One week after 1st surgery

I really can't believe one week ago today was surgery day. This past week has really flown by. When I look at how wonderful Kenz is doing today, it's hard to imagine where we were last week at this time. God has answered so many prayers. Thank you to everyone who has given us support through this phase. We couldn't have done it without family, friends, co-workers, and now, new social network friends.

I don't plan on posting again until after our post op with the surgeon.  Before I close tonight's post, I wanted to show you how far she has come in one week.  Just 7 days..............absolutely amazed,  one determined girl right there!!! I love you Mackenzie...........my Goo xoxoxo

 Thank you so very much, Rhonda

Day 6 after surgery! Words from Mackenzie

Hi everyone! This is Mackenzie posting today! 

First of all I want to send out a huge thank you to everyone for all of the love/support/prayers/calls/texts/visits/cards/flowers/care packages/etc. I can't tell you how much I appreciate it and how much it has helped me get through the start of this journey. I am truly blessed to have such wonderful people in my life <3

Today marks the 6th day since I had my colon removed and got to meet Colleen! I have to be honest and say that I feel GREAT! I still have a lot of soreness from the incisions but I can already feel my health improving by having this ulcerative colitis removed from my body! Like my Doctor said, "your colon is like a boyfriend who isn't treating you right and you need to dump him." This made me laugh, but dumping my colon was one of the best decisions I have ever made.

Every day since surgery I am getting better and feeling stronger. Also, Colleen and I are getting a lot more comfortable with each other (I might even miss her a little when she is gone, because she is taking very good care of me). Starting yesterday, my goal is to get out of the house at least once a day, even if it's just something quick.  Today mom took me to target to pick up a few things. Other than having to walk really slow, it was great!  It actually did tire me out a bit, but I'm glad I did it! 

I am on a mission to be myself again as soon as possible! To my fellow UCers who are going through this surgery or considering it.......if I can do it, I know you can too!

Again, thank you all so much for for helping me through this!

All the best, 

Mackenzie 

P.S. I want to thank my mom for creating this blog. It's been a great experience to share this story through her eyes for family/friends/fellow UCers. She truly is the best and I am so lucky to have her.

Day 5 after first surgery

9:15pm 

 Today Mackenzie and Mason went out, yes I said "out" to breakfast! I, being the nervous mom that I am, was afraid that she was going out too soon. When your child is 26, you can't really make them stay home, ugh!!! I have to say, she looked wonderful and so excited to get dressed and put on some make up and get out. She even had on jeans!  She looked amazing. 

When she got home it was time for Mason to head back to their new home in Michigan. Kenz was sad to see him leave.  She has a visiting nurse service that comes to check on her every few days. The nurse will come again tomorrow. She also has a couple post op appointments with  the ileostomy nurse and her surgeon. So for all those appointments she will be living here with mom and dad for awhile. Her goal is to get to Michigan to set up the house before she comes back here for the next surgery. The soonest she could have the second surgery is the beginning of June. 

Today Dominic came to visit Aunt Mackenzie.

Stomach + Stoma = Meet Colleen

When we originally started this blog, it was to give back to the people who have questions about Ulcerative Colitis. Maybe someone newly diagnosed or trying to get insight on J-pouch surgery. We found many answers from real people going through this. The connections we have made through social media is just amazing.  I have moms that are going through the same thing and we now have found each other and can support each other. Mackenzie has also found someone who is only 5 days ahead of her surgery. They are supporting eachother and going through recovery together.  What an amazing thing networking is.

So when family and friends were all asking if we would keep them posted, we thought maybe we should just invite everyone to our blog to keep everyone informed on how things are going.

Going through all of this has made us immune to a lot of sights and sounds. So some of you may not want to view these pics but they are for fellow UCer's who could really find them helpful. 

Day 3 after first surgery

10:40 am

We got the word today that Kenz will be going home this afternoon! She has an appointment with Marybeth the ileostomy nurse here at the hospital at 11:30 this morning. This will be the first time she actually takes off the bag and meets Colleen uncovered face to face. They will find what style fits her tummy best, this could take a few tries over the next few weeks.

Mason found a site that shows the da Vinci surgery robot. This is how Dr. Claudia Hriesik did Mackenzie's surgery. What amazing technology. Here is a link for anyone who is interested.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VJ_3GJNz4fg

2:26 pm

We met Colleen. Nurse Marybeth came in and showed us how to care for her. She said Kenz has a beautiful stoma. I don't know what to think about that, kinda weird to hear. Anyway, we learned a lot and feel comfortable with everything. The visiting nurse will come to the house tomorrow. We are sitting in the room waiting for the discharge nurse.

7:11pm

Home at 4:30 and so excited. Mackenzie's dog Gala was so wonderful and gentle welcoming her home. Hopefully she can get a full nights sleep. Last night she slept from 9:30 - 3:00am and that was with a sleep medication. 

