Well, I am now 4 weeks post op and to be honest with you I am not getting along with my Ileostomy. It requires much more of my attention through the day as it is constantly producing. I also really do not like the look of it. My colostomy stoma was like a squashed strawberry but this.....well it sticks out and looks like a little willy! I am glad that I only have it till January 09. I haven't called it anything nor built any bond so far. It is necessary to have though so I should find some positivity in it really.
I am healing very well, my scars are doing fine and my Haematoma has really gone down which is all good news. However, I feel totally shattered most of the time. I lack energy and have a 'can't be bothered' attitude at times which really isn't like me. I think it is due to the fact that I have been in this state really since April and I am so close to my last op that frustration, anger, emotion etc is all heightened.
I remain positive, I continue to smile through but I am only human, not a super human so things do take their toll.
Thursday, 18 September 2008
Water Soluble Contrast Enema
I have received my appointment for my X-Ray. 23rd December. This x-ray will confirm whether the colostomy reversal site has healed and that there are no leakages. Providing all is well, I can then have my Ileostomy reversal in January, so fingers crossed.
Ileostomy Reversal.........DONE!!
Well, Its all done now. My final operation has been a success and I am now free from Colostomy, Ileostomy and Bag. Hoorah !!!
I am 3 weeks post op and recovering slowly but surely. To be perfectly honest, it hasnt sunk in really that its all over. I am constantly tired at the moment, maybe due to relief and the enormity of what has happened over the last ten months is now hitting me quite hard.
I feel that its all been a bit of a blur, constantly trying to get better, in and out of hospital for operations, recovering again and then again but I have got through, I have reached the finishing line and it will only be a matter of time when I can finally celebrate and move on with my life.
I am 3 weeks post op and recovering slowly but surely. To be perfectly honest, it hasnt sunk in really that its all over. I am constantly tired at the moment, maybe due to relief and the enormity of what has happened over the last ten months is now hitting me quite hard.
I feel that its all been a bit of a blur, constantly trying to get better, in and out of hospital for operations, recovering again and then again but I have got through, I have reached the finishing line and it will only be a matter of time when I can finally celebrate and move on with my life.
The Hair Thing !!!
Well, Due to my hair falling out I dyed it what was to be a nice warm brown. This was to hide the new growth. It wasnt a permanent colour, in fact it advertised it was supposed to wash out in so many washes....that was back in Late October........it's still as dark as when it was first done only now I have a few greys coming through and blonde roots!!! Happy to say I am off to the hairdressers next week to get my wig sorted !! I thought I would put this on here to warn any of you thinking of doing the same. It may not have to same effect on you but just in case....x
The Recovery
Sorry, it has been quite a while since I updated my Blog. So much has happened since my Ileostomy Reversal. My scars are healing, my hair is growing, my weight has been a little up and down, mind you, so have my moods! I have stopped taking my anti-depressants, stopped my councilling sessions, I have been backwards and forwards to hospital for follow ups and unfortunately problems to. I continue to suffer with terrific pain each month due to the state my Gynae organs have been left in following the operations and infections. I am due to be seen soon by the 'Pain Management Team' so hopefully they will be able to help me. I have had a scan and fluid has been found, quite a bit of it, so I am going to see my Gynae Surgeon on Friday to discuss this. Its all go............
Thats me on the right at my School Reunion. It was in June this year. We all turned 40 so did a Big Bash to celebrate. I was so happy to have been well enough to attend as it had been organised for quite some time....most of that whilst I was poorly. It gave me something to focus on...I must be better for the reunion....I will be better for the reunion, I was better for the reunion!!!It's NOT all plain sailing.......
