Sunday, October 29, 2017

Update on Me...


It has been a struggle, dear friends. I have been through the most embarrassing situations with this ileostomy. It has humbled me and brought me lower than even my leg surgery did three years ago.

To be frank, I am dealing with poo. I had a post across my ostomy that should have been removed before I left the hospital, but wasn't, because of a lack of communication. This caused such a problem because the ostomy bag couldn't be put on properly. This in turn, damaged my skin to the point of blisters. You can't get anything to stick to blisters. The post was finally taken off and we all thought it would get better but we were wrong. The skin was too damaged.

So the last month has been spent at the ER, getting the bag replaced or waiting for my home nurses to come. I can't see the stoma because the doctor placed it too low. I have to have help and will need to until this ordeal is over. I have had some of my skin get better and I've actually had a couple of the bags stay on for 24 hours. However, they are supposed to stay on for 3 days so you can see that I'm still not where I need to be.

I do not want this post to be about all the negative. I have had quite a few pity parties and shed so many tears. However, I have never been alone. God has shown Himself to me in so many ways. In the kindness of the nurses at the ER and there were two doctors that were especially kind and understanding. I have a wonderful home care nurse that comes to help me when the bag falls off at night and that has been a true blessing.

My husband has been a loving caregiver, despite the fact that we are dealing with poo. Our washer is going constantly, it seems, and he has taken matters into his hands as far as my care. He has gone without sleep (which worries me) and always been kind. My son has been the same. He has helped on the days his dad just can't take another step and helped in ways that we are unable to do. He is very busy himself working nights, but he makes time out of his schedule to come and check on me and see how he's needed. I am blessed.

This surgery will be reversed (thank you, Jesus!) and for that I am thankful, too. When it's all over, I'm praying I am healthier and that things work perfectly for me.

I don't have any news really. I spend my days in my recliner hoping the bag doesn't leak or fall off. I am hoping soon I can get up and go about my days again without worrying about it, but for now, this is where I'm at. I'm not feeling especially well because I'm afraid to eat for fear the bag will come off. It's a hard road I'm on, however, this isn't forever and God has never left my side.

I apologize for talking about such a gross subject. I just wanted you to know what's happening with me and to ask you to pray for me. I would especially love prayer for strength and peace... and of course, for the bag to stay on a full three days would be a huge blessing. Also, please pray for my husband who is exhausted. It's not easy being a caregiver and it can just wear you out. Thank you!

Blessings to you all - Julie

3 comments:

  1. Dear Julie, what a trial! I am sorry my friend. I am praying for you.

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  2. Oh, my dear friend! I had no idea you were going through such awful trials! I am going to email you privately. Sending much love and many hugs to you...oh, may the God of all comfort help you through this.

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  3. Oh, dear Julie. Thank you for sharing so candidly and please know there are many of us thinking about and praying for you. The Lord is your Strength and your Keeper. <3

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