As usual such helpful info from Maggie. I once left the hospital with a temporary drain and no supplies beyond one or two gauze pads. When my pain meds wore off, I realized that I was severely undersupplied. It is such a simple thing, but having medical supplies waiting for you is enormously helpful. Also do not forget other things like appropriately sized daily use items such as cat litter and pet food. Just try to pick up a 40 pound bag of cat litter with a drain in...actually DON'T😉!
You're so talented at producing quality videos. You must be good at public speaking. I have no IBD issues but I fined your videos so intriguing. Best regards ❤
Radiant Maggie. There’s an anesthesiologist who has a UA-cam channel here called Max Feinstein. He’s terrific at making one feel relaxed before surgery. He goes through everything about the world of anesthesiology. You’re full of sunshine when you smile. Wishing you so much good health. Say “hi” to Zak for me. Both of you please take care.
As a person who had a crazy amount of surgeries like myself, this is such an informative video, which only comes with experience 😂😂, thank you so much Maggie. Hi to Zak and the furbabies to. 🌺🌺🌺🌺
All this was very familiar after dealing with multiple rounds of cancer surgery the last few years. You covered the bases of the important stuff to think about! And I am so very happy to have had an adjustable base bed for many years now - it's the only reason my back is still decent, and that I could find any kind of comfortable sleeping position after coming home from surgeries.
Wish I had you tube and you when I was 27 and had a ileo anal anastomosis. I have always wanted to give back to others but now at 63 I truly appreciate your guidance for anyone
Maggie I started watching you to understand crohn’s so much more .My granddaughter was diagnosed at 15..Even tho I never see her ( family crud) I wanted to be informed in case things ever change. Watching you is so uplifting and informative. I now understand her so much more thankyou❤
I didn't have time to prepare for my operation .I had severe pain on and off. After bringing up lots and lots of bile, I mean washing up bowl fulls. In the end my partner had phoned for an ambulance and I was in theater within an hour. I had 3 loops blocking my intestines. The operation happened so fast it was a shock. I also ended up with a nasal tube.i also ended with gastroparies..I spent 8 weeks in hospital after sepsis got me. It was all a shock. When I had my ileostomy it was planned they also inserted a feeding tube straight into my intestine. I felt OK and calm.
WOW! Sometimes comments like yours remind me that things could ALWAYS BE WORSE. So glad you are on the other side of that trauma and I hope you are doing well.
Hi Maggie, great video and suggestions. Thank you. The one thing I encountered was that my hospital stay was supposed to be 5 days after colon cancer surgery. Well, guess what? Complications set in and I was in hospital for 20+ days and then rehab facility. All my best laid plans went flying out the window. My wife kept it organized as well as possible in the circumstances, thank God for her. I guess sometimes the best laid plans…go out the window. I had to deal with completely unexpected issues like extended PT, OT and rehab time, then home care for quite a while. 😮 So, the moral of my story is, you might have to deal with completely unexpected curves in the road, and be prepared for changes you don’t expect.
Very Good information!! Family parking expense can be reduced if your stay is 3 days or longer. Ask Help Desk before you are admitted if program exists. Often its a sliding scale or 50% off. Worth asking... I have my pharmacist provide empty bottles with label when filling scripts before procedure. I set baskets in strategic places with meds, change of some clothes items, bandages, snacks and supplies, even spare chargers. I tuck a hand towel and even pads under that basket. It makes my supports task easier so they are not digging under sink or dresser. I advance my bill payments before surgery to give me 30 days to not care if something is due. That payment is reflected on the current bill and if negative balance, I can gauge when I need to top up. Find out if home care visits are possible in advance. Follow up with charge nurse before rolling out the door (usually one day before) Some suppliers will provide discounts or samples and mail to your door. Worth approaching after your planning meeting with surgeon. Have a great week Maggie.
I've had 2 back surgeries and a tubal ligation surgery. Recovery is always the hardest. My surgery in 2016 for a laminectomy and spinal cord stimulator implant was extremely painful. I needed to use a walker and then a cane to get around. 2019 post-op pain management improved a lot with medical cannabis. I depended on the log roll and Manuka honey bandages helped a lot. I don't dissolve stitches, they always end up being spit out. Day 1-3 post op pain sucks.
I had sinus surgery about a year and a half ago. I was so excited to get it done, I was miserable for over a year and have had sinus trouble most of my life.
Thank you all of your videos have been very helpful I'm a newbie with the osteomy bag and I'm going back in several weeks to get a reversal surgery thank you so much you've been very helpful
I have cerebral palsy and have gastric bypass surgery and have a couple revision. I have 52 surgeries and an adjustable bed is crucial for recovery when you have a hard time getting out of bed.
I remember many, many years ago when I had sinus surgery on my left maxillary sinus and my ENT packed it with Iodoform gauze to be removed the next morning after surgery. My ENT had prescribed an anesthetic injection before she removed the packing bright and early the next morning. New she had stressed in the injection that it was to be done by a certain time (before she was going to remove the packing). She asked me if I had the injection and when I replied NO she checked with the floor nurse and was told they don't do injections that early and it would be at least before they were going to start injections! My doctor came back explained what happened to the shot and asked me if I wanted to wait or let her go ahead and remove the packing. I said go for it and she proceeded to remove a strip of gauze like a magician pulling a long ribbon from his mouth. Oh the pain, and I wanted to kill the nurse who ignored a doctor's order.