I know I keep stressing to you that you need to keep a positive attitude, keep smiling, dont let the buggers beat you etc etc etc......well, believe me I do get my low days which unfortunately have been many. Constant pain from the aftermath is like sleep deprevation.....it takes it toll. Dont ever be ashamed of feeling like you cant do it anymore, the smile fades and just getting up in the morning is a struggle. It does pass but then tends to raise its ugly head every now and then. Its wierd, when you are really poorly, all you tend to do is live each day and hope each day brings rewards like...your bag hasnt leaked, you've put on a pound, you can tollerate the pain, you have been out for a walk or you have simply lived a day without any flashbacks or morbid thoughts. When you start to feel well again, feel yourself, feel like you really are getting somewhere, thats when its almost harder. I have feared walking out in the street in case i get run over, driving my car in case i get involved in an accident, every twinge or pain means a hospital visit or worse a stay!! and of course reflection. Thats the worse. When you feel well things like this blog with all the images hit home and hit home hard. There are times I forget this all happened, until i catch a glimpse of my scars....I havent updated this blog in ages as I have suffered the trauma of the flashbacks...the horrendous thoughts and total exhaustion from it all. Today is a good day. Today I feel alive and well. I live every day now, only worrying about today or being happy for today. I find this helps. Please let me know how you are coping.
A Rumble in the Jungle - Is your tummy disco dancing?
Is your tummy making a load of noise? Mine sounded like I had a little alien in there, it not only made growling noises but you could see my tummy moving about. I wouldnt say that it was painful, although at times it did make me a little uncomfortable. We all know how wind can be crippling dont we. Well, I have some advice. As with all my advice I can't guarantee this will work for everyone and if in any doubt then just check out its use with your GP.
GINGER ROOT - 550mg. I take one of the capsules daily and although the noises occur still they are not as frequent, not as loud, not as uncomfortable and not as embarrassing either!!!
I bought mine from Holland and Barrett. They have a number of outlets across the UK and a website: www.hollandandbarrett.com. A good friend of mine who suffers from IBS takes natural Ginger but adds a little to hot water and drinks as a tea. If you dont like the taste then the capsules are probably your best option. If you try this then I would be very happy to hear how you get on so please send me some feedback. I think you can get Ginger Root from other retailers including Tesco's. Here's to a quieter tummy.......hope it works for you xx
GINGER ROOT - 550mg. I take one of the capsules daily and although the noises occur still they are not as frequent, not as loud, not as uncomfortable and not as embarrassing either!!!
I bought mine from Holland and Barrett. They have a number of outlets across the UK and a website: www.hollandandbarrett.com. A good friend of mine who suffers from IBS takes natural Ginger but adds a little to hot water and drinks as a tea. If you dont like the taste then the capsules are probably your best option. If you try this then I would be very happy to hear how you get on so please send me some feedback. I think you can get Ginger Root from other retailers including Tesco's. Here's to a quieter tummy.......hope it works for you xx
Tell the truth and shame the devil !!!
Firstly I want to thank all of you who have left comments on my blog. I hope I have helped in some way to make things clearer or to simply put minds at ease.
I am legally bound not to fully disclose the information on responsibility, accountability and neglect which lead to my situaton. Alot of the horrific details have therefore been omitted such as side effects, trauma and ongoing pain and suffering. Needless to say that once my case has been heard and conclusions reached I will be in a better positon to complete my blog more thoroughly.
I am happy to communicate through my personal email address which is : rachelebruce@btopenworld.com
I am also on FACEBOOK....look up Rachel Bruce.......
I will update my blog with anything I feel relevant or that would be helpful to you so keep checking for updates.
Kindest Regards
Rachel xxxxxxx
I am legally bound not to fully disclose the information on responsibility, accountability and neglect which lead to my situaton. Alot of the horrific details have therefore been omitted such as side effects, trauma and ongoing pain and suffering. Needless to say that once my case has been heard and conclusions reached I will be in a better positon to complete my blog more thoroughly.
I am happy to communicate through my personal email address which is : rachelebruce@btopenworld.com
I am also on FACEBOOK....look up Rachel Bruce.......
I will update my blog with anything I feel relevant or that would be helpful to you so keep checking for updates.
Kindest Regards
Rachel xxxxxxx
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