LizzieM 9,507 Posted August 15, 2017 Report Share Posted August 15, 2017 My saga began several years ago when I started having stomach problems caused by Diverticular Disease. Painful episodes were relieved with antibiotics and laxatives occasionally, plus I had regular check-ups and CT scans at hospital. Eventually though, 15 months ago, I was in a serious condition and was admitted to QMC for an operation to remove a section of Bowel. When I woke up in the Recovery Ward I was surprised, and to be honest very upset, to discover I'd now got a Colostomy. All of a sudden my life had changed. Ok, no more pain but a stoma bag to deal with. I was determined from Day 1 that I was getting it reversed as soon as possible I coped ok with my bag which I christened Gucci, because every girl should have a designer bag. What I did struggle with was excruciating sciatica for several months after the operation, even going to see a back consultant about it, who informed me I had a (bulging) slipped disc, probably not helped by being thrown around in theatre, the mind boggles doesn't it? My accessory didn't really stop me doing things and I was proud of myself in January this year when I went parasailing over the Pacific Ocean in Costa Rica. A few months ago I went off to see my consultant to discuss a stoma reversal. He did try to dissuade me, insisting that I had a 'nice stoma' and I looked and felt well. His words didn't matter to me, I didn't want this thing for the rest of my life and I was booked in for my operation on 27th July. The day arrived, the operation was successful and I woke up in Recovery Ward again with a belly held together with 58 staples, very similar to 14 months earlier, same scar too. I was on Ward E14 again, just like last time, they even remembered me which was nice. An interesting few days on the ward, and a very strange few hours one day when a homeless person arrived by the empty bed next to me. Dear me, she stank, sat there demanding sandwiches and tea, kept nipping out for a fag and refused to go and shower. Jeez, it made me feel sick! She sat there in chatty clothes all afternoon until a similar looking bloke turned up, they went off and she never returned. I was quite relieved to be honest!! I was discharged after 6 days, felt ok, still rather fragile and hardly an appetite but I hadn't been to the loo, I had no idea if my join was working! 5 days later I went to my local surgery to get the staples removed and mentioned to the GP that I still hadn't been to the loo. She prescribed a laxative. Well .......... it worked too damn well, I thought I was going to die, I honestly did. I tolerated the consequences of the laxative for about 36 hours at home but then was brought back into QMC last Wednesday in a dire state. I was put into a General Admissions ward side room with my own commode. They thought I might have a hospital bug so I was in sort of isolation. Next day I was moved to F57, a Gastroenterology ward, again in a side room with me potty! They were trying to get me closer to E14, the Colorectal Surgical ward but a side room still wasn't available so I'm now in E16, a Vascular Ward with lots of amputees so I have great sympathy for Gem's daughter, very sad. For 6 days now I've been receiving IV and tablet antibiotics, had an X-ray and a CT scan. The scan showed that I have inflammation around the new join in my Bowel. This morning the consultant told me that the antibiotics are working and hopefully I can be discharged at the end of the week without further surgery. There was mention the other day that I may end up with another stoma!!! On my tour around the Queens Medical Centre, 5 different wards in 6 days, I've met some really lovely nurses, all of them so happy to make my stay comfortable. I would say that 75% are from the Far East, I doubt the NHS could cope without recruiting from the other side of the World. Just wish the food was more palatable, it's so awful and doesn't help poorly people get their appetite back. Right then, hope my husband turns up soon with some nice things to tempt my taste buds. 4 5 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
loppylugs 8,429 Posted August 15, 2017 Report Share Posted August 15, 2017 I don't really know what say, Lizzie. You've certainly had a rough ride. I just hope and pray things go better for you from now on. Hang in there gal. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
FLY2 10,108 Posted August 15, 2017 Report Share Posted August 15, 2017 Keep your chin up Lizzie, and stay positive. It's nice to hear that our much maligned NHS is seeing you through this very difficult time. Get some good appetising food inside you and build your strength up, ready for a full recovery. Well done, you're very brave. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
catfan 14,793 Posted August 15, 2017 Report Share Posted August 15, 2017 Keep yer chin up Lizzie, you are made from strong stuff. If you like I can bring you a Doner Kebab ! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
carni 10,094 Posted August 15, 2017 Report Share Posted August 15, 2017 Bless you Lizzie. You have been in my thoughts. Its been a long road for you and I hope it has a successful ending soon for you. Hang on in there Gel. xxxx Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Cliff Ton 10,465 Posted August 15, 2017 Report Share Posted August 15, 2017 I doubt if you'll find another post - or blog - quite like that anywhere else on the internet. All the technical details explained in a way everyone can understand, but without upsetting the squeamish. It deserves to be in a category of its own. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Commo 1,292 Posted August 15, 2017 Report Share Posted August 15, 2017 Blimey Lizzie, you are really going through some procedures with an amazingly phlegmatic and stoical attitude to it all. As with everyone else here I wish you the best for your rapid and successful return to full health. Your wonderfully positive attitude will definitely get you there! Keep smiling and I hope that your husband arrives with some suitably tempting goodies. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Jill Sparrow 10,305 Posted August 15, 2017 Report Share Posted August 15, 2017 Lizzie, you deserve a medal the size of a dustbin lid! Brave, brave lady. There isn't a cream cake on the planet big enough for you...and if there is, Carni has probably scoffed it! Chin up. You'll get there. We are all thinking of you. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