Great video Maggie!! Having had several surgeries (colon/ostomy) I relate and you covered everything I can think of. Long phone cord charger would be very helpful. I had a lot of difficulty with mine. too short!!!! Very good idea to take care of things you will need when you go home before you go in for surgery. Very informative video 👍 Hi Zak 😊
This was a great video! I think mostly because I require a care giver due to my disability the worst part is my body doesn't feel like my own which hightens with situations of surgery.
I'm not getting surgery per say, but will b going for a liver biopsy, and i''m mortified! Don't know if the liver disease is due to my Crohn's, or the Entyvio, or neither.🥴🙄☹️
Besides anxiety i don't have any medical problems (knock on wood! 🚪 😅) but uhm just here to show my love and support! ❤ i have had an interest in medical stuff as a child and just enjoy learning. As a child i loved going to the doctors office with my grandfather so that i could sit on his lap and watch him get his blood drawn. 😂 he was the opposite! Hated all of it! I once broke my wrist and the doctor had to re-brake it before putting on the cast and my grandpa threw up all over the nurse! Lmaoo (my grandpa went back later that day with a brand new set of scrubs for the nurse as an apology) a few months later it was time for my cast removal and to show me that the saw was safe the doctor touched me with it on my hand and my grandpa 100% flopped to the floor fainted! He didn't come to for 10 minutes. Not until a nurse poured ice water on the back of his head! 😅 i felt so bad! After then we made the deal that he would never ever go with me to the doctor again! 😂 (and me i waited 4 days before going to the hospital for my broken wrist because i didn't want to miss my best friends sleepover so i didn't tell anyone lol) aaaand then 3 years later i broke my other wrist and waited 2 days before because i was visiting my mom and didn't want to bother anyone haha my grandaw picked me up and i told him i needed to go to the hospital because i broke my wrist a few days prior and he put his head on the steering wheel, sighed, and said well i aint dealing with that s*** again! Lets go home and grab your grandmother! 😂 One other time i accidentally stepped on a nail and it went all the way through my foot. I knew my grandpa couldn't deal with it so i sneakily went the the bathroom and poured rubbing alcohol all over it. Made sure all my toes wiggled without severe pain. Wrapped it with toilet paper. Put on 3 socks and then my shoe. But that didn't last long. It was time for bed and my grandpa quickly realized i was going to bed with my shoes on and refused to take one off....😂😂 finally i said i stepped on a nail but didn't want him to throw up or pass out so i took care of it. He called in my grandma and she looked at it. She was surprised at how well it looked lol the next day it was still fine with little pain. No swelling or inflammation. No bleeding or discharge. So that was that! 😅 healed fine. (My grandma kept a close eye on it and myself ofc) sorry i went down memory lane a bit! My grandpaw passed August of 2018 and i am just now getting to the point where i am enjoying reminiscing....😊❤ Point is i love you guys and your videos! ❤ hehe oh! One more good one! My grandpaw was in the hospital and my uncle, grandma and myself were going to go pick him up because he was getting discharged. As i was getting out of the vehicle my leg got snagged on my dry erase board that was at my feet and apparently there was a sheet of thin metal underneath. It sliced my shin open about six inches vertically. I said ow my board cut me. My uncle asked if i was okay and i said yes. He said let me look. By the time he open the car door there was already a pool of blood! Lol he told my grandma to get me into the hospital. Funny part is that we got into the parking garage elevator with a man. He looked over and saw a pair of scissors sticking out of my grandmothers purse. He was super concerned about someone getting injured and i looked at him and started laughing. He asked why i was laughing bc it isn't a laughing matter and i apologized and said it's funny because i am standing here as the elevator floor is being covered in blood and all he noticed was the dangers of a pair of scissors. 😅 we got into the hospital but wasn't anywhere near the ER. So we went to the floor that my grandpa was at and went the the nurses station area. They asked if we were lost and i said no my papaw is actually standing right over there. I smiled and waved to him. Then i said i actually need help because i cut myself outside. She said oh no do you need a bandaid? I said no i think i need stitches. (I was 10 years old) he chuckled and said in a "this cute kid is exaggerating" type of way... oh reaaaly? Lemme have a look! I pointed to my leg as she poked her head over the table and her face went white. At that point my white sunflower sandle was red and pooled with blood! 😅 at this point my grandpa was heading over to us wondering why we were talking to the nurses. I yelled to him no stop! Im bleeding, you don't want to see! Lol the nurse quickly got me into a little room and placed a bunch of gauze on my leg. My memory is fuzzy during that time. All i remember is telling the doctor to make sure i can see because i wanted to watch as he put idk how many stitches into my leg. Lol then the next thing i remember is being at home and my uncle and grandpa were investigating the dry erase board and found the metal. It almost cut my uncles hand and he got mad so he threw it like a Frisbee into the woods. They then called the company multiple times to complain. They didn't want compensation or anything. They just didn't want anyone else to get hurt. The company actually stopped production of the product and came out with a new metal free version a few months later. They also issued me a sincere apology and sent me a box filled with all of their products (metal free! Lmaoo)
In case you are allergic to anything commonly used in surgery, after-care, etc., don't rely on it being in your chart. Tell everybody so that the nurses know, the doctor knows, the anesthesiologist knows etc. I have had bad experiences in after-care and my grandma landed in a coma for 2 weeks after surgery because someone messed up.
