, none of them are). Over the last 6 months I've had 2 colonoscopies, 1 Barium Enema, 1 Cat Scan, a virtual colonoscopy and multiple xrays,. The preps did not do the job to completely clean me out. We've tried the following and combinations thereof; Golytely, Halflytely, Miralax, Magnesium Citrate, Bisacodyl tabs, Milk of Magnesia and various enemas. The problem is probably due to the looping and suspected problem with "inertia?" I don't know what else can be done. Thanks for the info. I go for a consult on 9/1 and should know more at that point. Wish me luck.

I wasn't looking for advice as much as what are nurses experience with patients who have had this procedure. Thanks for anythin you can add. Signed, Nervous

I am a brand new member of this site and I was hoping to get some perspective on what I'll be going through in the coming months. After a long bout of tests, through both my PCP and Gastroenterologist, my doctors are recommending a colectomy (subpartial?) for a problem I have with colonic inertia which is further complicated, because my colon is very long and has 2 complete loops. I've been surfing the net trying to find a trusted source telling me what to expect in the prep and recover of this procedure and thought this would be a good way to get some experienced info.

I am a brand new member of this site and I was hoping to get some perspective on what I'll be going through in the coming months. After a long bout of tests, through both my PCP and Gastroenterologist, my doctors are recommending a colectomy (subpartial?) for a problem I have with colonic inertia which is further complicated, because my colon is very long and has 2 complete loops. I've been surfing the net trying to find a trusted source telling me what to expect in the prep and recover of this procedure and thought this would be a good way to get some experienced info.