# Finally back from the hospital **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [February 21, 2006, 9:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/finally-back-from-the-hospital/345452 "2006-02-21T09:15:08Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 18\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Dunderman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/ecb155/32.png) [@Dunderman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dunderman)\ **Post date:** [February 21, 2006, 9:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/finally-back-from-the-hospital/345452/1 "2006-02-21T09:15:08Z")
On January 25th, I was hospitalized with bloody diarrheas and soon diagnosed with [ulcerative colitis](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/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](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/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. ---
**Author:** ![nonacetone](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/nonacetone/32/2819_2.png) [@nonacetone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nonacetone)\ **Post date:** [February 21, 2006, 9:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/finally-back-from-the-hospital/345452/2 "2006-02-21T09:37:38Z")
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! ---
**Author:** ![Kalhoun](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/3bc359/32.png) [@Kalhoun](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kalhoun)\ **Post date:** [February 21, 2006, 10:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/finally-back-from-the-hospital/345452/3 "2006-02-21T10:42:06Z")
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. Best of luck to you in your recovery, Priceguy. ---
**Author:** ![Tenar](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/35a633/32.png) [@Tenar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tenar)\ **Post date:** [February 21, 2006, 11:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/finally-back-from-the-hospital/345452/4 "2006-02-21T11:15:19Z")
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. ---
**Author:** ![eleanorigby](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/ee7513/32.png) [@eleanorigby](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/eleanorigby)\ **Post date:** [February 21, 2006, 11:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/finally-back-from-the-hospital/345452/5 "2006-02-21T11:50:04Z")
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! Best wishes to you in your recovery. ---
**Author:** ![Ca3799](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/9f8e36/32.png) [@Ca3799](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ca3799)\ **Post date:** [February 21, 2006, 12:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/finally-back-from-the-hospital/345452/6 "2006-02-21T12:37:25Z")
Wow, Priceguy- what an ordeal for you. As a nurse, it’s an honor to serve during what is sometimes of the best and sometimes of the worst events or times in people’s lives. I’m glad you are mending and have kept your spirits up! ---
**Author:** ![irishgirl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/8edcca/32.png) [@irishgirl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/irishgirl)\ **Post date:** [February 21, 2006, 1:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/finally-back-from-the-hospital/345452/7 "2006-02-21T13:14:24Z")
**Priceguy** I’m sorry for all that stuff happening to you. I hope you make a swift and speedy recovery and you’ll be in my thoughts. I suppose the only “good” news is that as it was UC and they’ve removed your colon, that should be the end of your trouble. Has anyone mentioned an ileoanal pouch to you? Is that a possible long-term option in your case? ---
**Author:** ![PapSett](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/ecc23a/32.png) [@PapSett](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PapSett)\ **Post date:** [February 21, 2006, 1:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/finally-back-from-the-hospital/345452/8 "2006-02-21T13:18:56Z")
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))) ---
**Author:** ![ShibbOleth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/848f3c/32.png) [@ShibbOleth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ShibbOleth)\ **Post date:** [February 21, 2006, 2:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/finally-back-from-the-hospital/345452/9 "2006-02-21T14:04:22Z")
**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”. ---
**Author:** ![Khadaji](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/9e8a1a/32.png) [@Khadaji](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Khadaji)\ **Post date:** [February 21, 2006, 8:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/finally-back-from-the-hospital/345452/10 "2006-02-21T20:37:12Z")
> [@Priceguy](#): > > On January 25th, I was hospitalized with bloody diarrheas and soon diagnosed with [ulcerative colitis](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/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](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/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 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. Welcome back, may your health continue to return. ---
**Author:** ![lieu](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/c2a13f/32.png) [@lieu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lieu)\ **Post date:** [February 21, 2006, 8:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/finally-back-from-the-hospital/345452/11 "2006-02-21T20:50:49Z")
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. ---
**Author:** ![Tikki](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/5daacb/32.png) [@Tikki](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tikki)\ **Post date:** [February 21, 2006, 9:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/finally-back-from-the-hospital/345452/12 "2006-02-21T21:26:14Z")
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. ---
**Author:** ![Rebo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rebo/32/13005_2.png) [@Rebo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rebo)\ **Post date:** [February 21, 2006, 9:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/finally-back-from-the-hospital/345452/13 "2006-02-21T21:51:26Z")
Welcome back, and I hope every day gets easier! We missed you. ---
**Author:** ![CapnPitt](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/edb3f5/32.png) [@CapnPitt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CapnPitt)\ **Post date:** [February 22, 2006, 12:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/finally-back-from-the-hospital/345452/14 "2006-02-22T00:41:45Z")
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. ---
**Author:** ![Dunderman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/ecb155/32.png) [@Dunderman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dunderman)\ **Post date:** [February 22, 2006, 1:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/finally-back-from-the-hospital/345452/15 "2006-02-22T13:12:11Z")
> [@irishgirl](#): > > Has anyone mentioned an ileoanal pouch to you? Is that a possible long-term option in your case? 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. > [@ShibbOleth](#): > > 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’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. ---
**Author:** ![Shirley\_Ujest](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/45deac/32.png) [@Shirley\_Ujest](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shirley_Ujest)\ **Post date:** [February 22, 2006, 1:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/finally-back-from-the-hospital/345452/16 "2006-02-22T13:19:34Z")
Welcome back! I’m sorry to hear about your health problems. ---
**Author:** ![ShibbOleth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/848f3c/32.png) [@ShibbOleth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ShibbOleth)\ **Post date:** [February 22, 2006, 1:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/finally-back-from-the-hospital/345452/17 "2006-02-22T13:27:57Z")
> [@Priceguy](#): > > I’m ready! This was just a slight glitch. World domination is once again my priority. 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. ---
**Author:** ![Indyellen](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/indyellen/32/4176_2.png) [@Indyellen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Indyellen)\ **Post date:** [February 22, 2006, 11:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/finally-back-from-the-hospital/345452/18 "2006-02-22T23:30:39Z")
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.