Hey ya’ll. Whelp its early Sunday morning, 4 days after surgery. I have been so drugged up that I couldn’t write even if I wanted to, and this probably wont be very interesting because Im having a hard time making full thoughts. I have fallen asleep mid sentence, while drinking/eating a couple times. I spilled ice chips all over myself and had to get my sheets changed which was nice and painful. Ugh. Ouch.
Good news is that I pulled through surgery like a champ. No problems no complications. Bad news is that He didn’t do the surgery laproscopically. I’m too fat at this point because of the mother lovin’ predinose. I, was not thrilled with this news. We’ll just add this giant scar to my other giant scar from surgery last year. Its really ugly because its got staples closing it which totally freaks me out. I’ve got pictures of it, I’ll post at the end. I also got Dr. Remzi to take pictures of my colon after he took it out. I’ll post that as well.
I just got word from the doctor that I’m rockin out. I get pumped to a full liquid diet and crackers. OH MAN! Its about time, I’m tired of clear liquids and its making me cranky. But I’ve been peeing a ton, and my stool output is good and is getting thicker which is all good signs.
The bag. Yea the bag. Its still pretty ugly and not fun to look at. Its gross to empty but I honestly do feel like I feel better. I’m still in pain on the incision, but I feel like I have more energy and stuff. So who knows maybe everyone was right when they said I’d be happier with the bag.
I didn’t wake up with a nose or butt tube which made me thrilled! The PICC Line has worked magically, as I haven’t needed them to poke me at all for getting blood. I’ve gotten goo pain meds either through IV or orally. Dilauded is still my friend even though it makes me itch. I have itched through the skin in two spots…whoops…but its worth it. The doctor this morning said that I might get discharged tomorrow…which is awesome..but not. I’ll still have to stay in Cleveland for a few days, which means back to sharing a room with mom and dad…..yikes. We’ll see about that one.
I feel like I’ve got tons and tons to say but my thoughts are ALL over the place. Im pretty scatter brained at this point. I can’ get the wireless on my camera to work so I’ll post those pictures a little later. But if you’ve got any questions, shoot them my way! I’m excited to have one surgery down. I feel like I’m finally getting somewhere. And aside from the one bitch nurse I had on night one….is been awesome. Great, friendly nurses who so far have done anything that I asked. they know me, and what my “normals” are, so its been really pleasant. Come to Cleveland you’ll be happy you did. Also they have those stupid beds here that are constantly inflating and deflating no matter what you do….you can unplug our bed if this bothers you….which it did for me.
BUT if you have a roommate be considerate. Dont turn your TV up ricdiculously loud, dont leave it on when you leave the room, and dont be rude to the nurses they are nice and here to help! Also dont whine about eveything. EVERYTHING. Its not that bad, trust me, I know.
Pictures to come. Stay tuned!!!
bloodpooptears.wordpress.com 
March 28, 2010 at 4:52 pm
Hey Jackie,
So glad to hear your doing well! I bet you can’t wait to get home and really get the recovery process going. Keep up the good work… 😉
March 29, 2010 at 4:46 pm
Hey Jackie,
It sounds like you are doing ok at this point, and Im happy to hear that. The recovery can be a long process, so be a good girl and don’t try to do anything you arent supposed to do! Trust me!
Take care of yourself, and I look forward to hearing more and seeing some awesome pictures. I only have the pathology picture of my intestine. That sucker was ugly! Cant wait to see yours! (Does that make me a little bit odd?? Haha!)
Good luck!
March 29, 2010 at 10:08 pm
Hi Jackie, I’m Rachel. I’m 15 and I had the same surgery in December of 08 at the Cleveland Clinic. I know what you’re going through, but sounds like you’re doing everything right so far! You just have to remember to be patient. When I had my bag, I cried for about a week straight when I came home from the hospital. It can be very frustrating and takes a little while to get used to but after a couple weeks or so I was fine. I learned to live my life with it and I became so comfortable with it. While going in for my 3rd surgery, I was so worried to get rid of it. I thought my life would be harder without it. I had to be homeschooled my freshman year of highschool, and after all 3 surgeries I’m doing great. I’m back at school and I love it. I hope you continue to do well and get out of the hospital soon because thats no fun at all!! Stay positive and please keep updating I love reading your blogs.
xoxo
Rachel
March 30, 2010 at 5:45 pm
Hey Jackie.
I also had Dr. Remzi as my surgeon at the Clinic. Reading your entry has brought back so many memories from my initial trip. I, too, was hoping for a laparoscopic procedure but woke up to find the giant incision. He said I was simply too sick for him to feel comfortable going that route. I promise you it gets better and that the scar fades with time. It’s not the perfect scenario, but once you are healed up and active again you’ll be much happier.
I had a really hard time staying focused while on the dilaudid also. Just listen to what the nurses say and keep walking as much as you feel up to it. Stay positive!
-James
March 31, 2010 at 11:00 pm
Hey Katie, Are you done in your process? Or are you still going through it all?
March 31, 2010 at 11:04 pm
Rachel its people like you who make me want to stop bitching and suck it up. I cannot imagine doing this at a young age, teenagers who pull through this are seriously amazing. I’ve heard a lot of people find the bag to be liberating and some even miss it after its gone. At this point I can’t see that, but I almost hope that happens otherwise the next 9 months will be awful.
Where did you have your surgeries?
I’m really glad your back at school. Did you tell the people/friends in your life about all of this? I’m assuming you had to if you were home schooled, but I had a really hard time in the beginning telling people. Now, its not so much a big deal, but it took me a really long time to get comfortable with it.
March 31, 2010 at 11:06 pm
Hi James!
Its so weird finding all these people who have had Dr. Remzi (I mean hes great and an awesome surgeon but the internet is weird like that). How long ago was your surgery? Hows your scar look? I’m not so much worried about the scar, but the staples really really freak me out. Did you do a 3 part surgery? Hows your Jpouch? Any problems or anything?
April 20, 2010 at 4:21 am
Hi I’m Kayla! A juicy little Georgia Peach! Haha. I have very much enjoyed reading your blog which I stumbled across while reading about a man who eats marshmallows before a bag change. I have wanted to write one for some time, but after having Crohns for 4 years and a colostomy for almost a year, I still prefer to keep everyone, outside of my small circle of friends and family, in the dark about my condition. I am 21 and desperately want to go to school to become a RN like my mom. Every time I try to start classes, my crohns flares up again. In the mean time, I have met a wonderful man who has IBS, so I don’t feel quite as embarrassed about everything. I wish you the very best as you begin these surgeries and I hope to keep in touch with all of you. God Bless!