Im Home = iliostomy reversed, ordeal is finally almost over.

After 4 months and 4 surgeries I can finally say I am on my way to recovery.  I had my fourth surgery last Tuesday, February 15 to reverse the iliostomy at Columbia Presbyterian Hospital in New York City.  For those that missed my previos postings, I has surgeries 1, 2 and 3 - October 26 for a bowel obstruction and Nov. 8 and November 11 for a perforated colon and insertion of the iliostomy also at Columbia Presbyterian.  I was septic and was given a 50% chance of survival.  For those that already know the story, sorry for the recap but I have heard from many that they didn't know what happened so here it is.

I went in for my iliostomy reversal on Tuesday reversal on the 15th and all went great.  Other than pain issues, the surgery went great.  There were some hospital problems - I was in recover for 3 days for really no reason.  I didn't care - it was quiet and I got lots of attention. Well they didn;t  like it  - too much work for them.  I finally got a room and my roommate way too noisy. 

Got transfered   and nurses were great.  THey gave  me really strong pain meds and continue to give them to me a them at home.  Starting tomorrow I will have my aide return and a visiting nurse to help with my bandages - wound care.  The system here is really good.  If I feel I need it, I could also get Physical therapy but I don't think I need.  I wll talk to the nurse tomorrow.

I am having one big problem with water retention.  I have actually gained 20 pounds - I was shocked when I got home tonight.  I knew I gained some  but not that much.  I think tomorrow I will be drinking alot with my feet elevated.  I don't think I will be on the computer this week until the swelling goes down.  They dont want to put me on lasix if they don't to.  My blood pressure runs really normally - upper 80;s mid 90's //////  low 50's. 

The person that took  me home was great. We stopped at CVS and Walgreens) and she had bought me some food ahead of time.  

I have to drink alot - I can start my protein drinks again - 1-2 per day if I can tolerate the liquid.  Then I have to drink small amounts all day long.  Then I  have to eat low fiber foods - and very soft.  I can just play it buy and experiment slowly - testing 1-2 things per day.

Well, it is getting late and I am very tired and in pain. I have to go to bed.  I will talk to you soon.

Thanks for listening to my continuing saga.  It is so good to be home and I am praying it is for the last time.

randi                                                                                                                                       

 Glad to see that you made it home and everything went well.  Get some rest and take care!

Bless your heart....I hope this is your last chapter to this story!  You are a real trooper!  Sending prayers and best wishes for your full recovery!

 So glad  all went well dear Randi !  This  must have been such a shocking and  frightening thing to happen suddenly  out of nowhere ... especially as U take excellent care of Urself vitamin wise etc.  

Looking back is there  anything U would do differently  or any warning signs of  impending  problems  months and years back ?  

I know  a lot of  post bariatric people   have various food intolerances ,  irritable bowel syndrome etc .... and then  often I see  the same people  being diagnosed with strictures ... I'm just wondering if it could be related and what Ur  ( always  perceptive , super well  researched  and Interesting  ) analysis  is of this  type of situation - when U have  time and energy to think about it of course .

big hugs    

Sending healing energy waves your way, courtesy of the labradoodles I'm swingin' for you.
tracey

Oh Randi, so glad you are home and healing.  I had to have lasix twice in the hospital and it was such a pain.  I should have had them cathiter me because right after surgery, getting in and out of bed to pee was horrible.  Once home, it wasn't a problem.  One of my BP meds also had a diruretic in it and that is the one they left me on to try to help at home.  I think I will go off that in March when I see my PCP again.
Take care and get plenty of rest.  We'll be swinging for you. 

Wonderful that you are feeling better, hopefully it will continue and you will be back to your normal self in no time. ((((((((HUGS)))))))))

You've been thru soooo much!  Glad to hear you're home now. Wishing you a speedy recovery.  Cindy

Randi,
I've been praying for you and thinking about you.  I wished we had a way to get in touch with you to check on you.  Please take care of yourself.  I'm so glad things went good on this last surgery.
{{{{{{{{HUGS}}}}}}}}
We have really missed you on the board.
Linda

Wow, you have really been through the wringer!! I'm glad you're home, and all my healing energies are sent your way that you have a much easier time of it now. Take good care of yourself.

Abby