Requesting surgery insight
Hello everyone!
Long time lurker in the sub, as the title suggests I’m just wanting some personal insight into the surgery.
I know everyone’s case is different but just honestly wanting some hopium as I move forward with everything.
Background: I’ve been diagnosed roughly 3 years now with almost a guaranteed flare every 6 months that for the most part I’ve been able to manage at home with only 2 ER visits and one stay. I’ve done the usual liquid diet transition, changed what I eat, more fiber. Basically everything doctor has recommended or I’ve seen suggested here. Cannot figure out what is causing the flares, narrowed down to I think maybe constipation but at this point, I just know that I’ll be out of work for a few days every 6 months.
I went to see a surgeon between October and December of last year with colonoscopies and 3 forms of dye for the MRI I believe it was and at first he was very doom and gloom, mentioned he may have to cut more into my abdomen which freaked me out. After the tests it was like a switch flipped with him, tells me it will be an easy surgery, should be back to work in 2-3 weeks kinda deal.
With that being said, I declined to do the surgery and had another bad flare up last month so I have now decided to go through with it. Not just because dealing with this is horrible but I feel like I cannot be there fully for my son and it just weighs constantly on my mental.
I have never had surgery before, the closest I’ve been to even having any medical procedure is my colonoscopy.
I have things set up with work for short term disability, family is ready to help however but I am just wracked with dread over this. I don’t want to end up with a bag and I’m so nervous about what I need to do leading up to the surgery and the days after.
Sorry for the wall of text, just wanted to provide context and ended up rambling.
How was the days leading up and days after surgery? I see varying things but just wanted to reach out to those who have had the surgery and how it went.