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late recovery after surgery


Sun, July 26, 2009 5:50 PM

It's been 27 days since my husband's second and final j-pouch surgery and he's still in pain. He describes it as if a hand twists his intestines. He has  lost a lot of weight and he feels terribly weak. Some days he  feels quite well even though he goes to the bathroom 7-8 times/day,but other days he is in terrible pain because he can't go the bathroom  at   all  and can't eat anything for days. My worst fear is that the new flu will be fatal for him since his immune system is very weak.We have two children 8 and 10 years old that when schools open in September they might bring the virus home.So if anyone had a similar experience please inform me.

FPO mariand
Joined May 10, 2009

Thu, August 13, 2009 12:00 AM

 Reply posted for MARIAND.

I never really labeled it as a problem. When I left the hospital the doc said it was small and we might have do to something then at my first check up a month later the hole was ok. I never really had a problem going but a pain still comes as I feel myself having to go but goes away quickly. Overtime that has gotten much better.

 

 

FPO gjc
Joined Aug 10, 2009

Wed, August 12, 2009 12:00 AM

 Reply posted for GJC.

How long did it take you to get over this problem with the narrow hole?

FPO mariand
Joined May 10, 2009

Tue, August 11, 2009 9:34 PM

 Reply posted for MARIAND.

I have heard that it is common to get a blockage or the problem you are describing. They thought I was going to have a problem because the hole was very narrow after surgery. My doctor said he might have to stretch it out but did so on it own.  Good luck.

FPO gjc
Joined Aug 10, 2009

Tue, August 11, 2009 12:00 AM

 Reply posted for GJC.

Yesterday my husband went to the doctor who said  he thinks  there is a stenosis(a very narrow point) near the pouch that doesn't allow the stool to pass freely.This is the reason for this pain. For the moment we 'll have to wait,but if it continues I'm afraid another surgery will be inevitable.Did you have the same problem too?

FPO mariand
Joined May 10, 2009

Mon, August 10, 2009 11:00 PM

 Reply posted for MARIAND.

I am now four months removed from the last surgery and can say there is light at the end of the tunnel.  I have not problems where I could not go all day but have had a bunch of pain as things are passing through at times. I find when I try and hold it in its the worst. You will see a big change 2 to 3 months out.

FPO gjc
Joined Aug 10, 2009

Thu, July 30, 2009 12:00 AM

 Reply posted for nickrystal.


Thank you for your reply.Today it's the first day after so much time that he feels slightly better.His doctors say that all these symptoms are expected and that he has to be patient, but I'm afraid there is no patience left in him after 2 years of suffering.As for the flu your advice is very useful. It is the standard procedure to protect ourselves from a common flu, but I don't know if it will be ok for the swine flu too.Let's hope that the vaccine will help.
I wish you all the best!

FPO mariand
Joined May 10, 2009

Wed, July 29, 2009 2:14 PM

 Reply posted for MARIAND.

I'm hoping his doctor(s) are aware he is still in so much pain.  If not, that needs to be investigated, please.

I recently had three surgeries myself, and have decided not to go back on humira because swine flu (H1N1) will come through this winter.  I don't want to be on immunosuppressants when it does.  No one knows how bad it will be or what might happen, because doctors practicing medicine now haven't had to deal with swine flu before.  They may have a vaccine available for it, but the production schedule will be tight.  There will be a vaccine for the "regular" flu, and I suggest he get that one at the very least.  As for your kids, have them wash their hands (properly - 20 full seconds of soap on the hands before the rinse) or use hand sanitizer right when they get in the door, and it wouldn't hurt to have them change clothes as well.

I hope he is feeling better soon.  Hang in there.

FPO nickrystal
Joined Nov 7, 2008

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