Also, ask about taking your prescription medication(s) the day of, and if you're not outpatient, whether they will provide those for you in the hospital, or if you should bring them with you. Especially if they are unrelated to whatever your surgery is for, it's easy to forget about them until you need them. Or there could be interactions with something you're given during or after that no one thinks of until there's an issue!
Oh gosh I'd love that bed!!! It'd come in really handy since I struggle with tall beds as you mentioned and being able to prop myself up just right would really improve my quality of sleep! Only surgery I've gotten is gallbladder removal, prep night sucked lol. I had to drink this nasty stuff to clean out my bowels and Lord I did not enjoy that part haha...recovery was worse than the surgery itself.
I always love the ostomy nurses I always meet in pre op. They talk so calmly and convince ya it just becomes part of life they always are so sweet. Every surgery I’ve had for crohns I’m always prepared as I could wake up with a bag. Now there’s talk or surgery just for a ostomy bag now. They think I have short bowel syndrome from all the intestines they have had to take in 3 surgeries. So my understanding it will be a colostomy but I think it will have outputs like a ileostomy. Because of the short bowel syndrome. Mentally I’m ready for freedom of bathroom, but all 3 of my Crohn’s surgeries I woke up and found it a “win” that I didn’t have a stoma. Now I fear when waking up to a stoma knowing it coming it’s going to be devastating.
Hello Maggie ty for another great video so thankful for your videos and your helper Zac hes such a good hubby just like mine always buy my side with love and support you do such a good job on your video so full of info thanks again😊
Praying that you are in and out with no complications and that your healing goes well. I had several abdominal surgeries (not for colon). If you want to ask stuff, I can try to answer.
I've had a lot of surgeries. So many things to think about/do: -Make a CHECK LIST way before -Pay bills/send letters/do stuff that needs to be done before surgery (like I filed my taxes early, and paid my bills) -Cook or have food prepped for several days of meals before procedure -Avoid pain killers for prolonged time because it can constipate you and reduce resistance to pain - WALK as much as possible ASAP -Bedside table with things to grab: journal, pens, hot water bottle, magazine/games, lip balm, peppermints, water bottle, etc. -A vomit bucket by the bed just in case -Lower your bed to get off and on, esp with abdominal procedures -Watch the foods that can cause constipation (Sugar, some foods, high fiber) - plan for a few days of that being an issue (charcoal or laxative, etc) -REST!!! -Avoid climbing stairs, and lifting more than a gallon of milk, or doing anything strenuous -Plan to NOT DRIVE for a week, at least (or by doctor's orders) -THOROUGHLY clean house -Make your bed/room smell nice and clean to perk up your spirits -Create a playlist on YT, etc., to entertain you SO many things......
Maggie...your so strong. I am 76 and have a large mass in my colon/rectum area. Surgeon says it us in a bad place Surgeon said it has to come out. In speaking with the potential surgeon my Dr tells me my A1C is 9.3. surgeon says haveto get diabetes under control before surgery. Wants to put me on insulin. Too many life changing decisions all at same time. I am over the top with anxiety. They of course want to put me on anxiety meds. I dont like taking any meds. I just cant bring myself to say yes to the surgery or insulin. I dont want to spend my remaining time here trying to heal. My last surery i had a hysterectomy and quit breathing during surgery due to an asthma attack They had to paddle me 3 times. I am very very nervous.
You hit the spot again Maggie, thank you! Carry a notebook everywhere and write EVERYTHING down is my suggestion. Lists of stuff to take in, sort at home, things you need to plan. Your memory just isn’t as good when you’ve something like this to organise! I got to 55 with no illness or ops, had bowel cancer surgery, came home with my new Barbie butt and stoma and went straight back into being a carer for an elderly relative (and a cat)! Tough as all the things I’d planned to help me heal went out of the window as, if you’re a carer, it’s all about them, not about you. Another relative had been there for the week I was in, they stayed 1 extra night that time, and went home the same day I was discharged after my repair surgery (with free added complications). None of that was in my note book 😂 you can’t plan for everything and it’s healthy to accept that.
Hi and thank you for your videos, I have had over 6 surgeries on my intestines 3 on my back I also have poor lungs so now the doctor is wanting me to have an osteomy done and for me it’s nerves very scared about the whole thing any way my survival chance is less than 50% so in my case I am having a hard time with a decision, any way thank you for your videos.
