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surgery recovery


Tue, May 04, 2010 10:34 PM

My son is going to have his colon and rectum removed due to sever UC.  Does anyone know how long the hospital stay and recovery is after such a procedure? And what are some common complications we might expect? Also was anyone still on steroids while going into surgery?  Thank you

Derek's mom

FPO dmstern8
Joined Sep 23, 2009

Thu, May 06, 2010 3:34 PM

 Reply posted for dmstern8.

Dear Derek's mom,


I was on mega doses of steroids before my colon removal. I was in one hospital for 2 weeks prior to being transferred to another hospital for surgery. My post surgical hospital stay was 9 days - mainly because I lived 2 hours away from the hospital. I had a separate surgery to remove the anus and rectum 6 months later. I agree with the other response to get up and walk as much as possible. Also, sitting up in a chair is better than lying in bed all day. I felt so much better after the surgery, it was easy to do these things. 

My best to you and your son. I hope he has a very speedy recovery,
Maryellen

FPO creativesort
Joined Apr 28, 2010

Wed, May 05, 2010 12:00 AM

 Reply posted for dmstern8.

I was on steriods when I had my resection and temp colostomy.  Being on steriods caused my incisions to heal slower than normal.  Ask the nurses to use as little paper tape as possible.  My skin would tear from the tape.

Make sure your child is as nourished as possible before hand.  Concentrate on protein.  As soon as allowed, WALK with him as much as possible.  That is the greatest help.

My stay in the hospital was 15 days but I was severly malnourished.

Good luck and remember to take care of yourself during this time.

Breezy

FPO breezy
Joined Jan 5, 2009

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