So tuesday I see the ostomy nurse, and March 11th is my surgery. I'm so excited!

But, for all you smokers, what did you do for surgery? I'm assuming I'm not going to be able to get out of bed for atleast a day. Problem is, I don't think I can go an entire day without smoking. It would be fabulous if this would force me to quit, but I'm afraid that me having nic fits would possibly...damper my healing. I want to be in the best mindset coming out of this. I turn 18 on march 8th, so would the hospital offer me the patch? Who would I even ask to find out? I don't know, I guess cigarettes would be good incentive to get me out of bed and walking.

And for those who went back to the perm ileo, how many days were you in the hospital? How long before you went back to work?

Thanks!

Hi Chelsea,

All the best for your upcoming surgery. I can't offer you any advice about the smoking, but take it from an ex-smoker, if you want to try to quit now might be the opportune time to try.

I'll keep you in my thoughts and prayers.

I really doubt you will feel well enough following surgery to want a cigarette! I also agree that this might be the best time for you to consider giving up the cancer sticks. If you can get through one week without smoking you have crossed the most difficult part of the quitting process.

Sue

Hi Chelsea,

Are they going to take out the pouch or just bypass it? I would figure that if they're going to take it out then you'll be on your back and not moving too much for a while. You'll also be kind of drugged up so hopefully you may not even notice cravings. (This happened to my 2-pack-a-day father-in-law when he had to have bypass surgery. ) If they will just bypass the pouch and leave it in then maybe they'll give you the patch anyway or let you chew the gum. In any case they'll tell you that smoking is not good for healing - just tell them that neither is stress and you'll be stressed if you don't have an alternative to smoking. As long as they see that you want to do your best to heal properly they shouldn't have a chip on their shoulder.

Wow, the surgery is soon!! I've got everything crossed for an awesome outcome and an easy prep - you already know its the worst part. I'm really pleased for you that you've made a decision that feels right. You're going to walk into surgery with a great mind-set and that will really help. Keep us updated,

Lots of hugs and good vibes headed out your way,

Suzanne

Good luck with the surgery! Make sure you get that ostomy nurse to mark EXACTLY where you want the stoma! Since I had emergency sugery and didn't get to pick it made it difficult concerning clothing options!
Best wishes!

Chelsea,

Good luck with your surgery. You'll have to let us know what you name your stoma. I'm glad you made the decision to go with a ostomy. I think in the long run you'll be happier.

I'm not even going to ask how you get your smokes not being 18, but you should really try to quit. this is a good opportunity. I quit caffiene (Iknow you can't really compare it) after my one step and it lasted until I got my temp ileo in October.

We'll keep you in our thoughts.

Chelsea, good luck with you upcoming surgery!

I hope you get this nicotine thing figured out, but hopefully, like others have said, maybe it will work out that you are able to quit during this time. Otherwise, get some gum or lozenges if the hospital won't accommodate you with a patch. Could you talk to your doctor about your nicotine situation prior to your surgery to see if he/she would prescribe you the nasal spray, inhaler or patch?

Again, good luck!

Chelsea,

I just wanted to wish you the best of luck with your upcoming surgery. You have put up a good fight in trying to keep your pouch.

At 18 years old you should be out living your life and not having to worry about your health you have had enough problems for a lifetime.

May this be the start of a problem free life for you. You will make an excellent or nurse.

You could ask your ostomy nurse about the patch since you see her soon.

There is another procedure several people I know have done and have successfully quit smoking. It's a noninvasive laser treatment in the office. A friend is suffering from lung cancer now and several of her friends have done this procedure with successful results.

It's called New Beginnings Laser therapy and you can read about it at www.stopsmokingnow.com if you're serious about wanting to quit. My friend was skeptical since she's now in her 60's and she'd been smoking since her teens but it worked for her. Unfortunately she stopped too late and now has lung cancer but she still recommends it to anyone who asks!

Chelsea,
Good Luck with the upcoming surgery. Hope everything works out for the best. Once you get your life back on track you might give up smoking - saves a lot of money too. I did a lot of things growing up in L.A./Hollywood in the '80s. It seems like eternity since I was doing those things. Someday you will be thinking the same thing when it has been 20 years sinced you smoked.
Take Care
David

I wish you luck !! Let us know how you are when you can ..I wish you all the best in your future have a speedy recover..

All I can say is that if you can stop smoking before your surgery, instead of waiting until after surgery, it would be the best thing for you. Smoking reduces the blood flow to the surgical area, delays healing, and increases your risk of pneumonia following surgery. At least a week before your surgery is recommended.

But, wow! You sure don't mess around once you've made up your mine. You go girl!

Jan

My mother had surgery once and was up and about the next day so she could go outside for a cigarette. At the time the nurse actually commented to the surgeon 'isn't it funny how the smokers tend to be the ones who want to be up and about first after surgery?' lol so it can be a good motivator

You probably won't even be thinking about wanting a cigarette immediately after surgery, but when the urge does eventually hit you, it will be a great motivator since you should walk as soon as you can after surgery

Chelsea,
Best of luck to you- I'll be on my back, going back to the perm ileo on 3/11, too!

Think good thoughts- you'll be great!

//Todd

Hi Chelsea,
It must be nice to have made a decision about this, even if it's not the one you would have made originally. You have been through so much and tried a lot of different things to make your pouch work for you. I think you show so much strength and spunk. I hope that this surgery will give you your life back and let you get on with everything that awaits you!
Although your experiences have been difficult I'm sure it has made you such a more understanding and empathetic person. I believe you'll be invaluable in your career!