Mackenzie is so fortunate to have such a wonderful fiancé.  Mason has been by her side and so incredibly supportive. I have to say, after watching these two together, they truly are an amazing couple. I have watched them support each other through many obstacles but this one takes the cake!

So happy to be home. We are blessed

Day 2 after first surgery

4:46 pm

I arrived at the hospital at 1:45 today. Kenz had her grandma, aunt, dad and Mason at the hospital for her. So she was in good hands while I was gone. I was able to spend time with the dogs before I left. Her dog, Gala misses her so much. Mackenzie took her first shower at 3:00 and I was able to do her hair. 

I was able to sleep from 11-6 last night but unfortunately Kenz hasn't really slept for any great length of time yet. They say it's because of the prednisone. They may give her something tonight to help her sleep.  

10:46 pm

Kenz had a great afternoon and evening. Her first shower took place today. She ate meatloaf, mashed potatoes, cooked carrots, and Apple pie. She did all her walking she needed to do and seems to be moving at a faster pace. The nurse came in at 9:30 pm and gave her sleep medication so hopefully she will get a good nights sleep. I left her in Mason's care again tonight. It's hard leaving the hospital but I know He will take good care of her.

As I was leaving the hospital tonight, I saw this sign hanging on the wall stating that RGH is number one in the US for the robotic colon rectal surgeons. That made me smile!

ttfn

First day after 1st surgery

7:30am

 Last night Kenz did get up and walk. She did great! The nurses came in throughout the night to check in on her. They said things are going good. Her stoma is already doing its job and that is great they tell us. Sometimes it takes a while to get started. We have decided to name her stoma Colleen. It just feels like naming her makes us more excited to meet her.

3:15pm

Kenz has gotten up and walked twice today so far. She has to get up and walk 3 more times today.  Each time we see improvement.  She is following all the rules regardless of how hard it is. She is so determined to get her strength back and I feel I see her strength coming back every hour!  The OR nurse has visited twice and the nutrition specialist stopped by to talk about her diet while healing and with the ileostomy. She will be on a low residue diet, which she is very used to.

9:49pm

Just got home for the first time since we arrived at the hospital for surgery. It was hard to leave Kenz, but she is in good hands with Mason. She finished up her last walk tonight just before 9:00 and then I headed out. Each time she walks she adds a lap around the nurses station. So freakin proud of this girl. Tomorrow she gets drain tube and catheter out. She was able to eat creamy soup broth and pudding for dinner. 

So tired.......goodnight

Surgery Day

12:15pm

We got here at 5:45am, they took her back into the OR at 7:30am. We were told surgery will take 7and a half hours and then 2hours in recovery. At 8:49 a nurse came to tell me surgery actually started. Do I start counting the 7and a half hours from 7:30 or 8:49????? This waiting stinks:(

6:19pm

Long day. We finally got to be with her in the recovery room a little after 3:00pm. She then made it to her hospital room around 4:30. The wing of the hospital we are in just opened last Monday. It is beautiful!  

Mackenzie had her colon removed and her stoma made today. She did not have the j-pouch created because the tissue was too thick and bloated. The thickness and bloat was due to being on prednisone. Also being on a high dose of prednisone for a long time slows the healing process. The surgeon felt she would have better results with the j-pouch if it was done separately from the colon removal. They feel she is in great shape for a successful j-pouch construction. So that means she has 2 more surgeries to go. Mackenzie said " I want this done right, so if it takes longer, that's okay."

They tell me they will get her up to walk tonight!! Right now she is sleeping peacefully. 

 

Getting ready to go kick some UC butt!

Today has been long. We started out with an appointment to meet the ileostomy nurse. Kenz and the nurse decided where the best placement for the stoma would be. She had her lay down, stand, sit, and raise her knee up high. She then placed an "x" on the spot, put a clear piece of waterproof tape over it, and that was done. She was very helpful answering last minute questions we had. 

Mackenzie was only allowed to have clear liquids all day. At 6:00 she began prep as if she was going to have a colonoscopy.  She is a pro at prepping for that, so it was no big deal.

Last night was the first real anxiety filled night for Kenz. She was up at 2:00 am and ended up not able to sleep. I told her she should have come and got me because I was tossing and turning all night. The waiting for this surgery is really getting to us. 

Well we stopped at Grandma Tuch's house for a bit and then came home and shortly after, Tony, Marissa and Dominic came over and visited with us for the evening. Dominic is such a great distraction. Actually last night, Tony cooked Kenz a feast!!! He wanted her to eat like a queen since it was going to be the last time she could eat in awhile. He brought over and cooked 250 clams, Alaskan king crab legs, lobster tails, and filet mignon. It was unbelievable. It's awesome having a chef in the family.

Going to try and get some sleep tonight. We have to be at RGH at 5:45 am. Surgery should start around 7:30. 

Goodnight