Regarding not feeling normal in your body afterwards; when I had my colon removed it felt so bizarre. I could feel that it was missing. I didn’t realize beforehand that you can sense your colon at all times. So when it was removed I had an empty feeling that took awhile to get used to. I wonder if this was your experience too?
We have a cat that likes to crawl all over me do you have any tips other than a super soaker to keep her off of me.. we can't send her anywhere because she is anti social in a big way.. I'm so nervous she is going to crawl on my stomach stitches I'm getting cut wide open and having an iliostomy done super scarred any advice would help another thanks Maggie
Hi been watching your channel for advice about the famous “Barbie bum” or butt should I say. Am wondering whether I’ll need to sleep downstairs when I get home as am scared to use the stairs incase I tear. Was anyone ok with the stairs please. I’d love to know what’s best so I can sort a downstairs room out. Thanks ❤ Marion (Liverpool England) xxx
I was ok with stairs- I just walked one step at a time (right foot on next step, then brought left foot to same step and so on). I also used a little ladder to get into bed because our bed is fairly tall!
Thanks a lot this makes me feel better knowing it can be done. Am also going to buy the honey you suggested on a gauze am praying the pain isn’t as bad as I imagine as I can’t take oxycodone liquid or morphine anymore due to bad reactions from my bowel cancer. Just don’t think paracetamol will hit the spot. Thanks for your reply hun I really appreciate it xxx Hope you’re well maggie xxxx
Thank you so much Maggie for sharing, can I ask you a question I had My anus removed but I'm having a difficult time recovering, the surgery was last January and my quality of life has drastically decreased and isn't getting better. I feel that My Dr's aren't listening to me and my pt isn't able to do much more until my Dr's figure out my health. Is it normal to fall asleep randomly . How has iv fluids helped you? I also have some skin legion or skin tags where they removed my anus. Which is causing a lot of pain.
O MGosh. Maggie, you sound like me. lol if i go and find it cos you cant look or move something and i find it. the stare. that's me and that's my Mum and Dad. lol They would say that to all of us kids when we were younger. Wow you must have UK blood in your veins girl. lol Thank you for all of this information it is very helpful. i have made a list of things to think about. I always take a current list of medications in my drawer with my medications and a note book to update the list. i put prescribed meds over the counter meds and vitamins and minerals that i take and in RED ink i put what i medications i cannot take due to Allergic reactions and what the reactions i get from them down cos i always get asked that question right after that. I had one surgery back in the UK that was an exploratory surgery and as they were waking me up i suffered from anesthetic shock. i felt like i had woken up during the surgery but i couldn't open my eyes and i couldn't talk or move. then i heard them say she should be put back to sleep. the person monitoring me realized i was awake. Anyways i was cold and no mater how many blankets they put on me i was still shaking and cold i was as white as a sheet no colour on someone who is pales skinned to start with that was serious. i was throwing up and shaking falling back to sleep it was a nightmare so i always tell my stories of my surgeries because the bad ones always stick with you even when you are nervous, and i get nervous every time. Thank you Maggie for being here and helping me to navigate my disease. i know we all feel this disease differently and some medications will work on some and not on others but to trust the process i think is the key here. the Doctors all know their jobs and how to navigate the difficulties when they arise, but after the process i went through just getting a diagnosis in the first place and one doctor tells you this another that and you end up feeling down and depressed and not trusting the doctors but in order to take charge of your own disease and navigate around it you have helped me out a lot since i started listening to you talk about the taboo subject. so Maggie thank you. i wish i could hug you. anyways God bless you sweet lady. see you in the next video.
Maggie I started watching you to understand crohn’s so much more .My granddaughter was diagnosed at 15..Even tho I never see her ( family crud) I wanted to be informed in case things ever change. Watching you is so uplifting and informative. I now understand her so much more thankyou❤
Thank you to Flexispot for sponsoring this video! Flexispot Adjustable Bed Frames Amazon Prime Day Sale, Up to $225 off BUY NOW: amzn.to/3N4mhvm
As usual such helpful info from Maggie. I once left the hospital with a temporary drain and no supplies beyond one or two gauze pads. When my pain meds wore off, I realized that I was severely undersupplied. It is such a simple thing, but having medical supplies waiting for you is enormously helpful. Also do not forget other things like appropriately sized daily use items such as cat litter and pet food. Just try to pick up a 40 pound bag of cat litter with a drain in...actually DON'T😉!
You're so talented at producing quality videos. You must be good at public speaking. I have no IBD issues but I fined your videos so intriguing. Best regards ❤
You are too kind! I'm actually terrible with public speaking 🤣
@@LetsTalkIBD me too. Have a wonderful evening.
Radiant Maggie. There’s an anesthesiologist who has a UA-cam channel here called Max Feinstein. He’s terrific at making one feel relaxed before surgery. He goes through everything about the world of anesthesiology.
You’re full of sunshine when you smile. Wishing you so much good health. Say “hi” to Zak for me. Both of you please take care.
As a person who had a crazy amount of surgeries like myself, this is such an informative video, which only comes with experience 😂😂, thank you so much Maggie.
