One week after take down surgery

Well we have so much to be thankful for this Thanksgiving. Mackenzie has completed all three surgeries and is on her way to having this journey all behind her. She has married the love of her life and has given us the most amazing son in law anyone could ask for. We love you Mason! Also we have our grandson Dominic, who not only has brought joy to our lives, but has been a wonderful distraction throughout this journey of surgeries. He has always put a smile on Aunt Kenzie's face. 

We are also so very thankful for the many connections we have made through this blog. So many people out there that we haven't personally met, but have been there for us. 

We are also so thankful for the support of wonderful family and friends. You have gotten us through. ......thank you.

Kenz is doing really well one week past her take down surgery. She is experiencing all normal recovery feelings. Even though some things are uncomfortable, it is all to be expected after take down.  

We said good bye to Colleen (that is what she named her stoma) and officially hello to the jpouch. 

Woohoo.... God is good!

I will be slowing down the blog for now. I may post occasionally for updates for those of you wanting to know how things are progressing.

 If anyone would like to contact myself or Mackenzie please feel free to email us anytime.

Rhonda: rrtuch@gmail.com

Mackenzie: Mackenzie.tuchrelo@gmail.com

These pics were taken just before she went into each surgery. From "moon face" to getting her health back. WOW!

4th day after take down

Kenz is still on the limited bridge diet today.  Tomorrow she can start the low residue diet. She is extremely tired but I think once she can add some chicken into some of her meals she might have more energy.  She got out of the house twice today. But both times really tired her out. I see her improving every single day!!! 

She sure does love snuggling Boosh!

3rd day after take down surgery

Mackenzie came home from the hospital today. She took a shower and got settled in at home. She is doing great.  At about 8:00 tonight the dreaded butt burn set in. She is experiencing intense gas pain but does get some relief with the Gasx. She said the butt burn is so uncomfortable. We ordered special cream called Calmoseptine at the pharmacy. I hope it doesn't last too long. 

So glad she is home and done with surgeries! 

2nd day after take down surgery

Kenz will get to go home tomorrow. She has been able to pass gas and has pooped in the potty!! Lol. Honestly it has been so funny how we are all so excited for the first poop, just like she was just learning to use the potty. Finding humor during this journey has been a saving grace. She said it looked like little rabbit poop!

She has been off her IV today and started the "bridge diet." This consists of cream based soup broth, scrambled eggs, apple sauce and pasta.  

The gas pain does really get intense and taking gas x and some pain meds are getting her through. She is able to get herself up and walk around. She showered and really only complains about how tired she is and the gas pains. Other than that, things are going smoothly.

I think tonight I'm going to post a picture of Kenz on her wedding day. She and Mason had to change their wedding date due to her surgeries. They still wanted to have the wedding in 2014 so they decided to get married after the jpouch construction surgery but before this take down. She had a very rough time during that time with some blockages dealing with extreme stomach pain nausea and vomiting. She was in rough shape even on her wedding day. However she pulled together everything she could to get through the day. This disease truly is a hidden disease. Everyone saying, "You don't look sick."  Well all you fellow UCers know how that is. Here is a picture of my beautiful daughter who looks amazing and pushed through a very rough day on her wedding day. I know I keep saying it but.....she is one determined strong young women walking down the isle with her bag under her dress feeling like shit. I love her to pieces!

1st day after take down surgery

Nov. 22, 2014

Mackenzie slept well last night. Her blood pressure was pretty low during the night, but was higher in the morning when she got up to walk around. Today she started feeling the cramping they said she would get as the gas was passing through the intestine. It got pretty intense during the day. 

Last night she took one walking lap around the hospital wing, and today she took 5 more laps. Her surgeon came to visit her and told us how pleased she was with the surgery. Kenz has been sleepy all day. 

Finally at 8:30 tonight Kenz passed gas for the first time. Yippee we were all so excited!! This is one thing that has to happen in order for her to be discharged. The other thing of course, is to finally poop using the J pouch.  Just like when she first pooped in the potty, we will all be celebrating!!! 

Mason got here from Michigan at around 9:00 tonight. He has been in constant contact with us until he could get here.  He is now on overnight hospital duty.

 So I'm going to end this post with a picture of what her stoma site looks like now. They pack the hole with gauze, no stitches, it will heal from the inside out.

Goodnight, so very tired. 

Final surgery take down!

7:30 am

November 21, 2014 the take down, Mackenzie's last surgery. I can't believe it's finally here. What a long journey it has been. The recovery after her Second surgery in July has been one tough road. So glad we are at the point of take down!


8:55 am

The surgeon called to let us know her surgery was done and she felt it went perfectly.

10:00 am

I finally got to see her in the recovery room. She said her surgery site where the stoma was hurt very bad, but other than that she felt good. She is just groggy and nauseous.

11:00 am

Kenz got to her room and she is in the new wing again! 

Guess who came to visit Aunt Kenzie already!?!? He is a loyal visitor. He even brought the beautiful new Vera blanket.