Tests

Hi guys!

So it’s been 8 weeks since surgery, crazy! Time has gone by very fast and very slow at the same time. Anyways, I had to get a few tests done in order to determine if my body is ready to have this ileostomy reversal surgery.

Test #1 was a flexible sigmoidoscopy. This test is similar to a colonoscopy except I didn’t have to do any bowel prep because my colon is not attached and the scope only goes through your sigmoid colon. It’s a quick procedure, I was completely asleep for it, and didn’t feel a thing.

Test #2 was a pouchogram, aka water test. For this test they had to insert a soft flexible tube into my bottom, and then they filled my insides up with contrast and took a bunch of x-rays. Yes, this test was extremely uncomfortable but necessary to make sure that there are no leaks from the new connections Dr. Park had to make in my bowels during surgery.

Good news, both tests showed that my body has healed very well and there are no leaks or anything that would prevent me from getting this reversal, thank God!

So surgery is scheduled for December 18th. Dr. Park will perform this procedure and it’s supposed to be pretty quick, around an hour. Dr. Miller will also be joining and going in laparoscopically to check out that spot if endo on/near my obturator nerve and seeing what he can do about that.

The surgery should be a breeze compared to the last one and I should only have a few small laparoscopic incisions when I wake up, plus a small little sewn up patch of skin where they close my stoma/ileostomy.

I cannot wait to be rid of this ileostomy bag, I am counting down the days!

Recovery is going to be rough, everyone has warned me. My bowels are going to take a few weeks to adjust and my nerve endings and signals have to relearn the different feelings and sensations but it will all be worth it!

Main concern with surgery is protecting my nerve from any damage that would cause my right leg to lose proper function. Please pray for steady hands for my doctors and that I wake up bagless, endo free, and with a fully functioning leg.

P.S. If you follow me on Instagram @michelemarie.endo (I changed the name from Michelemarieblog so more people would understand what the purpose of that account is) or on Facebook @Michele Marie you’ll have had already seen it. But about a week ago I had my first period since surgery. I was nervous because periods have been so painful and debilitating the past several years, but not this time! I felt like how I imagine most women feel during that time of the month. I needed a few Advil and a heating pad on the first 2 days, but it was NOTHING compared to the past pain. I did not bloat, I could stand up straight, Grant and I cleaned out our whole basement and went out to lunch. All of these are things I would have never been able to do in the past, so I am so so grateful for that!

Thank you for all the continued support and prayers, means everything ❤️

I will check back in before surgery.

All my move XO

Michele Marie