Total Colectomy....the Journey

[JustaPatient585]

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

[Virgo_RN, BSN, RN]

Sounds like you've been through the wringer. You deserve a break. Hope things start to improve for you real soon!

[leslie :-D]

i'm glad you're starting to see the light at the end of that very dark tunnel.

it sounds like you've been to hell and back...

so welcome back, and stay well.:balloons:

leslie

[NamasteNurse, BSN, RN]

Hi Doug,

I had the same procedure done 14 years ago. There are all sorts of sites and groups dedicated to this surgery and the ongoing issues you will have as a result. It is a life changing thing, not taken lightly! Did you get a j-pouch? Try googling j-pouch support, you will find tons of friends. Write me personally if you like, [email protected]. Best of luck and happy healing!

[EarthChild1130]

(((hugs))) to you...hope you continue to recover quickly!

[PostOpPrincess, BSN, RN]

I hope the rest of your recovery is unremarkable. I am glad things are going better....Good luck to you!

[freefalr]

you have really been through it! i am happy to hear you are on the mend & feeling more like your old self. i know you are happy to be home.

i hope that soon you feel well enough to do this:

keep healing...

[JustaPatient585]

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?

[PurpleLVN]

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?

These are issued that should be discussed with your PCP and specialists!! Hope you continue on the road to recovery!!!