I live in New York, a place where we have very advanced medical technology. I am very thankful for everything that is being done for me. The man that will be doing the surgery is Dr. Alexander J. Greenstein, a man who has done many surgeries like this before, along side his father. I believe I am in good hands.
The Surgery
There are three surgeries. The first surgery, which takes place tomorrow, will involve removing the colon. They will make several small incisions through my stomach, and remove the infected parts of my colon and large intestine. Depending on the doctor, and the doctors experience, the surgeries can vary in length. Greenstein stated that my surgery should last about 3 hours. They will create a stoma; a stoma is a small opening in the abdomen that is used to divert the flow of waste in the body. This, will obviously be connected to a colostomy bag. Even though I would like to live without one, I'm going to have to use it for the next few months. Should be interesting; maybe even freeing. (haha)
About 4 months later, I will go in for my second surgery. During this surgery, they will create what is known as a Jpouch. This will act as my new colon. At first, this Jpouch will only be able to hold the amount of an 8 ounce can of Coca-Cola, but as I age and grow, it will grow with me. It will soon be able to hold as much as a 64 liter bottle of Coca-Cola. Thats pretty exciting! During this time, I will still have to have the colostomy bag attached to me; the Jpouch will not be able to fully function on its own right away.
The third and final surgery is another 4 weeks after that. During this surgery, the check and reattach everything, and make sure everything is working properly. They sow up my stomach, and I'm free to live my life.
Pretty scary huh? Honestly, I think I'm the least nervous of anyone. I know what its like to deal with the constant stomach pains and daily struggles that UC has caused thus far. I am ready for this.
The Preparation
I've always hated prepping for my colonoscopies. Not being able to eat for a whole day is just miserable. On top of that, you're downing laxatives and clear liquids like it's going out of style. It is truly unpleasant. For this surgery, You have to do the same... Except, for two days instead of just one. I'm currently on day two of fasting. I'm told to drink Magnesium Citrate, which isn't actually too bad, because I got the cherry flavor. I bought a 10 oz. bottle, and I need to drink 5 oz. at 11 am, and another 5 oz. at 4 pm.
I've been eating ice pops non stop. They calm my stomach down a little bit, and they taste great! You're allowed to drink clear liquids the day before, including tea, coffee, soda, juice, water, clear broth and jell-o. The best part about it is that I'm able to eat any color I please. Normally, you can't have red/blue colors, so this is a nice change. On the first day of dieting, I did cheat a little bit. (I was given permission to) I was allowed to sneak in a small amount of food. I decided to make one scrambled egg, and two slices of toast. I also may have such in some crackers, but don't tell anyone!
I was prescribed two different types of antibiotics, which I have to take the day before the surgery. Neomycin, and Metronidazole. Need to take them three times; 1 pm, 2 pm, and 11 pm.
I also must use a Hibiclens wash. My girlfriend was able to lovingly provide that for me. I have to use it twice. One the night before, and the next on the day of the surgery, before I go to the hospital. Hibiclens is an over the counter liquid soap. I've never used it before, so it should be interesting. I'll have to take my shower backwards, and use my shampoos and conditioners first, though.
Am I nervous? Yeah, of course, but I'm also excited! I have a very supportive family, and not many people are able to say the same, unfortunately. With them by my side, I know I'll be protected and safe. I love my family, and I'm very grateful that I have the chance to be rid of the prison that is Ulcerative Colitis. After I'm healthy again, I plan on going somewhere nice with my family and girlfriend.
I will continue to keep everyone updated! Fingers crossed!
Be Well!
Johnny
No comments:
Post a Comment