On January 25th, I was hospitalized with bloody diarrheas and soon diagnosed with ulcerative colitis. I was finally released yesterday, after almost four weeks. We were forced to remove my colon entirely and I now have an ileostomy, which is still a bit of a shock. But I’m not really writing this to complain about all that. I went through a lot of bad stuff - wasting away from the disease (losing about a pound a day), losing all the benefit that months of hard training gained me, horrible pain after the surgery when the painkillers failed, having tubes and hoses almost everywhere (at one point there were four in assorted blood vessels, one in my rectum, one in my urethra, one in my spine and one in my nose), vomiting bile, a distended stomach when what was left of my bowels stopped working and so on, but the lasting impression I brought with myself was this:
Humanity is so incredibly lucky that the kind of people that become nurses, nursing assistants and orderlies exist. These people work their asses off doing incredibly unpleasant things for little pay. The only reason - the absolutely only reason - that I had even a chance of getting through the above was that they were there and they did their jobs day and night without fail. They’re truly amazing people, and I have no clue what the human race would do without people like that. You could kill off a whole bunch of guys like me and society would plod onwards, but start losing them and we’re headed for the crapper.
I’m glad you’re back home and on the mend, Priceguy You’ve been through a LOT of nasty stuff, by the sound of it! Just rest and take care of yourself! I wish you the best!
Glad to hear you’re on the mend! You’re right about the doctors and nurses. I’m watching from the sidelines while my sister-in-law battles cancer, and all she can do is rave about the care she’s receiving from these people. In fact, I’ve been shopping on line for gifts for her nursing staff. She said everyone has bent over backwards to make sure she’s comfortable, and the team of doctors are working hard to determine exactly what they’re dealing with so they can begin treatment.
Sounds like you’ve been through hell, Priceguy – but your great attitude is amazing! Glad to hear that you had the benefit of wonderful care, and best of luck in your recovery.
I am sorry you have been thru so much–it sounds horrific. Learning to deal with an ostomy can be difficult–there may be a support group in your area, once the shock wears off. Often (but not always) there is alot of anger in trying to learn new coping skills with ostomies. I tell my pts it’s like AA–one day at a time, sometimes one hour at a time.
And thank you for your kind comments re nurses and aides–we don’t often hear it. I’m headed into work–so thanks for making my day, already!
Welcome back Priceguy! So sorry to hear all the stuff you’ve been thru. Hope you have a full, complete recover and NEVER have anything like that again ! (((hugs)))
Priceguy, we’ve really missed you. Let us know when you’re ready to start dipping again! Nothing to take your mind off of things like knowing that the fate of the Western World relies on your orders being “just so”.
I am sorry to hear of this news! I am glad to see you are back. I know a littel of what you went through, as my own operations were intestinal as well - although different. Sending supporting thoughts your way!
As for nurses - mine were incredible. What amazing men and women they were. I’m sure that they had bad days, but they were unfailingly nice to me. I tried, every day, to say “Thank you for what you have done for me.” I hope they knew I meant it.
Wow dude, I’m thinking we need more of the kind of people that can still take the time to appreciate the kindness of others, even when they’re crippled by pain and discomfort, around this ol’ world too. You take care and I hope you’ll soon find an acceptable level of comfort and get stronger every day. Definately sounds like the worst is well past you now.
Welcome back, Priceguy. I sorry you’ve gone though such a hard time. It must be tough having an ileostomy but I hope that every day it’ll be a little easier to handle. My best wishes to you. It was so nice of you tell of your appreciation for those who helped you in the hospital. They are truly a breed apart.
Hey Priceguy, I’m glad you’re out of the hospital and on the mend. As others have said, we’ve missed you. I’ve also gotta say that I’m impressed by your attitude. In a time when most people would be doing nothing but complaining, you compliment those that helped you. The world needs more folks like you.
Yes, both the ileo-rectal anastomosis (not 100% sure of the term in English) and ileoanal pouch are options in my case. In 2-12 months (gotta love the exactitude) I’m going to talk to a surgeon about having one of those operations done. I’m not exactly sure I want to - it does mean diarrhea for the rest of my life - but the option is certainly there.
I’m ready! This was just a slight glitch. World domination is once again my priority.
Thanks for all the kind words, everybody, and eleanorigby, I’m glad you appreciated it. I meant every word.
Er, I suppose we should have told you about what happened with Austria while you were gone… with the power vacuum at the top, there was some, um, insurrection, and, well, chaos, and now the von Hapsburgs have been sent packing and some crazy anarchist was in charge for a short while, which didn’t really work out, since, well, he’s an anarchist. Lately some strange little painter with an odd mustache has been making some noise, a lot of demagoguery, really, and probably won’t come to anything. We’re thinking of having him deported or sent as an enlisted man into the German army.
Sorry to hear about your troubles, Priceguy. I’m glad you’re doing better - and still have a positive attitude.
I used to work in durable medical equipment/medical supplies and there are a LOT of things out there to make things easier. I also have a certain amount of personal experience because my daughter had a colostomy for the first year of her life.
Anyway, I’m glad you’re doing well, and home, and please accept my good wishes for continued speedy recovery.