update after bowel obstruction surgery

[citizenk9]

The background:
I am 5 years out from my DS which was an easy surgery, easy recovery, successful, no difficult complications....until.........

- October 25th - had weird/new/never experienced this type of pain in my stomach a few hours after eating, went to ER, CT scan indicated a partial bowel obstruction
- October 26th - transferred to San Francisco to be under the care of my DS surgeon, Dr Rabkin. He recommended surgery which I did opt for.
- Cue nervous breakdown and flood of post-surgical posts to forums!!!
I had a TON of pain after surgery (I stupidly never demanded more pain control) which wore on my mental condition (I also suspect that the drugs I was given contributed). I also had some issues with one area of my stomach and felt something was wrong. A few weeks after surgery I had another CT scan which indicated there might be a partial bowel obstruction, there was some kidney stones and various other abnormalities. Bring on the hysteria. I had moments where I thought that death would be easier than living in fear of having surgery or complications again. I became afraid of life and afraid of death. I seriously regretted my DS for the first time ever.

All of my character flaws came out. My type A personality that hates to be bedridden and unproductive, my fear of standing up for myself or appearing like a hypochondriac to professionals, hating to be a burden or needing help, not liking to question authority figures.... It was scary, confusing and extremely lonely. People who know me for my strong character were baffled at my weakness during this time. No one knew how to react to me or comfort me. If it wasn't for the kindness of people on my forums I would have been locked up. It seems so dramatic now looking back but it was real to me.

Dr Rabkin, whom I adore and trust, kept telling me it was normal healing and he wasn't too concerned. I wanted to believe him but I felt like it wasn't ok. He took me off work for 6 weeks. It was almost at the end of the 6 weeks that things turned around both mentally and physically. Once I got back to work, my extreme gas/bloating went away and I was able to wear pants again without pain, everything started looking up. I think it took a long time for the effects of the painkillers and other drugs to completely leave my system. Also, I think that time does heal some of the mental wounds of emergency surgery. Today I can handle anything that comes my way. I have learned that true healing takes a loooooong time in a world where we are used to instant gratification and easily lose patience.

I see Dr Rabkin for a follow up on February 9th. I will humbly tell him that "he might know a thing or two more than me after all" and that I am sorry I didn't trust his prognosis. I am SO very grateful to feel 100% recovered and back to normal. I am not having any issues at this time. Thank you all for being here for me when I needed it most. I am in awe of the people who have one complication after another. I pray for you and my heart goes out to you. I feel so blessed and hope I can give back in support. If there is ever a way my experience can help others, please let me know. I didn't want to be an "authority" on bowel obstructions but I can turn it into a positive and help others thru the experience. First and foremost, if you feel stomach pain that is different or intense, don't take chances or wait it out. I knew what to do because I read about others having bowel obstructions on the forums. I knew exactly what it was.

Best Regards,
Cathy

[Melinda]

Cathy,

I'm just glad you're on "this side" of the recovery now! So glad you're ok. Any major surgery/trauma can affect us all in different and unexpected ways. Sometimes we never know until we're actually going through it how we may react. You can definitely say it will help you to be a special listening ear to the next person who encounters this, so you will be an encourager! I know it helped me a lot when I lost my mother recently to hear from others who had lost their Moms saying "I know what it's like to lose your best friend like this, I swear it WILL get a little better as time goes on". It's like you can only believe those who have gone before you! You'll be able to understand in a whole new way.

Thanks for sharing your story!

Hugs,
Melinda

[citizenk9]

Jan 15, 2015 13:19:33 GMT -5 Melinda said:

Cathy,

I'm just glad you're on "this side" of the recovery now! So glad you're ok. Any major surgery/trauma can affect us all in different and unexpected ways. Sometimes we never know until we're actually going through it how we may react. You can definitely say it will help you to be a special listening ear to the next person who encounters this, so you will be an encourager! I know it helped me a lot when I lost my mother recently to hear from others who had lost their Moms saying "I know what it's like to lose your best friend like this, I swear it WILL get a little better as time goes on". It's like you can only believe those who have gone before you! You'll be able to understand in a whole new way.

Thanks for sharing your story!

Hugs,
Melinda

I think part of the reason this was so difficult was because it was the first major trauma I went thru since my own mom died a few years ago. I couldn't talk to her on the phone every minute but I knew she was guiding my recovery from the other side. I'm sure she was sitting on Dr Rabkin's shoulder in her angel wings during my surgery!
Take comfort in knowing your mom will be there for you thru your own trials and successes. Hugs right back to you Melinda!

[Melinda]

Yeah I totally get that! I think that's what I miss the most - my mother was a daily part of my life; whether I saw her in person or on the phone, sometimes more than once a day. I've had some very sad, difficult things happen this past year and it kills me that I can't just call her - it's always my first, gut reaction. Same with happy news or just anything really.

[west4thavenue]

Cathy, I am so glad you have made it through this difficult time. It is impossible to predict what our emotional responses might be in such extreme situations. It sounds like you have a good head on your shoulders, to be able to listen to reason even in the face of such overwhelming fears and anxieties.

I really appreciate your sharing your experience.

[Simba]

Cathy, sounds like you are doing well now, bowel obstructions are scary things (gratefuly never had one) it must have been very difficult not to have your mom at this point. Hopefully you found comfort knowing she was still there with you in spirit