I think everyone knows from Chris’ updates that surgery went well. I got wheeled back to the coldest operating room. My teeth were chattering. It smelled like metal and antiseptic. They transferred me to the operating room bed and the last thing I remember was looking at the red numbers on the clock: 6.58am. Next thing I knew, I was hearing the voices of the recovery nurses but didn’t want to open my eyes. I was so groggy from the anesthesia. I was then moved to my room, which is huge. I like to call it the Taj Mahal. I’m at the end of the hallway and it is relatively quiet which is great because this go-around in the hospital I am not dreaming of beeps. Managing the pain has been ok. And I was walking around my ginormous room the day of surgery. Walking is fine, it’s the getting out of bed and in bed that is the hardest part. So along with my stoma, I have a scar like a caesarean scar, low on my belly. Then another incision close to my bellybutton and 4 more incisions on my belly. All in all about 7 incisions of varying lengths. No wonder why my stomach is tender. 

I did read up and reach out to people who have an ostomy bag. One piece of advice is to name the stoma. Some friends helped me out in naming mine. I decided to name my stoma Barbara the butthole. Or Babs for short. (I mean, I like to joke about it because being too serious doesn’t help me). Barbara is pretty active and farty. I feel very comfortable emptying the bag. Changing the whole bag is still a work in progress but the nurses are great and very helpful. Just like anything else, this will take some learning and that is ok. 

Holy cow! That was the fastest discharge ever! I was not expecting to go home today but I did! Yay! Merry Thanksgiving to me. And a huge thank you for all the prayers, positive vibes, and love. I woke up from anesthesia with 62 text messages of prayers, good wishes and support. I am humbled. And thankful. So we keep on keeping on. Doing the next right thing and this surgery was a major hurdle both physically and mentally. I am optimistic that soon I will be able to declare I have perfect health.

Liz