I’m so glad to hear you ended up with a doctor and nurse that you really like! That can help the whole process so much.
I had a friend with an colostomy bag. In her case it was permanent and a huge improvement to the Crohn’s she had been living with for 25 years or so. After surgery, it took her a few tries to find the right equipment combo for her, so hopefully they will send you home with some sort of sampler pack
Very good news. I could hope everybody who gets the “Big C” diagnosis could wind up with such a positive analysis from their doctors. Jingles for you!
Sounds like a excellent fit with you and the doctor. That is a big part of the battle.
My BIL had similar surgery with the temporary colostomy. He adjusted to it fairly easily. He has been “reconnected” now for a year or so and is back to work part time and feeling
great. He was 60 or 61 when he was diagnosed.
Jingling for a good CT scan.
How are you Sannois?
Yes, how are you Sannois ? and your dear cats ?
It does sound like you have a wonderful, wonderful doctor/surgeon – I love the “BTDT, we got this” attitude. Get 'er done and get on the way to healing!
Hi Sannois! Thinking of you and hope you will come here and say hello when you have time.
I am sorry guys I have been in a rather dark place lately.
I have put things on hold for right now. Last week, the Nurse and a scheduling person tired to cram me in for a double appointment, on Thursday, and this was Wed. might, It was a big fiasco, I finally said stop, I am not doing this.
IT was a total Cluster Foxtrot. I know her heart was in the right place, but I was not there.
She emailed me that night, and was very kind. said she hoped I knew that when I was ready so were they.
I am totally overwhelmed and felt like I had no control.
I know that is probably not true, but that is how it felt. I will call her next week and have a talk about what to do next.
I know you all probably think it is nuts.
I want you to know how much your kind words mean to me. And I have already thanked her, but CT sent me an amazing surprise today that helped my black mood.
Will let you guys know more when I can.
My thoughts and prayers are with you. Talk if and when you feel compelled to, just know we’ll be here to listen and offer what we can.
{{{{HUGS}}}}
Please find someone that can advocate with you and for you. The system is hard to navigate. I work in health care and it is frightening to me. But really, Thursday is a little quick. You need it taken care of soon but not tomorrow. Take the time you need to get things in order before the surgery.
I had a surgery last year. I work full time. It got postponed and rescheduled THREE times. I was about ready to scream. All the stress of getting postponements and rescheduling and trying to get the ‘right’ time off work was way more stressful and painful than the surgery.
Thanks for the update date and we are here.
Susan
Nice to see you Sannois ~
You were wise to ‘step back’
Jingles & AO ~
It’s OK Sannois. Take your time, but don’t stop communicating with your health care people or your friends.
You are not nuts!. You are trying to absorb and process a lot of important and unpleasant information. It’s not easy. It takes time to sift through it.
Hang in there and please keep in touch. I believe I speak for most all of us when I say we are happy to be the wall on which you hurl your feelings, to see what pattern they make for you and if they stick. We’ll reply and you can take what you like and leave the rest.
Just know that we care.:yes:
Sannois- what was the appointment for? I thought a CT was Thursday? Just breathe- 1 day, 1 hour, 1 minute at a time
Actually, what they did was schedule me for this, cancer group thing, on Friday, this was Tues. It is with a surgeon an oncologist, a nutritionist, a radiologist etc. It was like a 4 hour meeting. And it cost.
But they wanted all these tests first, I was told I only needed a CT scan, then all of a sudden an MRI
They were trying to cram it in on Thursday, and Friday Morning. Plus they said oh you have to stop at the hospital near you, WEd night, and get two bottles of crap to drink. Oh And you have to give yourself an Enema Thursday Morning.
WAH??? Not to mention drive over 100 miles round Trip for the tests.
I just blew a cork.
Step back, take a deep breath and refocus. Don’t necessarily blame the doctors, they do this all the time so it becomes a routine to them without them giving a thought to the person dealing with all of the tests and procedures. Not that they are uncaring, they just don’t often realizing just how overwhelming it all can be at a time when you have gotten some really bad news about yourself. Be upfront with them and let them know if you need to take it a bit slower, need information discussed in detail and that you need to time to process it. I’m sure they have your health in mind and wanting to address everything quickly. It would help to take someone with you to appointments that can take notes and help out.
Temporarily stepping back a bit can be good, time to clear your head and breath.
One day and one step at a time.
My cousin who has been through late stage 3 cancer just said to me that the four most important words for you right now are I can do this. Just keep repeating it to yourself, even on those days that are the toughest. Because you CAN do this.
I know items like everything I coming at you fast, remember you are in control. Do tell your doctors to slow down, ask them to explain what they are doing, tests they are ordering, why if they make changes etc.
It is overwhelming. One thing isn’t so bad, or even two, but then appointments with people get stacked up, with a few more instructions thrown in, and it does become overwhelming.
I would have to ask somebody about the MRI vs. CT scan. Remind people that you don’t have insurance. Instead of both, can you do the one thing that gives more information? That’s likely the MRI. But would the CT scan, with contrast, yield sufficient information?
My DH’s surgeon told me during one dark and uncertain time that doctors always want more information. They really do want to find the silver bullet to help you. But you, and your advocate, have to push back sometimes.
Yes, that is very very overwhelming. It’s like trying to put 50 lbs of mud in a 5 lb sack in 5 minutes. No. No wonder you blew. I don’t blame you. Yes, this is important BUT you need to do this in YOUR time, when you can deal. It’s nice that they are trying to get this done for you but I think sometimes they forget the patient is a human being. Not a statistic. Your brain and your psyche can only handle so much at once.
I would opt for the MRI just because of the amount of info you’ll get. More bang for the buck and no need to do both.
Just remember: One step at a time. And we are all here for you.
By submitting your email, you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. You may also receive promotional emails from The Chronicle of the Horse. You can opt out at any time.
For Customers
Company
Terms of Use
