Hi my name is Chris Fox, I been suffering with UC ever since I was 15. Im currently 18 and I had my J pouch surgery 2 weeks ago. I was admitted into the hopsital in october, I had excessive bleeding and was in mission hospital for 3 weeks, after getting all the treatments availble and 6 colonoscopy with no progress they sent me to Sedar Cenai in Beverly Hills. At this point I havent eaten for almost a month and was been fed TPN. After 2 days in Sedar Cenai they decided to operate and do a total colectomy and J-pouch. I was so sick I agreed because i had no other option and was tired of suffering. I never had anthesia before so I was nervous and didn't know what to expect. Towards the end of the surgery the doctor discovered I had Malignant Hyperthermia. My body temperature rapidly started to increase uncontrolably and I reach 107 degrees. The doctors acted fast and administer the antitode within a minute of having a temperature that high. Death occurs if not treated within 3 minutes(dantrium is the antidote) still unconscious they filled my open stomach with ice and surrounded my body. But they had to wake me up, I heard them yelling my name but i was not able to open my eyes i wanted to scream to tell them i could hear them but all i could do it wiggle my toes. The next day I woke up in ICU with every tbe attached me. I had a respirator, a artery line (in my neck) a A line (a block on my wrist) a EKG on my body and a pic line, a caphitor, anal tube, and a regular Ivy just incase i didnt have enough acess to my veins. It took me about a week to get out of the hopsital. I had to re teach myself how to walk since my muscles were depleted. When i was home i dealt with a lot of depression problems and didnt know what to do. After struggling and using every tactic to keep myself healthy I fought through it and felt almost normal. When I just got to about normal I had my next surgery. This time the doctors knew about my Malignant hyperthermia and knew what to do but recovery felt easier then the first one but the JP drains and caphitor still bothered me to no end but it was better then nothing. I was out of the hopsital in only 4 days but depression came back once again to haunt me. I feel that ansthia and morphine mess with my head alot but Im alive and i survived all this. I had a knew out look on life. Even though this disease ruined my senor year forced me to leave my lacrosse team and give up my scholarship for college, and had to work harder then ever to keep up with school. I beat it. I kept up with school and I plan to go back to my sport by this summer im shooting for it. When i go to college I plan to study Pre Occupation Mental Therapy to help others who go through a tramatic experience and help them mentally through it, like counciling but in the hospital so patients have faith to keep fighting. No one is alone and i want people to feel it and know it. Thank you for listening and I wish everyone the best luck and good health
Sincerly,
Chris Fox UC and malignant hyperthermia survivor

Welcome to the site Chris! You had quite a wild ride. But I'll bet that you'll do everything you want to do with the rest of your life.

Your hospital stays - even with that initial complication - were normal length. It takes a while to get back on your feet after this surgery.

You should talk with your doctor about your depression. Many of us go through that and some of us experience post traumatic stress disorder. Talk therapy and/or antidepressant medications can really help. If you decide on therapy, try to find a therapist who is familiar with chronic disease.

kathy

Hi thank you Kathy for your reply well I had this depression problem from my first surgery I think its mainly because of the Anesthesia it does not do well with my system I talked to my doctor and he said that it sometimes takes a month for it to completely be removed from your system. So I'm pretty sure thats the cause but if it lasts longer than a month I will take action. Thank you.
Sincerly,
Chris Fox

Quite a harrowing tale Chris! But glad to hear you came through it well. Fingers crossed for you that this is just situational depression or like you said, after effects from the anesthesia. It is great that you have your goals and a plan of action. Welcome to the club!

Jan

Chris,

You can find jpouch support group meetings in both Los Angeles and Orange County. Both meetings are attended by CR surgeons and lots of jpouchers in various stages of recovery. It's a great opportunity to meet pouchers face to face and get support, tips, and the knowledge that the veterans have. If interested PM me and I will email you the schedule.

Sue