On March 30th, I’ll have a total colectomy/end ileostomy. The doctor will leave my rectum behind, in case I should choose to have a J-pouch created down the line. Meanwhile, the end ileostomy means that my small intestine will terminate at a small hole in my belly, forming what’s called a stoma. Waste will empty from the stoma at its own pace, filling a rubberized sac adhered to my skin which I can empty at my leisure.
Ah, leisure. Although, in a sense, I’ve had nothing but leisure for the past 6-8 months, it’s not a word I can associate with digestion. I have been at my colon’s beck and call for so many days that I don’t even remember what it’s like to not have a part of my brain constantly scanning for bowel discomfort, worrying subconsciously about soiling myself.
March 31st will be a Good Day!
You have a surgery date! I will eagerly await news of your fast and furious recovery post surgery. The tone of your writing sounds like you are ready for this plan. You will be the master of your digestive system once again. I am very pleased for you.
Any specific things you have to do to prepare?
Comment by msmachine — March 22, 2009 @ 13:55 |