Preparing for Surgery #1

     My surgeon scheduled my surgery to be on May 19, 2010.  I could have had it earlier in the month (since I got out of school in late April) but I decided to go later so that I may go to a few grad parties and see my high school's One Acts.  I knew I wouldn't see my friends for a while because of the recovery time so I wanted to take a little extra time to see them.  I also had to figure out how I would juggle school with the surgeries.  The fall semester started August 31, and my second surgery would be around that time.  So, I decided to sign up for online classes while I was recovering from the second surgery.  I also had to quit my job, but if you have an actual career, you should be able to take enough time off before having to go back to work.  Just for reference, it takes about 6 weeks to recover from the first surgery and 4 weeks for the second surgery with a minimum of 3 months in between for the J pouch to heal.


Preparation
     You will be scheduled for an appointment or maybe more before the actual surgery.  One appointment was to get some tests and to draw the site of where the ostomy bag is going to be.  You will do a blood test and urine analysis.  The ostomy nurse will also introduce you to some of the ostomy appliances and show you how to use them.  You then have to lie down to see where they could put the ostomy, and also to sit up to see if there are any stomach folds that may get in the way of the ostomy.  They also check to see where your pants usually sit, therefore you won't have to get new pants.  I also believe I got some brochures about the ostomy supplies and some guidelines.  Here is a picture of my ostomy placement:

  
     As for your preparation, there is quite a bit to get done before the surgery.  First off, tell whomever you want to tell that you will have an ostomy bag.  I told my closest friends because I knew I would be hanging out with them over the summer and they would more than likely notice the bag eventually.  Also find clothes that you feel comfortable in .  Apparently, you can wear tight clothes but you have to watch how full the bag gets.  I, however, opted to wear only baby doll tops and loose fitting clothing just to make sure that no one would notice it.  You can also buy special ostomy belts that tuck the bag in then secure it around your belly so that know one will notice the bag if you wear tighter clothes.  My mom actually made a special little denim pouch for me out of old jeans.  She simply cut off a portion of the jean leg, closed the bottom, and then made a strap for it that would detach on one end. It pretty much looked like a denim purse.  I would then place the ostomy bag in it then put the strap across my body (like a crossbody bag).  I would then put on my shirt and it would kind of blend in with jeans.  It would camouflage the bag and also support it.  I also use to loop in it my jean loops if I was wearing a tank top or strapless shirt wear the strap would be noticeable. 
     Also, eat as much as you can.  You will not be able to eat for a while after the surgery because you need to wait for you bowels to wake up.  You will lose weight.  I lost about 15 pounds after the first surgery.  It is also kind of nice to treat yourself the night before your prep.  My parents and I went out to eat and ate a ton.  You will miss eating.  After the first surgery, it took 9 days for my bowels to wake up.  What is also helpful is to get whatever you need to get done before the surgery because you will be recovering for about 6 weeks and won't be able to get out much during that time.  I ended up painting my room the week before the surgery because I knew I wouldn't have time after the surgery. 
     In the few days before the surgery, you will need to pack your bag for the hospital stay.  Here's what you may need:

• Shampoo/Conditioner/Soap (the hospital soap made my skin dry and the shampoo made my hair oily)
• Robe/Slippers
• Things to keep you busy (books, games, movies)
• Chapstick/lotion (hospital air is really dry)
• Hygiene essentials
• Comfy clothes

     The hospital also sent me letters to help me prepare and they also gave me guidelines.  Your doctor may do something different such as telling you in person, but it was nice to have it this way so that we could have a hard copy of it.

The Prep the Night Before
     So, the prep before your sugery is the same as a prep before a colonscopy.  I did notice, however, that it wasn't as bad as a usual colonoscopy prep; I didn't have to take as many laxatives.  You won't be able to eat during prep day, so eat a lot the day before all the way up to midnight.  Also, drink a lot of fluids, particularly gatorade.  You will be loosing a lot of fluids and you do not want to be dehydrated before going into your surgery because if you are, then it will be difficult for the nurses to start an IV.  Believe me, drink your fluids.  I cannot count how many times the nurses have had to dig in my arms to try to get a good vein.  Also, make sure you have packed everything you need and plan for the next day.  Make sure when setting your alarm, you give yourself enough time to take a shower, because you will have to before you leave for your surgery.

The Day of Your Surgery
     You won't be able to drink any fluids today or eat.  I think this is to ensure that you won't throw up when you wake up.  You will have to take a shower using an anti-bacterial soap.  Wash everywhere and especially wash where they will be doing the surgery.  Wash that section again, just to make sure.  Wear comfy clothes on the way there, plus take off any metal you may have on you, including pony tail holders with the meal clasp or bobby pins. 

      That is pretty much a summary of your prep before the surgery.  Your doctors will give you more info and instructions, also.