DebbRussell wrote:
> I'm looking for new Ostomy friends to share
> information with and just to talk to. It's easier to talk to people who
> are in the same boat as myself. Have had this illeostomy since 2005. And
I
> am considered to be a "Problem Child". Am going into hospital soon for
my
> third hernia and a twisted bowel. I also have mesh inside.Am having lots
> of problems, and this upcommng surgery will be my 5th! Please write and
> share, helping one another is what it's all about.
>
I can identify with your problems. I have had a total of about 13
surgeries since my diagnosis of colorectal cancer in 1999. I was given
a colostomy in 2000 (lucky me!).
My surgeries are not as bad as it sounds. The last 6 were relatively
minor. I had a ****t-a-cath installed and removed to facilitate chemo, I
have had two cataract lens implants installed (I am 76!), and I have had
a couple of stents replaced which is relatively minor. There was some
radiation damage from pre-surgical radiation which damaged a ureter.
This was found during a CT scan on routine follow up and I went so see a
urologist who recommended installing a stent to keep my kidney healthy,
which I thought was a great idea! Because of potential mineral build
ups, it's replaces about every six months under low sedation as day
surgery. I'm due to have another stent replaced on Wednesday. While
there in there, they are going to zap my enlarged prostate with a laser
to improve my benign prostatic hyperplasia, something that's adverted
here quite regularly as a means for selling medication. If they
weren't going in any way I probably would not have it done.
I have been disease free (and major surgery free!) for the last three
years or so, and I generally feel great, for my age! I took up an
instrument again that I used to play fifty years ago and I am now the
proud member of a community band. We played a concert last night that
was well received and I had a ball!
Hang in there! Things *will* get better!!
Regards...
Tom
--
Thomas M. Spillman, Jr.
Asst. Professor (retired)
Information Technology
MBA Program
School of Management
St. Edward's University
Austin, TX
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