Hi to Zak and the furbabies to. 🌺🌺🌺🌺
All this was very familiar after dealing with multiple rounds of cancer surgery the last few years. You covered the bases of the important stuff to think about!
And I am so very happy to have had an adjustable base bed for many years now - it's the only reason my back is still decent, and that I could find any kind of comfortable sleeping position after coming home from surgeries.
Wish I had you tube and you when I was 27 and had a ileo anal anastomosis. I have always wanted to give back to others but now at 63 I truly appreciate your guidance for anyone
Maggie I started watching you to understand crohn’s so much more .My granddaughter was diagnosed at 15..Even tho I never see her ( family crud) I wanted to be informed in case things ever change. Watching you is so uplifting and informative. I now understand her so much more thankyou❤
I didn't have time to prepare for my operation .I had severe pain on and off. After bringing up lots and lots of bile, I mean washing up bowl fulls. In the end my partner had phoned for an ambulance and I was in theater within an hour. I had 3 loops blocking my intestines. The operation happened so fast it was a shock. I also ended up with a nasal tube.i also ended with gastroparies..I spent 8 weeks in hospital after sepsis got me. It was all a shock. When I had my ileostomy it was planned they also inserted a feeding tube straight into my intestine. I felt OK and calm.
WOW! Sometimes comments like yours remind me that things could ALWAYS BE WORSE. So glad you are on the other side of that trauma and I hope you are doing well.
Hi Maggie, great video and suggestions. Thank you. The one thing I encountered was that my hospital stay was supposed to be 5 days after colon cancer surgery. Well, guess what? Complications set in and I was in hospital for 20+ days and then rehab facility. All my best laid plans went flying out the window. My wife kept it organized as well as possible in the circumstances, thank God for her. I guess sometimes the best laid plans…go out the window. I had to deal with completely unexpected issues like extended PT, OT and rehab time, then home care for quite a while. 😮 So, the moral of my story is, you might have to deal with completely unexpected curves in the road, and be prepared for changes you don’t expect.
You are an amazing woman. You àre doing such a wonderful service for people living with IBD
Very Good information!!
Family parking expense can be reduced if your stay is 3 days or longer.
Ask Help Desk before you are admitted if program exists. Often its a sliding scale or 50% off. Worth asking...
I have my pharmacist provide empty bottles with label when filling scripts before procedure.
I set baskets in strategic places with meds, change of some clothes items, bandages, snacks and supplies, even spare chargers.
I tuck a hand towel and even pads under that basket.
It makes my supports task easier so they are not digging under sink or dresser.
I advance my bill payments before surgery to give me 30 days to not care if something is due. That payment is reflected on the current bill and if negative balance, I can gauge when I need to top up.
Find out if home care visits are possible in advance. Follow up with charge nurse before rolling out the door (usually one day before)
Some suppliers will provide discounts or samples and mail to your door. Worth approaching after your planning meeting with surgeon.
Have a great week Maggie.
I've had 2 back surgeries and a tubal ligation surgery. Recovery is always the hardest. My surgery in 2016 for a laminectomy and spinal cord stimulator implant was extremely painful. I needed to use a walker and then a cane to get around. 2019 post-op pain management improved a lot with medical cannabis. I depended on the log roll and Manuka honey bandages helped a lot. I don't dissolve stitches, they always end up being spit out. Day 1-3 post op pain sucks.
That sounds DREADFUL. So glad that's in the rear view mirror for you.
@@cindys2995 so far so good. My last back surgery was in 2019.
I had sinus surgery about a year and a half ago. I was so excited to get it done, I was miserable for over a year and have had sinus trouble most of my life.
Thank you all of your videos have been very helpful I'm a newbie with the osteomy bag and I'm going back in several weeks to get a reversal surgery thank you so much you've been very helpful
Thanks
I have cerebral palsy and have gastric bypass surgery and have a couple revision. I have 52 surgeries and an adjustable bed is crucial for recovery when you have a hard time getting out of bed.
This couldn't have come at a better time I will be having surgery I love all 5he important things to do before surgery thank you Maggie ❤
I remember many, many years ago when I had sinus surgery on my left maxillary sinus and my ENT packed it with Iodoform gauze to be removed the next morning after surgery. My ENT had prescribed an anesthetic injection before she removed the packing bright and early the next morning. New she had stressed in the injection that it was to be done by a certain time (before she was going to remove the packing). She asked me if I had the injection and when I replied NO she checked with the floor nurse and was told they don't do injections that early and it would be at least before they were going to start injections! My doctor came back explained what happened to the shot and asked me if I wanted to wait or let her go ahead and remove the packing. I said go for it and she proceeded to remove a strip of gauze like a magician pulling a long ribbon from his mouth. Oh the pain, and I wanted to kill the nurse who ignored a doctor's order.
Great video Maggie!! Having had several surgeries (colon/ostomy) I relate and you covered everything I can think of. Long phone cord charger would be very helpful. I had a lot of difficulty with mine. too short!!!!
Very good idea to take care of things you will need when you go home before you go in for surgery.
Very informative video 👍 Hi Zak 😊
That was very informative and useful. Thank you a lot.
