Hi everyone! I saw my surgeon yesterday for a followup appt and I thought I would let everyone know how I'm doing.
I'm doing great! I feel good and I'm getting my energy back. Ed's mom left a week ago. Ed has gone into work an hour early each day this week so that he can be home for two hours in the evenings. He's been a BIG help with the boys.
My surgeon and I picked a date for my last surgery - Tuesday, December 29. He is off from Dec 18 through the end of the year, but he said he would come in to the hospital that morning to do my surgery. Isn't that awesome? I spoke with the insurance company and they said that as long as my hospital stay starts in 2009, the whole stay will be covered with my 2009 deductible. That means this December surgery shouldn't cost us anything. Yeah!
The last surgery will be to close up the small intestine and sew my abdomen closed where the stoma has been. I will be put under general anesthesia, but they don't have to open me up this time. Just work on the parts that are already sticking out. After surgery, it's just a matter of letting my bowels wake up and function. He said best case scenario is surgery on Tuesday and out by Friday. My bowels woke up just fine after my surgery in August, but it took me three attempts at liquids before everything worked after this last surgery in October. I am praying that everything goes smoothly like it did in August after this December surgery.
I will be without my bag after this surgery! My small intestine has been sewn into a "J-Pouch" and attached to my rectum. I guess it takes about 6-12 months to stretch out the J-Pouch so that I will only be going to the bathroom 6-8 times per day. In the beginning, I will have to go 20+ times! Yikes! But at least I'll be rid of the bag and on my way to a more "normal" life. Too much information for you? Yeah, me too, but I really don't have much choice in the matter! :)
So, all in all, things are going really well and I am less than 6 weeks away from my final surgery. Thank you to everyone for all your prayers!
7 comments:
hey leah!
this is sarah niemann - your neighbor from a few years ago back in wake forest, nc. we lived next door to you and ed in fletcher. :) i'm pregnant - yay! and was thinking about you and all your neat little tricks - wondered if you would email me info about what kind of reusable diapers you used and/or what brand you would recommend, how to make wipes, and any other thoughts on the matter of having babies and thrifty mommy things.
my email is ephes320@gmail.com
looks like you guys have been busy! glad that things are getting better with your medical situation. will keep you in my prayers as you continue to go through this process.
thanks girl!
sarah n <><
hey leah! so glad this last surgery is so close now. we will be praying that all goes well and that this whole thing is behind you soon. thanks for the update.
you know i have thought of you a lot lately while sitting here in this hospital. at times i have been feeling sorry for myself, lonely and away from my little girl, but realize that i have a lot to be thankful for...i have not had major surgery and going thru a terrible recovery! this really is nothing, huh?
sure am looking forward to seeing you VERY soon. we land ın chicago in less than 2 weeks now!!!!
Yes, Praying for your surgery to be the same as the August one.
The LORD will see you through!
Hugs,
Gi
Thanks for the update and I'm glad the doctor worked things out so you don't need to pay another deductible.
Thanks for the update. Praying for you my sweet friend!
wow. This is all pretty dramatic stuff for someone in their 20s. I am so impressed with the way you are handling all of this. Thank you for all the details. It probably keeps us all from calling every week to know what's going on. So that's good or bad... your call! I love you my sweet friend. I'm sorry I haven't been good about keeping up. Please know that you are cared for and I miss you very very much.
hello... hapi blogging... have a nice day! just visiting here....
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