Not much is really going on but I still feel like I should post to let you all know I am still alive. I'm still having bad days when the pain is out of control. If my belly is hurting I can sometimes trace it to something I ate or not drinking enough but not always. The other day I got a headache so bad that I could feel my pulse in my brain... Not fun. I'm not sure if this is left over from the pain killers or if it is something else, I have no idea how long the addiction will come back and haunt me but it was the same type of pain.

I'm also getting over a cold/allergies caused by Drew going and cutting me down a Christmas tree. I learned that Benadryl is a bad idea. It will not only dry out your sinuses but also your small intestines, not a good thing if your already having problems with dehydration.

As always Drew has been the best at trying to make me feel better. I couldn't ask for anyone better :)

Lets hope we can stick to the plan this time

I went to see Dr. Peters again today. He said everything looked and felt good. I have another appointment set up for January 12th and at that time we will set up the CT and surgery. He said they should be able to get me in quickly. I just hope we can stick to the plan this time, my wedding dress should be in in March and I want to be able to try it on without felix.

Hello, my name is Melissa and I am addicted to pain killers

No really I am. I saw my GI doc today and he really thinks all the pain I have is when my body is withdrawing off of the pain pills. He put me back on a drug called desipramine. It is actually classified as an antideppressent but can also cause the gut to relax. It works with the pain recepters in the brain and is non habit forming. I need to take that at night and decress the narcotic use. I've only been taking 3 a day so now I can only take 2 for a week then one then none. I think I can get myself off a little quicker but this week may not be to much fun. Today I took one at 1 and haven't taken any since so it may not be to bad after all.

And to end on a possitive note that has nothing to do with anything: I got a $30 pair of earrings for $0.85 today :)

Update

Melissa went to see the ob/gyn on Wednesday. She sent her for an ultrasound which did show that she still has the cyst on her ovary. She has had a better day than she has had in about a week. Hopefully she will hear something back from the doctor soon.

Mom's comments

Melissa asked that I post for her tonight. She is hurting quite a bit. We spent the morning at the hospital where the blood test came back looking fairly normal. The doctor decided it is not the abscess and so he is sending her to the GI doctor who she will see next week. She is also going to try to get in to see the ob/gyn doctor since they had found and lanced a cyst on her ovary last month. She is trying to cover all the bases. Please remember her in your prayers. She seems to do so well and then something else happens.

As Drew keeps saying it is all in God's time.

Maybe I should just move in...

Well I finally figured out why I was having pain in my upper belly. I am pretty sure it is all the milk I have been drinking. I haven't been drinking any lately and have been feeling much better in that regard.

However, Thursday or Friday I started having headaches and lower belly pain. I also started running a low grade fever every once in a while. Saturday it was pretty bad and I added back pain to the mix. Sunday was more of the same so I called the doc. I am meet him at the hospital at 8:30 tomorrow morning. He wanted to see me before they did a CT scan or anything but I am pretty sure it is the abscess. If it isn't that then something is going to have to be done because the only thing that is getting me by is pain meds...2 at a time. I am hopeing they can drain it tomorrow and just keep me one night or send me home the same day. It would be nice if he thought he could just give me antibiotics. Either way something is going to have to change because the last round of meds I was on did take care of the problem compleatly.

It is nice knowing I am going in tomorrow though. Mom came up and she mixed up 5 batches of persimmon bread while I made spigette for dinner. She also did pretty much all my dishes for me and my dad got all my trash out so I don't have to worry about gnats showing up if I have to stay at the hospital for a few days.

Did I mention that I have engagement pictures set up to be taken Sunday afternoon so I HAVE to feel better by then.

....and waiting

I went to see the doc today and he doesn't understand why I am still having pain where I am having pain, I may have to go see my GI doc for it. He said the drain he put in is still there and he thought it was healing up well but I have to go back in a month for him to check that drain again and if it hasn't fallen out on its own he will pull it out. I asked him if he thought there was a chance I could get my reconnection done by the end of the year. He said if insurance wasn't in the equation he would deffently have me wait longer and we are kind of taking a gamble if we go ahead and do the CT in mid December of all this happening again. He did talk to the the gals in the buisness office and they are going to see if they can get them to bill it as a continuance from this year so I wouldn't have to repay my deductables. It would be nice but it is a long shot.