What a thorough, thoughtful list of suggestions.❤
This was a great video! I think mostly because I require a care giver due to my disability the worst part is my body doesn't feel like my own which hightens with situations of surgery.
Hi, Maggie, & Zac!🤗
Hi 👋
Thank you Maggie,so helpful ❤
I'm not getting surgery per say, but will b going for a liver biopsy, and i''m mortified! Don't know if the liver disease is due to my Crohn's, or the Entyvio, or neither.🥴🙄☹️
Keeping my fingers crossed for you that everything goes well!!
I just had my digestive track biopsied - I was so nervous but it turned out okay. Praying the same for you.
@@cindys2995 Thank you so much! Glad it came out fine for you!!!🤗👍🏼❤
@@LetsTalkIBD Thnx!🤗
@@sandraruperti387 🙏🏾Thank you!♥️
Besides anxiety i don't have any medical problems (knock on wood! 🚪 😅) but uhm just here to show my love and support! ❤ i have had an interest in medical stuff as a child and just enjoy learning. As a child i loved going to the doctors office with my grandfather so that i could sit on his lap and watch him get his blood drawn. 😂 he was the opposite! Hated all of it! I once broke my wrist and the doctor had to re-brake it before putting on the cast and my grandpa threw up all over the nurse! Lmaoo (my grandpa went back later that day with a brand new set of scrubs for the nurse as an apology) a few months later it was time for my cast removal and to show me that the saw was safe the doctor touched me with it on my hand and my grandpa 100% flopped to the floor fainted! He didn't come to for 10 minutes. Not until a nurse poured ice water on the back of his head! 😅 i felt so bad! After then we made the deal that he would never ever go with me to the doctor again! 😂 (and me i waited 4 days before going to the hospital for my broken wrist because i didn't want to miss my best friends sleepover so i didn't tell anyone lol) aaaand then 3 years later i broke my other wrist and waited 2 days before because i was visiting my mom and didn't want to bother anyone haha my grandaw picked me up and i told him i needed to go to the hospital because i broke my wrist a few days prior and he put his head on the steering wheel, sighed, and said well i aint dealing with that s*** again! Lets go home and grab your grandmother! 😂
One other time i accidentally stepped on a nail and it went all the way through my foot. I knew my grandpa couldn't deal with it so i sneakily went the the bathroom and poured rubbing alcohol all over it. Made sure all my toes wiggled without severe pain. Wrapped it with toilet paper. Put on 3 socks and then my shoe. But that didn't last long. It was time for bed and my grandpa quickly realized i was going to bed with my shoes on and refused to take one off....😂😂 finally i said i stepped on a nail but didn't want him to throw up or pass out so i took care of it. He called in my grandma and she looked at it. She was surprised at how well it looked lol the next day it was still fine with little pain. No swelling or inflammation. No bleeding or discharge. So that was that! 😅 healed fine. (My grandma kept a close eye on it and myself ofc) sorry i went down memory lane a bit! My grandpaw passed August of 2018 and i am just now getting to the point where i am enjoying reminiscing....😊❤
Point is i love you guys and your videos! ❤ hehe oh! One more good one! My grandpaw was in the hospital and my uncle, grandma and myself were going to go pick him up because he was getting discharged. As i was getting out of the vehicle my leg got snagged on my dry erase board that was at my feet and apparently there was a sheet of thin metal underneath. It sliced my shin open about six inches vertically. I said ow my board cut me. My uncle asked if i was okay and i said yes. He said let me look. By the time he open the car door there was already a pool of blood! Lol he told my grandma to get me into the hospital. Funny part is that we got into the parking garage elevator with a man. He looked over and saw a pair of scissors sticking out of my grandmothers purse. He was super concerned about someone getting injured and i looked at him and started laughing. He asked why i was laughing bc it isn't a laughing matter and i apologized and said it's funny because i am standing here as the elevator floor is being covered in blood and all he noticed was the dangers of a pair of scissors. 😅 we got into the hospital but wasn't anywhere near the ER. So we went to the floor that my grandpa was at and went the the nurses station area. They asked if we were lost and i said no my papaw is actually standing right over there. I smiled and waved to him. Then i said i actually need help because i cut myself outside. She said oh no do you need a bandaid? I said no i think i need stitches. (I was 10 years old) he chuckled and said in a "this cute kid is exaggerating" type of way... oh reaaaly? Lemme have a look! I pointed to my leg as she poked her head over the table and her face went white. At that point my white sunflower sandle was red and pooled with blood! 😅 at this point my grandpa was heading over to us wondering why we were talking to the nurses. I yelled to him no stop! Im bleeding, you don't want to see! Lol the nurse quickly got me into a little room and placed a bunch of gauze on my leg. My memory is fuzzy during that time. All i remember is telling the doctor to make sure i can see because i wanted to watch as he put idk how many stitches into my leg. Lol then the next thing i remember is being at home and my uncle and grandpa were investigating the dry erase board and found the metal. It almost cut my uncles hand and he got mad so he threw it like a Frisbee into the woods. They then called the company multiple times to complain. They didn't want compensation or anything. They just didn't want anyone else to get hurt. The company actually stopped production of the product and came out with a new metal free version a few months later. They also issued me a sincere apology and sent me a box filled with all of their products (metal free! Lmaoo)
In case you are allergic to anything commonly used in surgery, after-care, etc., don't rely on it being in your chart. Tell everybody so that the nurses know, the doctor knows, the anesthesiologist knows etc. I have had bad experiences in after-care and my grandma landed in a coma for 2 weeks after surgery because someone messed up.
