My name is Pete. I was diagnosed with UC about 2+ years ago. Been on everything and I was scheduled for a colectomy/j-pouch on 1/12 but last week had a kidney stone attack and my GI said you will never make it so he want's to admit me next week, maybe tomorrow. I am really ready for this but I was wondering if anyone can make some suggestions based on experience. I hope to be as good as possible for my kids at Christmas and anything I can say or do to help that along I will do. Of course I am a little nervous but I am going to one of the best hospitals in the country and feel that I am making the right (and only) choice.

Thanks!

Pete

This message has been edited. Last edited by: PSJ,

Hi Pete-
Welcome to jpouch.org! You will find some of the most wonderful & supportive people on Earth here.

As for your upcoming surgery... congrats on getting a head start to a healthy new year.

Will you be having a 1 step, 2 step or 3 step?

I had a 2 step and can say the first part had me in the hospital for 6 days.
During that time, I slowly went from nothing by mouth, to measured clear liquid by mouth to soft foods.
You will get lessons from the ostomy nurse on how to care for your stoma & bag. Having someone else (family member, etc.) available to watch the lesson is benefical as you might be a little out of it or overwhelmed to take it all in. You will probably have a visiting nurse or something like that when you go home so they too will help you adjust. Just take your time but definitely try to change your bag yourself early so you get used to it.

While in the hospital, try to get out of bed and walk around as soon as you can. Take your pain meds before so that they kick in when you come back from your short stroll.

As for things you will need:
- slip on shoes (you won't feel like bending/ tying)
- loose fitting sweats (you will be bloated)
- chapstick (you will feel dry)
- powder (something like Shower to Shower to help you feel dry & clean)
- plastic bag (to tie to your bed to make trash disposal a lot easier- you might be congested from surgery, so maybe some tissues)
- bring some crackers, pretzels, lollipops (hospital food isn't always the greatest)
- a pillow for the car ride home (to place over the stoma area- seatbelts can tug on the bag)

My best advice is to get as much rest as you can, when you can. Being in the hospital you aren't likely going to sleep through the night- as they come in & out to check on you,etc. So when you get home you might be used to being up at night... take naps through the day. Have a heating pad to help ease some discomforts.
Personally, after 3 weeks I started to gain a lot of my energy & strength back. So it is possible to be ready for the holidays.

The most important thing is you are taking steps towards a healthier you & that is the best gift for your children.

Here's to a happy & healthy holiday season for you & your family! Good luck!

Kar,

Thanks for the advice. I will definitely use it. I'm sure this site will be invaluable to me in the future. I am still waiting to hear from my doctor, he kind of left me hanging on when to admit me. I'm sure it's going to be a relief after it's over. Congrats on the soon to be new addition. Is he your first? Two of the best days of my life ( I have 5 year old twins boy/girl and an 8 year old girl) when they were born.

Take care,

Pete