Yet another surgery

[steiconi]

I've been getting infections since shortly after cancer surgery in 2006. I was told it was due to a fistula in my lower intestines leaking into surrounding tissue, and I eventually had a colostomy in 2015, to bypass the area and let the fistula close. Didn't solve the problem.

So in 2018, I had another surgery; they were going to reverse the ostomy, fix the fistula, and remove the affected tissue. Instead, I woke up with a Barbie Butt (which didn't really surprise me). Sadly, that didn't fix the problem, either.

Now I have a collection of fluid that gets infected (abscesses) AND a fistula that drips 24/7. I was resigned to dripping forever, but in the last few months, the fluid collection has expanded and become extremely painful, putting pressure on my sciatic nerve.
It's taken three months to find a surgeon to fix it, and Friday is my big day.

He says all the right things, and has great ratings, so this slap happy Pollyanna is trusting him to fix it right this time.

Wish me luck!

[Mara]

Best wishes for a successful outcome of your upcoming surgery, steiconi!!

[ron in mich.]

Good Luck on your upcoming surgery and a fast recovery.

[steiconi]

Thanks!

[NEskier]

Best of luck on the surgery and a rapid recovery.

[To Dream a Dream]

My healing thoughts & sincere prayers surround you as you confront yet another obstacle on your life's journey. May you be blessed with compassionate caregivers & renewed strength.

[steiconi]

Thank you!

[To Dream a Dream]

Lee: Just some last-minute well-wishes for tomorrow to one of our discussion board's most active & supportive members. (Please remember to take with you some of your own supplies.) 'Hope to read good news from your next post.

[steiconi]

So far, so good!
Just waiting to fart...

[BillGK]

Wow, just saw this. Another surgery. I hope that you have a good outcome!

[To Dream a Dream]

Good for you, Lee! That's the spirit! May you always continue to be blessed as you meet every new challenge.

[steiconi]

Well, that didn't go so well.
It was supposed to be two nights in hospital, but complications set in.
Infection, a second surgery, slow recovery...just got home yesterday after three weeks. Lost ten pounds, look like hell. I hope recovery goes better.

[To Dream a Dream]

Lee: Thanks for your update. Am so sorry about the complications & second surgery. It's a lot for you to go thru. Please know I am thinking of you & praying the strength you have always shown in the past will return soon. Feel the well wishes of your friends on this board cheering you on.

[steiconi]

Incidentally, one of the nurses insulted my stoma! "What an ugly stoma. Why'd they give you a flush stoma?"

Gee, thanks. In the last 8 years, I've learned to deal with and respect little Pua (the Hawaiian word for flower, AND it has poo in it). I was rather offended.

[Mara]

Incidentally, one of the nurses insulted my stoma! "What an ugly stoma. Why'd they give you a flush stoma?"

Completely unprofessional - I would make a complaint....