Also, ask about taking your prescription medication(s) the day of, and if you're not outpatient, whether they will provide those for you in the hospital, or if you should bring them with you. Especially if they are unrelated to whatever your surgery is for, it's easy to forget about them until you need them. Or there could be interactions with something you're given during or after that no one thinks of until there's an issue!
Oh gosh I'd love that bed!!! It'd come in really handy since I struggle with tall beds as you mentioned and being able to prop myself up just right would really improve my quality of sleep! Only surgery I've gotten is gallbladder removal, prep night sucked lol. I had to drink this nasty stuff to clean out my bowels and Lord I did not enjoy that part haha...recovery was worse than the surgery itself.
I always love the ostomy nurses I always meet in pre op. They talk so calmly and convince ya it just becomes part of life they always are so sweet. Every surgery I’ve had for crohns I’m always prepared as I could wake up with a bag. Now there’s talk or surgery just for a ostomy bag now. They think I have short bowel syndrome from all the intestines they have had to take in 3 surgeries. So my understanding it will be a colostomy but I think it will have outputs like a ileostomy. Because of the short bowel syndrome. Mentally I’m ready for freedom of bathroom, but all 3 of my Crohn’s surgeries I woke up and found it a “win” that I didn’t have a stoma. Now I fear when waking up to a stoma knowing it coming it’s going to be devastating.
Are you still able to use a heating pad my my stomach with a stoma?
Hello Maggie ty for another great video so thankful for your videos and your helper Zac hes such a good hubby just like mine always buy my side with love and support you do such a good job on your video so full of info thanks again😊
Having my first big one soon. So many questions…
Praying that you are in and out with no complications and that your healing goes well. I had several abdominal surgeries (not for colon). If you want to ask stuff, I can try to answer.
Same here! Nervous as heck, but videos like this help. I hope both our surgeries go well ❤
@@kunibob2 me too! 💜
Thanks Maggie for sharing your wisdom.
I had a tympanoplasty done and was pretty difficult but was very worthit
Love ❤your videos
This was so incredibly helpful! Thank you. ❤️
Thanks for educating us. It means a lot.
I've had a lot of surgeries. So many things to think about/do:
-Make a CHECK LIST way before
-Pay bills/send letters/do stuff that needs to be done before surgery (like I filed my taxes early, and paid my bills)
-Cook or have food prepped for several days of meals before procedure
-Avoid pain killers for prolonged time because it can constipate you and reduce resistance to pain
- WALK as much as possible ASAP
-Bedside table with things to grab: journal, pens, hot water bottle, magazine/games, lip balm, peppermints, water bottle, etc.
-A vomit bucket by the bed just in case
-Lower your bed to get off and on, esp with abdominal procedures
-Watch the foods that can cause constipation (Sugar, some foods, high fiber) - plan for a few days of that being an issue (charcoal or laxative, etc)
-REST!!!
-Avoid climbing stairs, and lifting more than a gallon of milk, or doing anything strenuous
-Plan to NOT DRIVE for a week, at least (or by doctor's orders)
-THOROUGHLY clean house
-Make your bed/room smell nice and clean to perk up your spirits
-Create a playlist on YT, etc., to entertain you
SO many things......
Maggie...your so strong. I am 76 and have a large mass in my colon/rectum area. Surgeon says it us in a bad place Surgeon said it has to come out. In speaking with the potential surgeon my Dr tells me my A1C is 9.3. surgeon says haveto get diabetes under control before surgery. Wants to put me on insulin. Too many life changing decisions all at same time. I am over the top with anxiety. They of course want to put me on anxiety meds. I dont like taking any meds. I just cant bring myself to say yes to the surgery or insulin. I dont want to spend my remaining time here trying to heal. My last surery i had a hysterectomy and quit breathing during surgery due to an asthma attack They had to paddle me 3 times. I am very very nervous.
Great vid, good info for all. Keep smiling.
Thanks for making this!
My mom is having a hysterectomy and maybe debulking surgery next month and I'm nervous to help her prepare.
Lots of great information
Maggie, what about incontinence supplies like pull-ups and briefs
🙏👏👏👏 Wonderful video !!
You hit the spot again Maggie, thank you! Carry a notebook everywhere and write EVERYTHING down is my suggestion. Lists of stuff to take in, sort at home, things you need to plan. Your memory just isn’t as good when you’ve something like this to organise!