Back to the waiting Game

I am starting to feel better these days although I learned that holding babies even if they are within your 10 pound weight limit isn't the best idea in the world. However, if I had it to do all over again I probably would have done the same thing:) I'm still having to take some pain medication here and there, mostly at night or if I have been out and about for the day. I am also taking a giant antibiotic twice a day so maybe this time we can get things cleared up without having to drain it 3 times.

I'm told that the doc thinks the CT contrast helped in getting the infection started back where they had drained the abcess before. I'll find out more when I see him on Monday but there probably will be no more of those until he is 110% sure it is healed compleatly.

This has definitely been a roller coaster for me. When I first talked to my doc in June we thought I would be done with my last surgery by the end of September. Then after the first one I had so many problems so we thought it would be October, then it was by Thanksgiving, now I am going to be lucky to have it done by Christmas. I honestly don't care if I have to be in the hospital over Christmas anymore, I just want it done before the new year so I don't have to pay anymore bills. I think the most frustrating part is I feel like my life is on hold. Most people can go back to their office jobs and be just fine after a few weeks. That is not so easy when you are in a classroom or waitressing. I really wish I had an at home job like stuffing envelopes or putting together something. I am very thankful that I have parents that are willing to help pay my bills now that I have run out of money. I am also thankful for a wonderful supportive fiance that doesn't care that I poop out my belly. Most of all I am thankful for a loving God. I have no idea why all this has happened and why I must wait but I do know that there is a plan, there is a reason, and I just have a wait and see what that is. It is in His hands and only He knows the correct timing for it all.

Going home

Melissa is going home today. She is still in some pain but I am sure she will rest better at home. She has to see the surgeon in ten days. Reconnect surgery has been postponed again until at least after Thanksgiving.

Melissa feels like she has been hit by a bus going both ways. She had the abscess drained and a cyst on her ovary lanced. This will put off her reconnect surgery until at least after Thanksgiving. She is disappointed but better safe than sorry. Hopefully more from her later.

Back at it again

I'm back in the hospital. I had been sick since Sunday with flu like symptoms. I finally called the doc yesterday and came in for blood work and yet another CT. The abscess is back and there may also be something on my ovary. Tomorrow they are going to go in and drain the abscess and do a bit of exploratory surgery to check on the ovary. It shouldn't be that big of a deal and I go first thing in the morning.

Also in case you didn't know I'M ENGAGED!!!!!!

I've given up trying to guess

My next CT scan is set for November 1st. After that I will have a better idea of when I can have surgery. Best case senerio is they will say all is good and get me in that week or the next. Worst case is things still aren't healed up. At this point as long as I get it done before Thanksgiving and I won't still be in the hospital I will be okay with it.

Disappointed

Today started out great. I got the call like I expected saying I needed to be at the hospital at noon on Monday and my surgery would probably be around 2. Sounded great, Drew could get back into town as I was getting done, Dad could get things done at home early, and there was even a chance I could go in early like last time. Then I got a call from Dr. Peters (my surgon). He had just gone over the CT scan with the radiologist and there is a few drops of contrast that made it to the area I had the abses meaning the pouch they created is leacking and that puts me at high risk for more absesses. Now I have to wait another 4 to 6 weeks and do another CT to see what things look like. The way I figure it will probably be the last week of October or the first week of November befor I am connected. I'm beyond disappointed The light at the tunnel is gone...

6 days to go

I ended up having to do my CT scan twice. The first time there wasn't enough contrast put in to make sure there were no leaks and Dr. Peters wasn't happy with it. So I went back yesterday and had it done again. I'll call tomorrow to make sure there were no problems but I don't for see any. I also did my pre registration stuff (paperwork, blood work, etc.) so I am all set to go for Monday.

