John had to have surgery on Friday. The doctor came in Thursday night and basically said that his case was severe and that it would always be. He also said that he would have to have surgery eventually anyway and it could be now when he is healthy (aside from the colon) or when he is really sick and it becomes an emergency and is dealing with ruptures and leaks. It was what he needed to hear to pull the trigger.
We had planned to have the surgery done on Monday but he started having blood in his stool again (after a week of none) so they squeezed him in Friday. Everything went well and he was stable the whole time. Later Friday night he was trying to tell jokes and was in good spirits.
He got his stomach draining tube thing out of his nose yesterday so he can start eating again and was sitting up a little bit. Today, he had to get more blood but they will take out his catheter and we're going to try to help him walk a bit. Once he starts walking, they'll take the things on his calves that help him from getting blood clots (another machine).
All in all he is healing nicely and quickly. He is happy and relieved. In about two months, he'll have another surgery to reconstruct a new colon out of his small intestines. After he heals from that, he'll have a final surgery to reconnect everything and take way the colostomy bag. The whole process will take roughly 6 months depending on how well he heals each time. (Did I explain that already in my last post? Cant remember.)
You know, I always wondered how people took care of other people when they are unable to care for themselves...even husbands. But after all of this stuff happening, after seeing how much he needs me - how could I not? It doesn't gross me out and I don't think twice about cleaning him or checking him or seeing him in a vulnerable state. I hope that none of you would have to go through anything like this - early in your marriage or late - but if it does you will surprise yourself, prepared or not. Love is a powerful thing.
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Wow. You are so strong and amazing.
I'm glad he's doing well. My thoughts and prayers are with both of you that the rest of this process goes as well as it can.
Wow, I'm sorry you guys are going through this. But I agree with your decision. Much better to take care of the inevitable now, rather than in an emergency situation.
How limited will his activity be for the next two months?
Have you looked at your insurance situation? Hopefully everything is covered.
Definitely keeping your family in my thoughts
I'm glad to hear that the surgery went well. And that's great news they can reconstruct the small intestine to get rid of the colostomy bag.
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We're hoping he'll get out of the hospital by the end of the weekend at the lastest. He might stay home for a few days and maybe go back to work if he feels up to it - he has a desk job. He might work from home for awhile too, we'll see. He is getting ready to stand for the first time tonight and that will probably be one of his last big tests.
As for insurance, we covered the deductible for his first colonoscopy in October and then some...then there was the first 3 day hospital visit in October and then this one is looking like it will be close to three weeks with another colonoscopy, two blood transfusions and a couple CT scans and major surgery...its looking like we're at the point of 100% coverage by now. Whew.
So glad his surgery went well. I would hate to see Brent in that much pain and such a vulnerable state.
You are wonderful wife to keep going for him and taking care of things! Hopefully things will be smooth from here on out with his other surgeries! Good luck!
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I haven't been on here in a while and caught up on your post. I am so thankful everything went well for this surgery. I actually read your original post a few days ago and thought about you for the past couple of days hoping it wouldn't have to come to surgery.
Six months will go by so quickly. And from what you're saying, it seems he is doing extremely well! He'll be a better than textbook example. I am so sorry you are going to this, I can't even imagine what it is like.
I'll be keeping you and John in my prayers and I'm very thankful his surgery went well.
This exactly! He is so lucky to have you! The next few months will be rough, I'm sure, but it will be so worth it in the long run! Hang in there - my thoughts and prayers are with you both!
I couldn't agree more...Melissa you are a hell of a woman.
Absolutely. Many prayers to him for a smooth recovery.
all this
me too, couldn't say it better!
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