I got to 55 with no illness or ops, had bowel cancer surgery, came home with my new Barbie butt and stoma and went straight back into being a carer for an elderly relative (and a cat)! Tough as all the things I’d planned to help me heal went out of the window as, if you’re a carer, it’s all about them, not about you. Another relative had been there for the week I was in, they stayed 1 extra night that time, and went home the same day I was discharged after my repair surgery (with free added complications). None of that was in my note book 😂 you can’t plan for everything and it’s healthy to accept that.
Hi and thank you for your videos, I have had over 6 surgeries on my intestines 3 on my back I also have poor lungs so now the doctor is wanting me to have an osteomy done and for me it’s nerves very scared about the whole thing any way my survival chance is less than 50% so in my case I am having a hard time with a decision, any way thank you for your videos.
Regarding not feeling normal in your body afterwards; when I had my colon removed it felt so bizarre. I could feel that it was missing. I didn’t realize beforehand that you can sense your colon at all times. So when it was removed I had an empty feeling that took awhile to get used to. I wonder if this was your experience too?
Have all your laundry done..And food prep,yup,that's a biggie.
How long are you normally in the hospital. I’m 74, is it worth it?
So I went to the flexibed link no coupon for $225 that I could see.. and this is not including the mattress!?!?
We have a cat that likes to crawl all over me do you have any tips other than a super soaker to keep her off of me.. we can't send her anywhere because she is anti social in a big way.. I'm so nervous she is going to crawl on my stomach stitches I'm getting cut wide open and having an iliostomy done super scarred any advice would help another thanks Maggie
Hi been watching your channel for advice about the famous “Barbie bum” or butt should I say. Am wondering whether I’ll need to sleep downstairs when I get home as am scared to use the stairs incase I tear. Was anyone ok with the stairs please. I’d love to know what’s best so I can sort a downstairs room out. Thanks ❤
Marion (Liverpool England) xxx
I was ok with stairs- I just walked one step at a time (right foot on next step, then brought left foot to same step and so on). I also used a little ladder to get into bed because our bed is fairly tall!
Thanks a lot this makes me feel better knowing it can be done. Am also going to buy the honey you suggested on a gauze am praying the pain isn’t as bad as I imagine as I can’t take oxycodone liquid or morphine anymore due to bad reactions from my bowel cancer. Just don’t think paracetamol will hit the spot.
Thanks for your reply hun I really appreciate it xxx
Hope you’re well maggie xxxx
Thank you so much Maggie for sharing, can I ask you a question I had My anus removed but I'm having a difficult time recovering, the surgery was last January and my quality of life has drastically decreased and isn't getting better. I feel that My Dr's aren't listening to me and my pt isn't able to do much more until my Dr's figure out my health. Is it normal to fall asleep randomly . How has iv fluids helped you? I also have some skin legion or skin tags where they removed my anus. Which is causing a lot of pain.
Zak sounds like my dad… he can never find anything either 😂
O MGosh. Maggie, you sound like me. lol if i go and find it cos you cant look or move something and i find it. the stare. that's me and that's my Mum and Dad. lol They would say that to all of us kids when we were younger. Wow you must have UK blood in your veins girl. lol Thank you for all of this information it is very helpful. i have made a list of things to think about. I always take a current list of medications in my drawer with my medications and a note book to update the list. i put prescribed meds over the counter meds and vitamins and minerals that i take and in RED ink i put what i medications i cannot take due to Allergic reactions and what the reactions i get from them down cos i always get asked that question right after that. I had one surgery back in the UK that was an exploratory surgery and as they were waking me up i suffered from anesthetic shock. i felt like i had woken up during the surgery but i couldn't open my eyes and i couldn't talk or move. then i heard them say she should be put back to sleep. the person monitoring me realized i was awake. Anyways i was cold and no mater how many blankets they put on me i was still shaking and cold i was as white as a sheet no colour on someone who is pales skinned to start with that was serious. i was throwing up and shaking falling back to sleep it was a nightmare so i always tell my stories of my surgeries because the bad ones always stick with you even when you are nervous, and i get nervous every time. Thank you Maggie for being here and helping me to navigate my disease. i know we all feel this disease differently and some medications will work on some and not on others but to trust the process i think is the key here. the Doctors all know their jobs and how to navigate the difficulties when they arise, but after the process i went through just getting a diagnosis in the first place and one doctor tells you this another that and you end up feeling down and depressed and not trusting the doctors but in order to take charge of your own disease and navigate around it you have helped me out a lot since i started listening to you talk about the taboo subject. so Maggie thank you. i wish i could hug you. anyways God bless you sweet lady. see you in the next video.
Hospitals want you to use their ostomy supplies but they rarely work for me
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“Why would there be a chair in the hall?” TRUST unless you live by yourself, there could be a random chair in the hall, especially if you have kids.
Hahaha I said this because I'm the one who puts random stuff everywhere 😅
@@LetsTalkIBD LOL!
When your male partner can't find something and you can, it's because "the uterus is a tracking device." Roseanne Barr. 😀
How old were you when you married Zak .?
Maggie I started watching you to understand crohn’s so much more .My granddaughter was diagnosed at 15..Even tho I never see her ( family crud) I wanted to be informed in case things ever change. Watching you is so uplifting and informative. I now understand her so much more thankyou❤