This morning I changed my bag for possibly the last time, although i may have to change it again around Saturday. It really isn't that bad I just don't like doing it because it requires me to function in the morning and that is virtually impossible for me. If I wait to change it till after breakfast it starts moving and becomes a pain.

On a lighter side of things, I have decided to have a party once I am up and going, probably about mid October. Basically I want an excuse to eat stuff I've never been able to eat...If you know where I live and my phone number, your probably going to be invited. I'll post more on this later so keep a look out!

The end is near

Saw my surgeon today and apparently everything looks really good. Friday I have to head back over to Columbia for a CT scan of my J pouch just to make sure there are no leaks but he said it should be fine. Then my reconnection surgery is set for Septermber 27th. It should be a lot easier to recover from. They will make a small insision beside my stoma to push it back in then will reconnect me back up. He also said he would fix my belly button that got a little squished from my scar from last time :) Recovery time should be 1 to 5 days depending on how long until everything wakes up.

I can see the light at the end of the tunnel!!

I'm still alive and kicking

I am still feeling pretty good. The last couple of days I have had a headache but that could be anything. Last week I went and had blood work done and things looked good. My red cell count was up to almost normal people range and my white cell count was just above normal so things are good in that department. I go back to see the doc in a couple of weeks and then we see when I get to be reconnected!

I've made it a week!!!

This last week has been an interesting one. I am feeling much better but I forget how easy it is to get tired. Everyday this last week I have had to be up at 7 to get IV stuff ready so my Dad can hook me up on his way to work then my Mom came up and changed me over to the other one an hour later. Then I get to do it again (without Dad) at 2pm and again at 10pm.

Saturday my "fun" drainage tube fell out on its own so sitting became instantly easier and church on Sunday became possible to sit through. Monday I went to the doctor. He said he thought the cavity the abscess was in was finally shrinking meaning it is healing up. I have to go back in a month to do a scope and he will set up a pouch study to make sure my J Pouch is good then we can set up the reconnection surgery...It should be mid September.

Yesterday home health came out to change my PICC dressing. Had a little problem with that because my bag started leaking so I had a change it at the same time the door bell started ringing. In the end it took me almost an hour to change it while the nurse waited for me, I felt a little bad but there was nothing I could do about it...at least my stoma is working like it should. Today another nurse came out to pull the PICC and discharge me so I am officially free for now so I am hoping things will get back to semi normal. Somehow I don't thing that is going to happen...things are never normal for me :)

Lets try this again

I got the official word that I get to go home today. They are trying to get everything together so that I can get home by 2 so home health can come in and give me my afternoon IVs. I really need to go buy food so I hopefully we will have time to make a wal-mart stop first. The biggest trick will be not to come back till my final surgery and to get out fast after that...we will see :)

Not Today

Melissa doesn't get to go home today. Her White cell count has gone up a little. They are giving her antifungal meds now. Perhaps tomorrow.

Good News

Melissa is starting to do better. They changed the antibiotic and the white cell count has started to drop. It has gone down 5 points each of the last two days. They want it down some more before they will let her go home but perhaps in a day or two.

She is having a pic line put in today because the antibiotic is so strong it is hard on the veins. She may have to come home with it to finish the meds. the doctor told her she will need to take it for longer than she would be in the hospital if she gets to go home soon. We can handle that with a home health care nurse. We did last year.

She is eating alot, like every two hours she is hungry. She is always talking about food. She even took a trip to the cafeteria last night between 1:00 and 3:00am.

I'm back

I finally got bored enough to get out my computer on my own. I have been running a low grade temp today. I think I have probably had it for a while but the thermometer in my room has been broke and they just got it fixed today.

The Doc said that if I wasn't feeling any better in the morning they would do another CT and see whats going on. He asked me if I wanted to go home and I told him I did, I just didn't want to have to come back so they kept me.

