Loading ...My diverticulitis gut blew up similar to what happened to RNOs wife. I developed a massive infection that perforated my colon wall, and continued outward to perforate my bladder also. I nearly fainted when the ER doc reported my CAT scan showed a fistula ‘path’ between my colon and bladder. He had to go get the hospital specialist AND surgeon to report further. My blood culture was infected and I was perhaps hours away from full body sepsis. I was instantly admitted and for the next three days I lost count of how many IV bags of antibiotics they pumped into me to kill the infection before they could do surgery.
My surgeon was Russian. Yes… I’ve been ‘colluding with a Russian’ ! He explained that they would have to resect part of my colon and HOPEFULLY reconnect it, depending on the damage they found. I might wind up with a permanent colostomy bag, or maybe an illiostomy (small intestine bag) for awhile as things heal. The truly amazing thing I found out was that he was an expert laparoscopic gut surgeon and this would all be done thru very small holes and robotically. I did not expect to find that degree of medical expertise in a small town in rural Hawaii. Oh, yeah, he had to sew up the hole in my bladder also, and said I would have a catheter and urine bag for a couple weeks while that heals.
When I woke up after surgery, screaming in pain that even Morphine failed to blunt adequately, I was also overjoyed to find I had no bags attached to my gut… just the catheter. Tears of pain and joy as I gave thanks. I am in absolute awe of the skill of this Russian laparoscopic surgeon.
Clear liquid diet and more gallons of IV antibiotics while we all waited for the first puff of fart gas to find out if the seals held up. A day later it happened and I got upgraded to a ‘full liquid’ diet… pudding and puree oatmeal were the thickest. Slowly over the next six days things progressed until I am on a regular diet with no restrictions, and things are passing ‘normally’ now. I have four tiny holes in my abdomen held closed with a band-aid, and i can already use my ab muscles to lift my legs and bend over with no pain. Just amazing recovery from such a hugely invasive operation.
Since my colonoscopy last November that started this runaway train, I have lost more than 25lbs. I’m down to my college days weight, which I like even if I look like a shriveled prune now. Concentrating on healing now… lots of vitamin C for collagen building. The veins in my arms are destroyed from all the IV work I have had and will also benefit from the vitamin C. Liquid protein supplements also.
I’m weak, but happy to be alive with no baggage. Thank you all for your well wishes.