Monday, July 21, 2008

The Colon's Last Day

I met with the stoma nurse this morning.  She was very informative.  All of my questions were answered, even some questions I didn't know I had.  Now I have a purple marker spot on my stomach where the stoma will be.  I had to sit, stand, bend over, dance,  all that stuff so we knew the stoma would not interfere )too much) with life.  Or I should say so life doesn't interfere with the stoma and it's connection to the bag.   The marker she used on me will stay permanent on the skin for up to two weeks.  The only mistake the nurse made, is she gave one of these markers to Scott!  So, consider yourself warned and do not pass out if Scott is anywhere in the vicinity.
Today I am just a wee bit nervous.  But mostly I am hungry!   I can only have clear liquids today.  Fun!  I think I am going to eat my weight in jello.  Then, this evening I start the real fun part of prep. . . the purge.  At 5 pm I will take 2 different types of laxatives.  It is five times the recommended does.  Joy.  Basically my night will be spent entirely on the toilet.  The only positive part is after this is all said and done I will never have to take a laxative again (even for prep work!).  
I can't believe I am going to have surgery tomorrow.  It still feels some what unreal.  This can't be happening to me!  These things don't happen to me, they happen to other people.  I've never had surgery before.  Heck, I've never even spent the night in the hospital before.   The only times I have been to the hospital were once for a migraine and that one time in college when I fell out of bed.  Yup, I fell out of bed and landed in the ER.   
I plan to post as soon as I am well enough to after the surgery.  In the meantime Scott will do a couple updates on here so you all can stay in the loop.  Thank you everyone for all your love and support.  I have felt a little less alone on this journey. 
 See ya on the flips side.  

18 comments:

Transitional Sapce said...

Good Luck, Steph! I know just how you must be feeling. I don't envy your evening on the pot. But you're right its the last time you'll have to take those stinkin laxatives. Good Luck tomorrow. Be brave. You are doing the right thing for you. I can't wait to hear how you are doing post-op!!!

Keri said...

*hugs* I'll be thinking about you, Steph!

Heather said...

prayers and hugs sent!

Maribeth said...

Good luck Steph!!! I will be thinking of you all day tomorrow.

Teri said...

Love you Steph and a hug to Scott. We will be thinking about you.
You made me laugh about the falling out of bed ER visit. I think someday you should tell us that story!I believe you should be a writer.
Hang in there and write again soon!
Love, Aunt Teri

Unknown said...

Hi Steph! And Hasta la Vista to the colon!!! You are so positive and such an inspiration. No one else can make a bunch of blog readers laugh just about every time they read the postings. Love ya lots & plenty of positive thoughts & prayers coming your way from all of us.
Love,
Kelly

Anonymous said...

Thoughts and prayers to you guys as you begin the next stage of this journey! You continue to amaze with your attitude; I don't think I could be that strong. Hugs to you all ... and good luck with your prep!

Sugarmouth O'Riordan said...

Best of luck with the prep, surgery, and recovery! Speaking of the prep, not to be a total buzzkill, but you'll probably have more of those down the road (for the ostomy reversal, follow-up colonoscopies, etc), but think about how great you'll feel the next day (no more ostomy, being told that you don't have any polyps, etc)!

Good luck to you and I hope that you're able to progress to full liquids quickly (read: cream of wheat and milkshakes are sooooo much better than broth and jello)!

Anonymous said...

Steph...hope the "road to purge" isn't too rough on you! Lots of love to you and Scott. Wish I could be there with you. Keep that humor coming!
Love you
Aunt Donna

Anonymous said...

Steph,
Soon the waiting will be over and let the healing begin! My love, thoughts, prayers, and best wishes!
Mandy

Rosie said...

Good luck! I'll be thinking about you! (Rosiedoll from The Nest)

Anonymous said...

Best of luck Steph! Sending hugs and prayers!
Hayley

Anonymous said...

Good luck!!! My thoughts and prayers for a super speedy recovery are with you!

Anonymous said...

Keith and I will be thinking about you all day tomorrow. We're looking forward to hearing updates as soon as they're available. Best wishes for a speedy recovery and big prayers that this is the beginning of a healthy road for you.

Love,
Amanda (and Keith)

P.S. 'Friends' will be coming your way shortly!

Anonymous said...

Good Luck, Steph. You'll be in my thoughts all day tomorrow.

Love Always ~ Erin

Unknown said...

Steph,
You are going to do awesome and have a quick recovery. Who knows, maybe the flip side is better?!

~Carly and Bradick

Anonymous said...

Wishing you the best thoughts and happy healing vibes today. Can't wait to hear that things went excellent and you're on the road to feeling better.
kjh36 (from the nest)

Anonymous said...

Love ya Steph!!