Hi All - home from the hospital!

VickiCO
VickiCO Member Posts: 917
edited March 2014 in Colorectal Cancer #1
Sorry I didn't post earlier, but hubby refused to allow me to take the laptop to the hospital. He's a stubborn one! Anyway, my ostomy surgery went very well- laprascopic all the way. I am so sore, but that is to be expected. The suregery was very early Wednesday morning, took a little over 3 hours and I was in my room by noon. The surgery floor was so overcrowded, I had to have a semi-private room. I had the best roommate (emergency gall bladder surgery)She and I were both awake all night and talked and talked. I worked for Apple computer a long time ago, and she works for them now. Then the next day the head nurse came in and said she had a special room for me. Heidi had gone home and I was anxious about who the next roomie would be. Anyway, they moved me into the corner, private room with 3 windows, all facing the Rocky Mountains. It was wonderful! It is known as the best room in the hospital. I sure drew the right lottery ticket that day! I asked why I was put there and she said "You've been a good girl.And you been through a lot"

The nurses were beyond great, my healing was right on target and by Saturday noon I was eating solid foods (Turkey & mashed potatoes never tasted so good!) My stoma is receded a little bit, but behaving beautifully. And best of all - I have my life back! I came home Sunday night - two full days ahead of schedule.

Thank you all for the support, prayers and good wishes. I am already getting used to "Ethel". (My tumor was Fred, so we decided the Stoma is Ethel) She misbehaves, what with all of that noise she makes, but we already love her.

I will post more later, after my nap.

Many hugs, Vicki

Comments

  • daydreamer110761
    daydreamer110761 Member Posts: 487 Member
    congrats!
    Very glad to hear everything went so well, and what a room! Nice to see you home and posting, now keep healing!
  • maglets
    maglets Member Posts: 2,576 Member

    congrats!
    Very glad to hear everything went so well, and what a room! Nice to see you home and posting, now keep healing!

    welcome home
    Oh Vicki.....so glad you are home and things went ...you sound positively chipper....good girl.

    Having such a nice room really shouldn't matter.....BUT it does,,,lol

    congrats, keep up the good work

    mags
  • coloCan
    coloCan Member Posts: 1,944 Member
    Welcome home Vickie
    Give yourself time to recuperate; while walking is beneficial, do so at your own pace, per doctor's advice.Take painkillers as needed and becareful when Ethel starts calling for Lucy and Lucy answers-Ricky may be close behind (That makes no sense, just playing on Lucy show)Feel better, you'll make it thru this...Steve
  • angelsbaby
    angelsbaby Member Posts: 1,165 Member
    coloCan said:

    Welcome home Vickie
    Give yourself time to recuperate; while walking is beneficial, do so at your own pace, per doctor's advice.Take painkillers as needed and becareful when Ethel starts calling for Lucy and Lucy answers-Ricky may be close behind (That makes no sense, just playing on Lucy show)Feel better, you'll make it thru this...Steve

    Good to
    hear from you and all went well i am so glad take care

    hugs

    michelle
  • KathiM
    KathiM Member Posts: 8,028 Member
    It is soooooooo wonderful to hear!!!!
    I'm glad you are home, and that Ethel is making her place in your life...

    I am sending wishes that this will allow you to do all the things that you want to do, but were unable because of the toilet!!!

    I LOVE your grand 'can-do' attitude...you are truly my hero!!!

    Hugs, Kathi
  • thready
    thready Member Posts: 474
    Oh Happy Day
    Congradulations Vicki!!! Glad you are home.
    Best Wishes
    Jan
  • Annabelle41415
    Annabelle41415 Member Posts: 6,742 Member
    Glad You're Home
    So glad that everything went well. You will get used to your new "normal" fast especially after what you have been through. I actually just came back from the hospital also and this is my first post so I'm glad you are positive about the new changes. You received "Ethel" and they put "Bella" back in. Glad you are home. Rest up and hope you have a speedy recovery.

    Kim
  • Shayenne
    Shayenne Member Posts: 2,342

    Glad You're Home
    So glad that everything went well. You will get used to your new "normal" fast especially after what you have been through. I actually just came back from the hospital also and this is my first post so I'm glad you are positive about the new changes. You received "Ethel" and they put "Bella" back in. Glad you are home. Rest up and hope you have a speedy recovery.