benjamin1945 16,158 Posted August 15, 2017 Report Share Posted August 15, 2017 Lizzie my duck,you aint half been thru the Mill gel.........but with your resilience and fortitude you gonna come out shouting........i'm gonna live forever (song please carnie) We will have to meet up Lizzie..........you with your Gucci bag and me with me Gucci shoes.......dance madam ?........all the best me dear............. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
LizzieM 9,507 Posted August 15, 2017 Author Report Share Posted August 15, 2017 Thanks everyone, you're all so kind and supportive. When faced with my situation anyone would have to deal with it bravely, or die ........ as apparently would have been the case 15 months ago if I hadn't had the colostomy operation. I actually had a blockage in my Bowel. Unfortunately there is always risk with any surgery, we after all have to sign a consent form before an op don't we? The thing is though, when they tell you that 10% of these procedures go wrong you never ever think you're going to be in that small percentage. I'll be fine, I'm in the right place and I have a room with a view (QMC Main Entrance!!). Got a tad noisy at midnight last night when some drunken female started kicking off down there. In fact it's amazing how many odd people I see being escorted off the premises. I'll look forward to seeing you all again soon. 3 3 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Jill Sparrow 10,305 Posted August 15, 2017 Report Share Posted August 15, 2017 32 minutes ago, LizzieM said: When faced with my situation anyone would have to deal with it bravely, or die ..... That's me twanging a harp, then! 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
carni 10,094 Posted August 15, 2017 Report Share Posted August 15, 2017 benj, I'm gonna learn how to fly. High. I feel it coming together. People will see me and cry!!!! FAME! Lizzie, you have all us Nottstalgians behind you (Scarey Thought). Get well soon Miduck, look forward to seeing you at a meetup perhaps later in the year. 2 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
nonnaB 4,895 Posted August 15, 2017 Report Share Posted August 15, 2017 Lizzie just come on to nosey. I'm pleased you feel comfortable enough to put your ordeal on NS. You have a lot of friends on here that you will be in their thoughts and they all wish you the best. If your husband doesn't bring you any decent goodies come down and we' ll feed you up. I repeat all the other comments and hope you dont have to stay there to much longer. A big hug xx 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
sue B 48 1,226 Posted August 15, 2017 Report Share Posted August 15, 2017 Oh dear Lizzie you have really been going though it and you are being very brave putting it all down in writing, your sence of humour at a time like this is great. Keep pecking away miduck.x 2 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
LizzieM 9,507 Posted October 5, 2017 Author Report Share Posted October 5, 2017 Well it’s 10 weeks today since I had my big stoma reversal operation and then a few days later the subsequent return to QMC with an infection around the ‘join’. I’ve been doing well in my recovery, getting stronger, eating well and gaining a few pounds but still would prefer to put on another stone as I feel too thin. On Monday I had a second follow-up appointment with my consultant, he was pleased to see me looking well then said ‘Get on the couch Lizzie, I want to look at your join’. Well there’s only one way he could do that, it doesn’t take much imagination, and it hurt believe me! The outcome of that little investigation is that I’ve got to go into hospital (The Park this time, at great expense!) on 24th October to have it stretched because during the healing process it has shrunk. I will be given a general anaesthetic because it would hurt too much without. But I’ll be in and out same day. A couple of years ago I never dreamt I’d have to go through all this, you never know what’s round the corner. However I’m a lucky one, there are lots of folk struggling with illnesses, my little blip is nothing by comparison. 6 4 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
plantfit 7,595 Posted October 5, 2017 Report Share Posted October 5, 2017 You doing great Lizzie,you'll soon be on top form Rog 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
katyjay 5,091 Posted October 5, 2017 Report Share Posted October 5, 2017 Don't really want to 'like' your post, cos it's not good you have to have the procedure done later this month, but know I'm thinking of you. See you soon. Getting excited now. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Commo 1,292 Posted October 5, 2017 Report Share Posted October 5, 2017 Roll on 25th October ! We'll be thinking of you Lizzie. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
MargieH 7,600 Posted October 5, 2017 Report Share Posted October 5, 2017 Lizzie, so sorry you have to have yet another procedure. It's good that you are eating a bit better, though. Obviously we'll be thinking and praying for a successful outcome for you xx 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
carni 10,094 Posted October 5, 2017 Report Share Posted October 5, 2017 Sorry your still going through this ordeal Lizzie, I hope they can get you sorted as soon as possible. xx 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
FLY2 10,108 Posted October 5, 2017 Report Share Posted October 5, 2017 All the best for the future treatment Lizzie, you deserve it for all you've endured. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
banjo48 928 Posted October 6, 2017 Report Share Posted October 6, 2017 Only just read what you've been going through Lizzie, keep your chin up and best wishes from Oz. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
catfan 14,793 Posted October 6, 2017 Report Share Posted October 6, 2017 Chin up Lizzie, my thoughts & prayers are with you. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Jill Sparrow 10,305 Posted October 6, 2017 Report Share Posted October 6, 2017 Chin up, Lizzie! You're made of sterling stuff and we're all thinking of you. Hope everything goes well and you'll soon be celebrating down at the cream cake shop...if Carni hasn't scoffed em all....again! 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
benjamin1945 16,158 Posted October 6, 2017 Report Share Posted October 6, 2017 Yes Lizzie you'll get there.......all the best mi-duck........... 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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