Like mom said, eating is no longer a problem for me. I have been eating between meals like crazy. For some reason I have been craving salt and cheese so logically nachos sounds good all the time so if you come to see me bring taco bell :)

One Month

It has been one month since Melissa's first surgery. She is doing ok after the last procedure. She thought she was going to get to go home today but she is in some pain and her white cell count is up and her hemoglobin is down. The doctor wants to keep her rather than sending her home and her coming back.

She is eating well. In fact it seems like it takes a lot to feel her up.

Melissa had her procedure done this afternoon. They drained the abscess and put in a larger drainage tube that is draining to the outside. The tech said the ultasound of her gall bladder looks fine but haven't heard anything from the doctor.

Her appetite is back. She is feeling pretty good. We have no guess as to how much longer she will be in the hospital. They want to make sure this works.

Melissa will have a procedure done again tomorrow. They did a CT scan today. The doctor doesn't think the abscess is shrinking like it should. He also thinks there is some thickening around the gall bladder. That may be caused by an infection or inflammation. They are going to do an ultrasound for that tomorrow also.

otherwise she is doing ok except for the pain that they think is more than it should be.

Repeat record. Melissa is still in the hospital. She is eating and drinking better now. She does have some back pain and belly pain.

Melissa had her third surgery today. Although perhaps the last two are more like procedures. They drained the abscess again and put in a stitch to hold the drain tube in place. It was quick and she was back in her room by 10 am when she got some pain meds and hasn't had any since then. She is eating well.

The surgeon says this shouldn't change the time line for having the reconnect done but we shall see. She is very ready to have it done.

Back to the hospital

Melissa is back in the hospital. She was in a lot of pain and running a fever this morninig so she called the doctor. He sent her to the hospital for a CT scan. Short story is they kept her and are going in tomorrow to drain the abscess and put in a larger drain.

She loves the pain killers. That is what is getting her through things right now.

Please remember her in prayer that God will guide the surgeon's hands, give him the knowledge of how to treat her, help Melissa to heal and regain her strength. Also pray for Ronnie and I. It is hard to see your baby hurting and feeling miserable day after day.

Here we go again

Melissa got to come home today, but is already feeling bad. We only made it as far as Kingdom City before she felt a little sick. At Wal-mart she started feeling really bad. She plans on calling the doctor's office in the morning if she is not feeling any better.

She had been eating well before this. The drive home didn't bother her like previous drives had.

It just seems like it is one step forward and two steps back. We know it is in God's time but sometimes I wish He would hurry up. I hate seeing her miserable.

Pain Levels Are Down

I am going to give up saying when she is coming home. She is still in the hospital because her hemoglobin count was down to where they were starting to think transfusion. They did another stick this afternoon and it is back up. She is still bleeding but they think it is partially from the abscess draining through the j-pouch. They put in a drainage tube. She should pass that later.

Her pain level is way down and she is feeling much better.

Update

Melissa is not coming home today. The doctor wants to keep her because she has some rectal bleeding. It is not much and he is not real concerned but enough to want to keep an eye on her.

Thank you for the prayers, cards, visits and phone calls. They are much appreciated. We do know that God answers prayer.

ER and Surgery

Melissa went to the ER this morning (Sunday) after calling and talking with the surgeon. She was running a fever of 101.9. After blood work and a CT scan the doctor's suspicions was confirmed. Melissa had an abscess behind her J-pouch. She was taken to surgery and had the abscess drained. It only took about 15-20 minutes. She woke up and said that her back did not hurt as much. She does have a really bad headache but they think it is caused by the anesthesia. Her stomach area has started to hurt and she will talk to the doctor tomorrow about causes. She should come home on Monday if all goes well.

Update from Mom again

Melissa stayed with us a couple of days and then went home on July 4 declaring her independence. A friend came and stayed with her a couple of days.

Melissa is still not feeling very spry. Her back and hips have been hurting her since before surgery. She went to the chiropractor Thursday where they tried something called FMS since they cannot do a manual adjustment on her. She has run a fever the last two nights which is apparently not uncommon. She can't tell that it did her back any good but her stomach is not hurting.

