Post op day 5

Well he is doing a lot better. Epidural is out, foley is out. Still has IV PCA and plenty of pain pills and the valium helps too. He is getting out of bed on his own, walking a few times a day. He had a shower last night, which was a bad idea. The water was freezing, which made him shiver, which was very painful! I felt awful!!!

He is spiking fevers, but they are not getting as high as they have been. Every night around 10-11 he spikes anywhere from 101-103. And during the day he is like 99+. Im confused and worried. His labs dont look like he is infected but most of the cultures are not back yet. I have a feeling it was the foley and hopefully now that that is out this will end. His blood counts are still very low but slowly starting to rise. He really needed a transfusion but the surgeon said no, and that he didnt need it, so he is just taking iron instead.

The kids are doing better. I have been off for the weekend and they have had more time with Grandma's babysitting so they are happy with that. They got to visit him, and surprisingly handled that very well!

He is adjusting much better to his bag now. He helped me empty it last night and pretty much took over and did it himself. And when he was sitting in bed he decided he wanted to try and burp it to check that out! He seems so much better!

I am so worried about ileus. I just know its going to happen!

Thanks for all of your support!
Thank God for family and all of you during this difficult time!

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Husband diagnosed with Crohn's 98, obstruction followed by ileocecal resection. Perirectal abscess started to rear it's head '02. about 8 Remicade infusions(stopped due to cost). On asacol. '08 subtotal colectomy for stricture. Started imuran, stopped asacol '11. Fistulectomy on perirectal abscess Sept. 11. End ileostomy scheduled for Oct 2nd. Fingers crossed.

Great to hear you sounding so much better. Sounds like you're doing an awesome job. Not sure about the fevers, so can't comment, but hope it's nothing serious. I do think if he was going to get an ileus it would have happened by now. Just get him up walking as much as possible. Moving and walking is the answer.

He's lucky to have such wonderful support in you. Just the fact you come on here (like the other wives and partners) for advice and support is fantastic. Hang in there.. sounds like he's doing well. So are you! God bless

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Sarah - 40 year old mum of 2 boys, runner/triathlete from UK
June 2010 - Emergency partial colectomy for peritonitis/perforated diverticulitis. Temporary ileo, reversed Oct 2010.
Reversal failed due to bowel inertia/dysmotility
July 2011 - End Ileostomy - elective
Currently - Ileo stenosis/adhesions.. awaiting surgery
Follow my blog - http://bagthatruns.blogspot.com

Just stay positive...very important. Walking is so important. Lots of water and protein to help promote healing...chew chew chew any foods he eats...smaller meals are better. Hope the fevers subside real soon. Having tubes taken out really helps make you feel a lot better too.

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Wife of 65 yr old male suffered with UC & in May 06 had a severe flare & hospitalized 6 days...various prednisone treatments leading to steroid dependence and osteopenia, 12 asacol, 200 mg Imuran, failed remicade infusions Jan-May 2010 Dependence on pain meds. Made decision 6/10 to have surgery which was on 12/17/10 (total proctocolectomy & ileostomy - unable to have the j-pouch) & now pain free

I forgot about those breathing exercises...hubby had his breathing apparatus buddy right there in front of him on the table and he also kept at it and walked a lot too.

Every day gets easier and easier and he will notice little things he can do he couldn't do the day before. Keep reminding him of the progress here and there to help cheer him on too. It isn't easy on you either but when you can see him in better spirits and getting better it really helps you too.

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Wife of 65 yr old male suffered with UC & in May 06 had a severe flare & hospitalized 6 days...various prednisone treatments leading to steroid dependence and osteopenia, 12 asacol, 200 mg Imuran, failed remicade infusions Jan-May 2010 Dependence on pain meds. Made decision 6/10 to have surgery which was on 12/17/10 (total proctocolectomy & ileostomy - unable to have the j-pouch) & now pain free