Spontaneous Planning

Mar
19th

Thu

Update on upcoming surgery: Everything is going to work out...

I’m actually quite happy, and relieved, today. Two major hurdles have been worked out already.

I met with the manager of my apartment to see what they could do to help. I told her I had 3 months left on the lease, but having surgery next month, then out of work for 4-6 months and living with my parents as I recover. She was so nice and understanding. After looking at my lease, seeing that I have been here 3 years and paid on time, she didn’t even hesitate to forgive the last 2 months of my lease! Woohoo! It so nice to know there are still decent people out there in the business world. So, if you are moving to the Carrollton or Addison area of the DFW area, let me know, I will get you more info on this very nice community here. FYI, I have a 2 story townhome layout with a 1 car attached garage. This place is the nicest, and quietest, I have lived in so far.

Oh, and the other good news. I was concerned who would look after my dog while I was recovering. My parent’s house is not really dog friendly, lol. Plus my dog has more energy than both of my parents combined, which means he is a lot to handle! I made a call to my best friend Jason to see if he had any ideas. A couple hours later, he found a perfect temporary home for him. Actually someone I know and trust quite well, an old mutual friend named Bruce. His family had a dog, but past away 2 years ago due to old age. His wife and kids miss having a dog around, but not quite ready to commit for the long term. They have a nice house and a perfect yard for a dog. It’s so nice to know that he will be looked after and get plenty of exercise.

Wow, what a load off my shoulders. Those were the two main obstacles that were on my mind. Next, I have to inform work (formally). My boss and his boss are both on vacation this week. So next week I hope to find out how all the employment details and benefits (ie disability) will work out.

Hopefully they will have a job for me to come back to after I fully recover (fingers crossed).

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Mar
18th

Wed

Details on my upcoming surgery...

Ok. I will just be blunt here, no sugar coating at all. So in 4-6 weeks I am having my entire colon removed. Essentially known as a laproscopic colorectomy with a J-pouch, or more technically speaking a ileal-pouch anal anastomosis surgery. 2 surgeries are required. One major surgery to take out the colon and create the J-pouch plus install a ileostomy bag until the new site heals. After 3 months, 2nd sugery removes the bag and closes everything up. Eventually…. I will regain normal human functions after that (at least a month or 2). Basically I will be out of work for a good 5-6 months (yeah, MONTHS), maybe more if I have any complications from the surgeries.

Why am I having this? 2 reasons. One, I’ve had Ulcerative Colitis for 10 years now without much response to medication. Essentially, i’ve been suffering from lot of symptoms I don’t wish on anyone for a long time. Secondly, and more importantly, they found dysplasia in my colon from the colonoscopy biopsy performed a couple weeks ago. Dysplasia, from what I understand, is an early indicator that cancer is on it’s way, but not here yet. So all doctors recommend to remove the colon to avoid the risk of cancer in the near future.

The surgeries and long recovery is going to be NO fun. But when the day comes that I recover fully, I will be pain free for the first time in 10 yrs! I can’t wait! Also, I am SO lucky that they found the dysplasia before it turned into cancer. I know there are so many people who are not as fortunate as I am.

If it wasn’t for the routine colonoscopy, who knows what might of happened. Ask your doctor today about getting your routine screening done!

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Mar
14th

Sat