She actually hasn't had any pain pills in over 24 hours. If she can stomp her foot without it hurting she can drive. I think she is starting to get a little bored but doesn't feel like doing anything.

Hopefully she will soon feel like getting on and let you know herself how she is doing.

Home Sweet Hme

Melissa has been home now for over 24 hours. She is having trouble being comfortable. She has had two blowouts for some reason today and had to change the whole bag system. She is getting quite good at it. She commented that she is also losing the water weight she put on. Her legs do look skinny now. She is having some gas pain but sleep and the pain pills seem to help.

She hated the ride home yesterday. She felt every bump in the road, especially the gravel road, which I took very, very, very slowly. On the way home she had a Junior McFlurry and then had her pizza for supper. More food than she had eaten in a long time. Today she didn't hardly eat anything.

I know that we will look back on this time and think it went very quickly but right now it seems very slow. God will get us through it. We just have to walk through the rough times with Him at our sides or carrying us as the poem "Footprints in the Sand" says.

It's really Happening!!!!!!

Melissa is going home.

She is pooping well which is part of what they were waiting to happen. She is having some problems with gas pains today but is up and walking. They are going to take out her central line and her 14 staples before she leaves. She will not need to go back to the doctor for a month.

She is more interested in food than she has been. She just doesn't eat much at a time. She did have Drew bring her some chicken nuggets and fries last night. She was able to eat 4 nuggets and a few fries. Her first meal at home is a cheap Totino's pizza with added cheese. This is what she is requesting.

It is so good to see her finally feeling better. She is not nearly 100% but she is working her way there. An answer to our prayers.

It woke up!!!!!

Melissa is pooping!!!! She started this morning at breakfast. This is what they have been waiting for. She was scheduled to change her bag this morning but had a problem because it didn't stop. They got it done but then it started leaking. So she had to change the bag again. Oh well lots of practice before she goes home. She also had the wound drain taken out. She is experiencing some pain because of that. She still has the central line in but they want to leave that in case they need to do a blood draw.

And speaking of going home, the plan is for her to go home tomorrow. Not sure when she will check out.

Again

Melissa will be in the hospital another day or two. She is having a lot of pain. At least here they have meds they can give her.

She is also having some problems with acid reflux. That leaves her nauseous. She did vomit last night and then didn't eat. Part of the acid reflux comes from her bowel not working right yet. Dr. Gerhardt says he is starting to hear more bowel sounds.

She is dozing a lot but I figure that is good because it allows her body to heal. If you are around she does enjoy visits or calls. Just be prepared that she might doze off on you. It helps to distract her.

She will get through this with the Lord's help.

Here we go again

Melissa will spend another night in the hospital. Her blood count is gradually going up now. They are thinking that the 6-mp had suppressed her bone marrow which is why her counts dropped. She is still in a lot of pain. She doesn't feel like eating. We are pushing her to eat, drink and walk. She knows she has to go through the pain but it is very hard.

Please keep remembering her in your prayers.

They have finally given her something to take off the water weight. Hopefully that will help some. She says her legs feel lighter already.

June 27, 2010 5:06 PM

More time in the Hospital

Melissa will spend more time in the hospital. She received the blood yesterday and her count went up. This morning the count had dropped slightly. She is in a lot of pain today. She says she has cankles-where her calfs and ankles have swollen so much you can't tell the difference. She says one arm looks like a turkey leg. Her blood pressure is slightly elevated. We are really pushing her to walk and drink, hoping that will help.

I'll know she's on the mend when she is ready to take this task over.

There might be hope that Melissa will get to go home on Sunday. She received two units of blood and when they checked her counts an hour later they had gone up 3 points which is good. They will check them again tomorrow morning to see what they are doing. Her stoma is waking up and starting to work now. I also took her a heating pad. That is helping her back. She says she can feel the muscles starting to relax.

Again thank you for everything you have done-prayers, calls, visits, cards, and even more prayers.

Please pray also for Drew, Melissa's boyfriend. He has been sick and has not got to spend the time at the hospital he would have liked to.

