Thank you so much, @jerrybtv, for your very kind words. I am sorry you’ve had to go through that. You’re right though, being alive is the best alternative. The biggest thing to remember is that recovery is not linear; it’s a lot of two steps forward, one step back, but so long as you don’t give up, it is possible. I hope you are feeling better soon.
Today has been interesting, I didn’t really sleep that well last night so I’ve been having little catnaps throughout the day. My pain was fine this morning but it got worse after I got out of bed, and I was sick on my way back from the bathroom. I’ve been using my PCA a lot more now but the nurse said it’s normal given it’s so early after surgery. My brainfog has returned but I think that’s due to being so tired.
On the positive side, I’m not nil-by-mouth! I’m not allowed solid foods yet but I’m on free liquids which includes jelly and ice cream. Also, I’m able to move. I’m very slow but I can get to my feet with help and move around a bit when sat or laid down on my own.
Not going to lie, today has been hard and all I’ve wanted to do is curl up into a ball and sleep. However, the nurses have been great so I can’t complain.
It’s very late where I am right now and, as is quite normal for me in hospitals, I can’t sleep. So, I thought I’d update you all.
Well, surgery went well. I’m on a fentalyn PCA and intravenous paracetamol, have a drain in my side (which doesn’t appear to be draining anything anymore) have a cathatar in, and an oxygen nose tube. The lovely thigh-high stockings they made me wear through surgery were too itchy so I’m now wearing knees-highs instead.
My pain is farely mild, considering, and I felt a lot better when I woke up this time vs last year when I had my colon removed. I had brain fog so I was slurring my words for several hours after I woke up this evening, and I kept having micronaps mid-conversation because of the anaesthetic. I’m annoyingly quite awake now but I will try and sleep as best I can.
Thank you to everyone for supporting me and helping me through this, especially @sillyriceball & @thatchronicfeeling
I don’t normally post about my birthday and wasn’t planning on doing so for this one either but because it’s the day before my surgery I thought I’d write a little update.
I am nervous about going into hospital tomorrow, that’s obvious, but I’m trying not to think about it. It’s been a little hard to actually plan something for my birthday because of the upcoming surgery, but I’ve still managed to have a good day. I spent it with my sister and her partner in Lymington (which for those you don’t know is a little port town in the New Forest). We went to a tea room for scones with cream and jam and then had a look around the shops. I spent some vouchers I’d been saving on a new pair of shorts and a cute pair of earrings shaped like hotair balloon, and then walked by the pier for a bit before heading back home. We’re going out for a meal with my parents this evening which I think will be a great way to end a good day.
They weren’t kidding when they said anywhere from two to four hours! The longest part was waiting to have my blood test (one and a half hours) but other than that, it was over pretty quickly. They almost forgot about me when I was waiting to see the anaesthetist but that was sorted after I asked at reception. They had to do an ECG because I still occasionally (and I mean very rarely) get palpitations but they’re not worried too much about that.
Bye bye hospital, see you in two days!
It might take a few hours but I’m hoping it’ll be over quickly.
Sorry for the lack of posts, there’s been a lot going on recently at work and I have been so tired that I just haven’t had the energy to do much. There isn’t a lot to update on either but I thought, as I’ve got a day off, I’d do a little post just to let everyone know I haven’t fallen off the face of the earth.
Anyway, it’s just over a week until my surgery and I’m starting to feel a little nervous. I guess that’s normal given that it’s a pretty major surgery and they’re not 100% sure of the outcome given that if the blood vessels won’t reach, they can’t form a working j-pouch. I’m sure everything will be fine; I’m going to the best hospital for IBD/gastro-related treatments in the south of England so I know I’ll be in good hands. I’ll be sure to post closer to the time as this is essentially my diary, only it’s public.
How’s everyone else doing? Fell free to PM me if you want to talk, I may not reply right away but I will answer any messages you send me. Have a good and safe Monday, everyone!
So, I survived surgery school. For those of you who don’t know, it’s an optional, pre-surgery casual group meeting with several nurses and hospital staff who go through what to expect after surgery and how best to prepare for surgery. I knew most if what they had to say but it was nice to go anyway because they gave out leaflets on ways to be more active along with some (not 100% relevant) dietary advice. I spoke to the nurse during the break and she said she’ll get the dietitian to give me a call later this week. Overall, this morning has been pretty good. Now, it’s off to work for the afternoon.
Just had the bike test in preparation for my surgery in June. It was harder than I was expecting but they don’t make you do more than you are able to. I’m currently sat in waiting for “surgery school” to start. Not really sure what to expect but I’m hopinh it’ll be informative.
I went to the gym last night for the first time in two weeks! I only spent about half an hour there though because it’s so warm at the moment and I was worried my bag might come unstuck mid-workout. It was a good session but I’m so tired from it; it’s surprising what two weeks off can do to your fitness. Anyway, I plan to keep going every week up until my surgery then I’ll be taking a couple of months off. I’m considering going just to walk on the treadmill once I feel up to it but I don’t intend to do anything more than that between surgeries. I’m hoping this will help my recovery whilst keeping myself somewhat active without over doing it.
What Can I Eat 