| Author |
Message |
Jeremy
Member
Username: Jsliver14
Post Number: 1
Registered: 06-2014
| | Posted on Monday, June 23, 2014 - 09:35 am: | 
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Hello, I'm new to this site, but it's provided a lot of information, and I've found several posts similar to what I have. I'm 27, and I've had PSC and UC since about 2001. PSC has become, or fed HCC (Hepatocellular Carcinoma). I'm now at the top of the list in St. Louis for the next liver. Looking back through my info I've been given, and tons of info on the internet, I'm no longer sure what to expect for pre-op tests. I'm (oddly) not as concerned about the surgery as much as I am the catheter (never had one), and a tap-water enema. Having UC, one might expect that I've had them, but I've done well at avoiding them 
I'm familiar with the x-ray and all the rest of it, but I seem to be dwelling on these two. But there's been several places that list a 'what to expect', and don't mention the enema. Can anyone verify that they are done?
I used to be this scared of the ventilator, but after having one for an emergency appendectomy, it's not that bad. And I know, being in a hospital, that there is no dignity, but I'm at least trying to come to terms with what to expect. My only solace so far is that they put me out before the catheter. (Lord, I hope true!)
Maybe every case is different, but I figured it wouldn't hurt to ask people who've been through it before, before I join the ranks. Thank you! |
Forest
Member
Username: Forest
Post Number: 42
Registered: 10-2011
| | Posted on Monday, June 23, 2014 - 10:10 am: |
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Jeremy, Hello, They put me out before they did my catheter, and enema, Thankfully! Best wishes to you!
Forest
U/C, 1993, PSC, 2000
Liver/Kidney transplant 8/21/11
St. Louis University Hospital |
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Jeremy
Member
Username: Jsliver14
Post Number: 3
Registered: 06-2014
| | Posted on Monday, June 23, 2014 - 11:21 am: |
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Thank you! That's good and weird I guess. Good, that hopefully I won't remember either, and weird that they can do that while someone's knocked out. Lucky for them I guess that I'm only 165lbs. Do you remember how long it took from when you got there to getting put under? (I'd ask how long until the surgery, but you won't know past being put out I guess). |
Diane L.
Member
Username: Diane_l
Post Number: 704
Registered: 12-2011
| | Posted on Monday, June 23, 2014 - 11:38 am: |
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Hi Jeremy,
I had my surgery 5.5 years ago. I got quite sick suddenly from a viral infection so things happened quite suddenly.
I had been taking quite a bit of Lactulose to deal with the confusion, so my bowels were already pretty clear. I had a Fleet enema which is quick and easy, so I was OK with that. I didn't need a tap water enema.
Interestingly, I was worried about the catheter too. I had been told that it would take about 2 hours to get me ready before they started surgery and I just could not imagine what they would be doing with me apart from putting in the catheter. I was so sick that I couldn't lie still and I thought that I would get into trouble for not co-operating.
I am called by my middle name. Shortly after I got into the OR and onto the table they asked me to do something, but called me by my legal first name and I started to cry and told them that was not my name, and then realized I would not be getting the new liver. I was pretty muddled from being so sick. A very kind OR nurse turned around and said "Diane, my name is Diane too, and I am here because we are going to save your life today."
That was the last thing I remembered. I felt this huge sense of relief and I totally believed her. I went under "knowing" that they were going to save my life. What a wonderful way to fall asleep.
So all of the things that they did to me, putting in a central line, putting in a catheter etc were all done while I was lightly under.
I imagine it will be the same for you Jeremy, and you won't even have to worry about it. It will all be done when you wake up.
Good Luck with your surgery, and let us know how you do.
Diane Lewis
Liver Transplant
Vancouver General Hospital
November 20, 2008 |
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Forest
Member
Username: Forest
Post Number: 43
Registered: 10-2011
| | Posted on Monday, June 23, 2014 - 12:21 pm: |
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Jeremy, I had hepatic encephalopathy with the high ammonia levels also, forgot to mention that. Lactulose took care of that for me. I remember being taken down, and was alert and oriented at the time, a Sunday morning around 7 am. I remember the surgery prep at the OR also. It took them about 30-45 minutes to do their job, then, sedating me as they were rolling me in. I actually remember thanking them as I was going into the OR, then it was lights out. I woke up that evening about 6pm, and knew where I was. The surgeon kept me open over night so she could finish the next day with the resection of the small intestine and hookup the billiary tract. So mine was a two day surgery, with a double jump graft to my liver as well. It will be three years in August, and I am doing very well, and enjoying life!
Forest
U/C, 1993, PSC, 2000
Liver/Kidney transplant 8/21/11
St. Louis University Hospital |
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Bob2006
Member
Username: Delgador
Post Number: 260
Registered: 06-2008
| | Posted on Saturday, June 28, 2014 - 03:26 pm: |
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Jeremy, the enema and the catheter are a piece of cake, so forget it.
Hope you get your liver son, you'll have a new life after it.
Liver TX 7/31/2006 due to HCC
Dr. Jang Moon & Dr. Andreas Tzakis - UM/JMH |
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