Still in Hospital

Melissa is still in the hospital. She received 2 units of blood late this morning/early afternoon. She is starting to put out more urine-a good thing Then the blood count dropped. She is also getting some of her pain meds through the IV port. She is having back pain and I brought her heating pad from home for her. It seems to be helping.

She hopes to go home tomorrow, but if the blood issue isn't resolved she may have to see her hematologist. She never does things the easy way. They will draw blood shortly and see where she is.

Melissa will spend at least one more night in the hospital. She has to stay until her stoma becomes active. They want to make sure it is working right. They removed the IV line out of her left arm yesterday. She still has the central line in her neck but that will probably come out today or tomorrow. She also still has a wound drain in but she was told that she could go home with that if need be. They would teach her how to take care of it. She is only taking ibuprofen for pain.

She is still weak but today walked the hall with her dad without using the old lady walker as she calls it. Although she complains about the pain she is still glad she did the surgery.

Doing Better

Melissa is doing much better. She is walking and moving around slowly and carefully. She got to explore her belly this morning, seeing where the staples and band-aids are. She changed her bag, with help, for the first time. She is still having problems eating a lot but is keeping it down. It will just take time to stretch her tummy.

Thank you for the prayers, phone calls, cards, and visits.

Melissa Is Walking

Melissa got out of the stepdown unit this morning. Although she was weepy this morning when I got here she is feeling fiesty now. She is getting to choose her own meals as of supper tonight which will also make her happier since most of you know how picky she is. She had her first walk around the nurse's station after lunch today. She also has felt her first movement through the stoma during lunch. That is a good thing.

Mom still Updating

I am still updating because Melissa still feels weak. She is still in the Step down unit but will hopefully move tomorrow. They did not get her up to walk because she still has the catheter. She was not putting out enough urine. They have given her a diuretic and that seems to have done the trick. She did sit in the chair again and eat supper. She is only eating a few bites but the appetite should come back soon.

As I type this Melissa is sitting in a chair having some chicken noodle soup, although not as good as mom's. She is much more alert although does nap some. But who gets enough sleep in a hospital. They will have her walking this afternoon.

She has recieved 2 units of blood this morning. The doctor was not surprised that she needed the blood. After all she has been anemic for so long and she had major surgery.

She would enjoy visitors but no promises of how long she might stay awake. That will get better the longer she is out of surgery. She is also taking phone calls and will have her cell phone with her.

We left Melissa about 10 PM tonight. They are letting her have ice chips. She is in pain but pain meds are doing their thing until she moves. As she says pain meds are a wonderful thing. They did have her sit on the side of the bed and dangle her legs and she ended up standing to move up the bed to try and lay on her side to sleep a little. She is in the step down unit now but probably will move to a regular room tomorrow. Drew was there and was probably as good for her as the pain meds because he took her mind off of things.
Thanks for the many prayers that have been said. They were answered in what I think is a big way. I'll let her explain later.

She came through surgery just fine. She may need a transfusion later but they will see after they get her rehydrated. She will only have a scar of about 3 inches. She is in rcovery now and will go to her room shortly. Thanks for all the prayers. They were answered.

Mom talking. Melissa went into surgery at 12:15. She was not feeling well. Dr wonders if it will need to be a 2 or 3 part surgery because she didn't even look like the same girl he had seen 12 days before. We pray for a two part but also want what is best for her.

Last post from me for a couple days

Yesterday I was able to make it to the church's block party and ate more then I have been. I even had a good night and was able to make it to church this morning! Unfortunately before church was over things turned bad. Today was been spent on the couch starving. I am so hungry right now.

Tomorrow I'll be getting up around 7:30 to drink a cup of juice because I can't have anything after 8am then I need to pack a bag still and do some dishes if I have time.

I am so ready to get this show on the road!

