I feel like my world has fallen apart, AGAIN! My daughter is in the hospital again, this time it's even more serious than the two times before. She woke up last Sun. morning feeling bad, nauseous, and bad belly pain. Mon. morning she was bleeding heavily from her rectum. The ER Dr. called a surgeon and they rushed her into surgery. Diagnosed as Diverticulitis. A pouch had formed on the side of her colon and ruptured, dumping all the waste and blood into her stomach cavity. It took three surgeons over five hours to clean her out. Her colon and the majority of her intestines have been removed, she has a colostomy bag attached to her side now, and will have to live with it for the rest of her life. She is in ICU and on a respirator, but they are supposed to start weaning her off it today. If you have any extra prayers please send them this way. Thank you all, my dear friends. Judy
Hugs and *'s, Deb
Take one day at a time sweetie, and I will pray that you stay frong for your child
You and your family will be in my prayers.
Hugs Yvonne
Greetings, Bettina
Judy AKA Nanab
I want you to know that I have prayed for your daughter and you. Sometimes it is just as hard for the one that "stands by".... and I know because my husband and I have been caretakers for one family member or another off and on since the 80's.
Right now I know it seems like it is the worst thing, but I know many people who have lived long and productive lives with a colostomy bag.
Thank God for good doctors and that they knew what to do, and did it quickly.
God bless you and take care of yourself, too!
MJDG
My prayers are with you both.
pray for you.
Hugs
Linda
aka bumblebee
Sending an Angel through Cyberspace.
I feel it would be remiss of me not to tell you that having a colostomy bag is not as bad as it sounds.
DH had Crohn's Colitis Disease, which would have become cancer so he had a colostomy bag for 3 years after having surgery to remove his bowel and most of his large intestine.
He finally had the surgery to create a J-pouch, then the bag was removed. BIG MISTAKE!
He now says if he had known how bad things would be without the bag he would NEVER have had it removed.
My God Daughter was born with Spina Bifida and she has lived with drainage bags for bladder and bowel since she was 7 years old. She is now 45 and lives a normal life with her beautiful 21 year old daughter. She is one of the lucky ones.
She has always said she takes her luggage with her everywhere and only her closest friends and family are in the know as to what she is referring.
The reason I am telling you all this is to give you a positive perspective so you can help your daughter cope with it when the time comes because in the early days it may not be easy for her to accept and she may need all the encouragement and positive reinforcement you can give her.
There are thousands of people using drainage bags permanently and there are many more who need temporary colostomy bags in between surgeries like Ray had. There are also a lot of support groups to give help and advice when needed.
I will prayer for your daughter's return to good health now that the major problem has been removed, and also for her emotional well being.
Hugs and blessings, Meganne
http://willperone.net/colitis3.php
Hugs Alice.
Hang in there, Judy, be strong. The sun will shine again for you.
Much love - AlmaG.
Having a colostomy (or any type of bag) isn't so bad. It takes a little getting used to, but then it is just going to be a part of her, like it is normal and belongs there. I know. I've had bags of one type or another off and on my entire adult life.
Just a question to ponder...is there ANY way that she might be suffering from the listeria that came from recalled cantaloupe in your area??
I wish you and your family the very best. Extra prayers are headed your way! Stay strong!!
I hope Meganne's post gives you a better perspective on your daughter's situation. I had a neighbor who had a colostomy bag for many years with no difficulties and most never knew she had one. It is good that the problem with her colon was finally diagnosed and has had the surgery to correct it. May the Lord help her heal quickly and resume her life more comfortably. May He ease your mind that all will be well again in time.
Angel
for the both of you. You are not alone! Love and hugs Maria