    Kim

    My
    stoma is named "Nellie" I call her "Nagging Nellie" since she likes to "sound off" when she feels like it, kind of temperamental like Nellie Olsen from Little House On The Prarie lol..

    You sound absolutely well, and happy, and it put a smile on my face, so glad you seem pleased with it, and it will make your life easier. I don't even want a takedown, I'm fine with this forever. Please rest well, and just remember to use the pillow on your belly when getting up, and coughing or laughing, it kind of soothes it. Do you have a wound vac?

    Hugsss!
    ~Donna
  • Fight for my love
    Fight for my love Member Posts: 1,522 Member
    Hi Vicki,it sounds like you
    Hi Vicki,it sounds like you got very good treat in the hospital.Thank you very much for your update.I am so happy that everything went well.Get well soon.Take care.
  • VickiCO
    VickiCO Member Posts: 917
    Shayenne said:

    My
    stoma is named "Nellie" I call her "Nagging Nellie" since she likes to "sound off" when she feels like it, kind of temperamental like Nellie Olsen from Little House On The Prarie lol..

    You sound absolutely well, and happy, and it put a smile on my face, so glad you seem pleased with it, and it will make your life easier. I don't even want a takedown, I'm fine with this forever. Please rest well, and just remember to use the pillow on your belly when getting up, and coughing or laughing, it kind of soothes it. Do you have a wound vac?

    Hugsss!
    ~Donna

    Thanks everyone
    Yes, I have to be careful of overdoing it. I had some big pains last night, but am figuring out the meds and it settled down.

    Donna, no wound vac - they didn't have to open me up. The worst wound I have is where the JP pouch came out. Boyo, that one is sore. Yes, this is permanent, not takedown. I cannot believe that I have been to the bathroom only once today - peeing still happens! LOL! And the pillow trick is sure a good one. Luckily I have an adjustable bed at home, so that helps getting up as well.

    Take care all...I am off to eat my noodles (Oh no, back on that kick!)

    Vicki
  • Kathleen808
    Kathleen808 Member Posts: 2,342 Member
    Vicki
    Vicki,
    So glad you're home! It sounds like the hospital stay was as good as a hospital stay can get. It's great you have your life back. When all is settled you're off...... wherever and whenever you want.

    Aloha,
    Kathleen
  • Sundanceh
    Sundanceh Member Posts: 4,392 Member
    :)
    Go glad all went well with your op, Vicki!

    Sounds like it was a big success and you are in great spirits!

    -Craig
  • lisa42
    lisa42 Member Posts: 3,625 Member
    welcome home
    Hi Vicki,

    I'm glad to hear your surgery went well, and that you also had such a nice experience in the hospital. :) That's definitely worth a lot.
    I will keep you in my prayers for a speedy recovery. I'm sure there are many folks on this board who will give you lots of good advice in managing your ostomy.
    You take care and hugs to you-
    Lisa
  • sfmarie
    sfmarie Member Posts: 602
    Congrats
    What a great attitude and outlook you have. Such inspiration. Blessings, Marie
  • tootsie1
    tootsie1 Member Posts: 5,044 Member
    Yay!
    That's wonderful, Vicki! I'm sure you're glad you made the decision to go ahead and do this. As soon as you recover from the surgery, get out there and enjoy life!

    *hugs*
    Gail
  • Kathryn_in_MN
    Kathryn_in_MN Member Posts: 1,252 Member
    Fantastic
    So glad everything went well and you got to go home early even! I hope you continue to recover quickly and Ethel behaves!
  • sheri22
    sheri22 Member Posts: 273
    Way to go
    I am so glad you got thru all that and sounds like you did great too. sorry I havent been posting a lot this computer needs some work, will get done after chrismas. You had been thru a lot with this So enjoy the holidays and have fun

    Sheri22
  • luv3jay
    luv3jay Member Posts: 533 Member
    Welcome home!
    I'm glad that everything went well for you. Take care and get some rest!

    -sheri