Mom will probably be posting the next couple of updates so look for something tomorrow evening once I am UC free :)

Monday can not get here any faster

Yesterday I met with the stoma therapist and got pre admitted. What is a stoma you might ask? Well that is what they call the opening that will be on my tummy where I will have the bag. She went over all the supplies I will need and how they work and gave me more information to ready through. She also went ahead and marked the spot where it will be so now I have a better idea of what clothes I will be able to wear. I also worked my last night at work last night and man was it difficult. I felt awful. I have been doing this thing where about 4 to 5 hours after I eat I usually throw up everything or I have extreme pain. I also usually develop a fever, back pain, and achy muscles (kind of like the flue). Luckily Katie helped me out a lot and we made it.

Today I ended up canceling my plans for tonight and stayed on my couch for most of the day. I did get out and do a few things but not much. I also found out what time my surgery is. I have to be there at 12:15 but she said that I was in the computer to actually go in at 1:50 but that could change. I'm not really looking forward to waiting around half the day. I am the kind of person who likes to get in and get it done before I have time to worry about it. We also found out that I would be in recovery for about 2 hours after and no one can see me until after that so don't plan to see me on Monday because it will probably be after 7 before even my parents can see me. If you want you can come up and see them though, they might like the distraction.

5 days to go..

Yes, I do in fact have a count down. My health is failing quickly and it is the only thing that is keeping me going. I am down to only eating about one meal a day because if I eat to much I pay for it. I've lost about 10 pounds in the last couple of weeks but don't worry, I'm not as low as I was last year...yet.

This week is going to be a busy one. I have to get my house cleaned, laundry done, and get stuff together for next week. I also have appointments at the hospital, Girl Scout Camp stuff to do, church block party to attend, and a dinner date in Columbia. And all this has to be done without killing myself...my house may just stay dirty:)

I want to thank people for all the support already. It is times like these when you really see how much you are cared about and it is really appreciated from both me and my parents.

Now it is off to bed for me!

Starting Off

I've decided to do this blog to keep everyone updated as I end this journey I started almost 12 years ago. I am finally ready to remove my colon completely and thus rid myself of ulcerative colitis forever! I decided this would be the best way to keep all the people who might care updated and save some cell phone minutes along the way. I will be posting when I can but I am going to give mom the password so she can post while I am still out of it so everyone knows how I came through. I'm a little more then excited, I think the nervousness might kick in about the day before the surgery.

Speaking of surgery I saw the surgeon today and the surgery is set for June 21st. Things sound like they are going to be a bit easier then expected so here is what I found out. I have an appointment set up for the Thursday before to talk to a lady that will teach me all about having a bag and also another appointment to be preadmitted so I don't have to do much the day of the surgery. Sunday I will have have to stop eating at noon and go to clear liquids and then stop even that at midnight. Monday the 21st they will knock me out (not sure what time) and they will make one three inch cut around my bellybutton and about three other small band aid size cuts to take out the colon. They will attach the end of the small intestine to my belly where I will have a bag for 6 to 10 weeks. The surgery should last about 3 to 3 and a half hours. They said that night I will be sitting up at bedside and the next day I will be up walking. I can return to normal food as soon as possible...like the next day (crazy I know). I should be out of the hospital within 5 days and will be able to stay on my own within 2-3 days. 6-10 weeks later I will go back in for a second surgery where they will close the hole for the bag, fold the end of the small intestine back on itself (will look like a J) to form a pouch and attach it so I can once again go to the bathroom like a normal person.

There are a few drawbacks. I will probably always have to go to the bathroom more then a normal person but it will be about half of what I am doing now. There is also a very real chance of infection in the pouch they create or something like the uc can come back in it. In cases like that they have to replace the bag. I could also have problems having kids later but there is some studies that are showing that that may not be the case especially in people who have never had any other surgeries before (that would be me) so I'm not going to worry about that, it is in God's hands anyway.

So, if you are the praying type start praying. If not, when this is all said and done with you can buy me some taco bell or something else I have never been able to eat...I have a lot of eating to catch up on! Oh and if you happen to know where I work you should come by in the next week and tip me well because I will be very poor soon and I only have a week left :)