I almost hate to ask because I normally don't frequent this area of TradGang. But I'm a little nervous about this one, and sure would appreciate your prayers.
Back in March I was hospitalized with diverticulitis. Several spots of my colon had actually ruptured. After a few days on IV antibiotics with no improvement - I was actually getting quite a bit worse - my doctor decided that the only option was to operate.
He removed about 18 inches of my colon, and left me with a colostomy to give everything a chance to heal. He told me then that the colostomy would be temporary, and that he could reverse it in 4-6 months. He told my wife right after surgery that things were alot worse than even he was expecting...the surgery took more than 4 hours - he had told my family it would be less than an hour. He also told my wife that without the surgery I probably would have been dead within 48 hours.
I returned to work in early May. Less than 2 weeks after I returned to work, I ended up back in the hospital with an infection in my small intestine. We never really figured out what caused it, but after 6 days in the hospital on IV antibiotics, the infection was cleared up and I was sent home.
Then, as if that wasn't enough, I had to have some scar tissue removed from the colostomy site back in early August. The scar tissue had built up to the point that my bowel was almost completely blocked.
Now the time has come to have the colostomy reversed. The doctor has warned me that there is a chance that he might not be able to reverse it at this time, and we might have to wait a few more months. Unfortunately he won't know until he gets me in the operating room and has a look inside.
For some reason, even though I've been through so much this year, I'm a little nervous about this one. I'm scheduled for surgery Monday morning. I just hope that all goes well and I can put this whole ordeal behind me.
Brother,
I hear the fear...and know how that feels... things are that way with me some lately.
FWIW, I had a dear friend, early 40's now...that had the same thing... the reversal went fine. He has "flare ups" now and then, but with diet control and fiber, he does very well...
Fear is my biggest battle at times... but when there is absolutely nothing i can do, faith is easier.
This one is outa the ball park, and there is nothing you can do...worst case is that you live with the bag a while longer... not what you want, but seems there is plenty of that "not what we want" going around here lately...and in the world.
Give it back to God (easy for me to say and not so easy for me to do in my own delemma--so I'm aware of the impending hypocrasy here) and trust Him to guide the surgeon and heal you both physically and mentally.
We've got your back with prayers for sure. Do what you can about what you can and let God handle those things you can do nothing about.
Keep the Son in your eyes!
Eric, I pray your doctors have the skill and knowledge to help you to a speedy recovery..surgery is daunting but, its out of your hands..trust your doctors and be positive..look to the future and plan for the days ahead...the best medicine is a positive outlook..plan your next hunt.. come hunt with me..
Shawn...
Amen and Prayers for comfort that only comes from knowing that Jesus died for you and accepting that for yourself instead of trying to be good enough.
Prayers are on the way from Georiga.
In HIS service
Dave
Prayer sent
God Bless
Any surgery is scary, I remember the fear. You will be in my thoughts Monday, and I will be praying that all will go smoothly. I pray that you will be stronger than ever for many many years.
Killdeer
Thank you all for your thoughts and prayers.
I have to be at the hospital tomorrow at 8 am.
Hopefully I'll be home by the end of the week.
Prayers sent and stay strong :pray:
I had a friend go through this and everything went fine. Keep the faith!!
Tracy
Prayers for peace, grace and total healing!
Prayers continue as you undergo this surgery and for a great recovery.
Ray
In my thoughts and prayers today...
Shawn...
Well, I came home from the hospital yesterday afternoon.
There is no doubt that the Great Spirit was guiding my surgeon's hands on Monday.
About 3 hours into the procedure, my doctor was ready to join the 2 ends of my colon together. As he manipulated the ends into position he noticed something that didn't quite look right deep in my pelvic area. Ho probed the area with his scalpel, and milky-white fluid started leaking out of it.
He called one of his partners into the O.R. to take a look and give a second opinion. His partner confirmed his fears: that because of the abcess, he had 2 choices. He could either abort the procedure to allow the abcess to heal, or he could continue and pray for the best outcome. However there was a pretty significant risk that the repaired area would leak. In that case, he would have to operate again, leaving me with an ileostomy, which may not be temporary.
After speaking with my wife, he decided to abort the procedure. He told my wife that he would be able to go back in in a few months once the abcess has had time to heal. When we discussed it yesterday in the hospital, we both agreed that it would be best to wait until after the first of the year.
God will heal you Bro
Prayers for contiued Blessings.
God Bless
Sounds like a disappointment for you, but God didn't show that abcess for no reason...
Sounds like a "steady as she goes" is the best choice of action...disappointing for sure, but God's shown many of us here that His timing is often not ours!
Prayers for healing, grace and patience to fill you to overflowing...
Keep the Son in your eyes!