Just read back my last blog. So much and so little has happened since then.
Hubby has done really well.
He got into routine with stoma (ileostomy). Changing bag once a day was the best for him. Two days and he got itchy from the glue. Emptying became regular at about four hours after eating. Usually once through the night. Gurgling was occasional only and only two night time leaks - the cut off waistband from a pair of tights held the half folded ostomy bag too comfortably and didn't wake him with it's weight. (this worked well to support the bag when the mood took him too (men take note)).
He got restless enough that he went back to work week before christmas - light duties, I have to trust him. But hmmm.
Middle of november follow up appointment oncology. Upshot was that more chemo to mop-up advised/needed due to number of nodes affected. Has to begin before end of January (2014).
2nd of december and 'leak' test on the bowel done - happy happy, no leak.
So back to pre-admissions and hubby met the criteria for ileostomy reversal. Weight back up through motivated eating of many meals a day; general health excellent through multivitamins, exercise of the mind and body and a generally male stubbornness to get his own way.
Date of reconnection 16th January 2014.
Oncology lady ok with the timings so 06.30 we were back on ward.
He left the ward at 09.40 and was texting me that he was back by 12.40.
So now the waiting for movement to begin. Surgery apparently went well. Husband is so slim and toned (consultants words),(skinny - my description) that when the stoma was pushed back in, the hole remained. A double group of stitches has been used including some that have to be removed in two weeks time.
36 hours and no movement yet. Praying for the bowel to wake up. If nothing tomorrow we are looking at colostomy. That is going to be a huge blow for him. Only just turned 51. And each time I visit I pass the poster promoting home testing for bowel cancer for those between 60 and 69 years of age. Think about it.
General medical advice is to finish chemo before reversal. That would put back this reversal op by about another 6 months minimum. What would the odds be of something resembling normal bowel function after that amount of time? My man researched as much as he could before he made his decision.
Well I guess I'll find out tomorrow if the cup of milk and biscuit he had ths evening is enough to start movement.
Here's hoping.
Update saturday 18th - husband home. Air moving with a little splutter so consultant confident that things will all work normally with time. Plus A & E were using the ward as an overflow so nobody rested last night.
All looking good. Phew.
