Thursday, June 19, 2014

My Doctor Appointment

Well my friends, my appointment lasted two hours today. She did a lot of testing, including nerve tests on my bowels, and muscle testing of my bowels, and an ultrasound of my bowels. Good news-She is a wonderful Doctor, really like her, and her entire staff. Bad news-There was no good news today. First of all, I have chronic colitis. It is a chronic infection of the colon causing inflammation, and infection. She put me on some very strong medicine for this problem. Two capsules a day, twice a day for 8 weeks. Then, I increase them to three capsules a day, three times a day. Then four capsules a day, four times a day. They are 750 mg. I still have a bowel muscle, but, the Doctor said it is very wimpy. lol Due to my non existant bowel nerves, my muscle is shot too. This has all happened because of my diabetes, and stroke. On one of the test, I scored a twenty, she said most people, would have scored triple that. The other test, she said most people score between 20-25. I scored between 300-350. I have no sensation in my bowel area at all. So, what is the plan? Any cure? Because of such bad nerve damage in my bowel area, I never know when I have to use the bath room. My nerves do not feel any sensation, so they do not send a message to my brain. So, I have accidents on myself all the time. There is no cure, unfortunately. My Doctor is sending me for some biofeedback therapy, to see if it will help a little. My first therapy will be Tuesday, June 24th. If this does not work, which my Doctor does not think it will, the next option will be SNS, which stands for sacral nerve stimulator.
Sacral nerve stimulation (SNS) is conducted through an implanted device that includes a thin insulated wire called a lead and a neurostimulator much like a cardiac pacemaker. The device is inserted in a pocket in the patient's lower abdomen. SNS is first tried on an outpatient basis in the doctor's office with the implantation of a test lead. If the trial treatment is successful, the patient is scheduled for inpatient surgery.
Permanent surgical implantation is done under general anesthesia and requires a one-night stay in the hospital. After the patient has been anesthetized, the surgeon implants the neurostimulator, which is about the size of a pocket stopwatch, under the skin of the patient's abdomen. Thin wires, or leads, running from the stimulator carry electrical pulses from the stimulator to the sacral nerves located in the lower back. After the stimulator and leads have been implanted, the surgeon closes the incision in the abdomen. Finally, if that does not work, there is only one more option, colostomy. Colostomy is a surgical procedure that brings one end of the large intestine out through an opening (stoma) made in the abdominal wall. Stools moving through the intestine drain through the stoma into a bag attached to the abdomen. So, how am I feeling about this news??? I am going to get my umbrella, and do some major dancing. Take care, love you all.

23 comments:

White Lace and Promises said...

You have such a great attitude. I know all this information is overwhelming but I'm convinced that you will make it through with your umbrella and dancing in the rain. God bless you my friend. I will be much in prayer. When I tell my family that I am praying for my blog friends they think I am crazy. I know prayer works regardless of the miles. You hang in there! We'll be praying.

Lisa in Texas = ) said...

Denise- I am sorry to hear that you got some discouraging news. It is frustrating to have things wrong that there does not seem to be any cure for- I can relate to that. Prayers that there can be a solution to the problem for you.
<> dear lady~ Lisa :O)

Dee said...

My friend has had a illiostomy for most of her life...that means she has no rectum but uses a bag and she has done wonderfully and lives a normal active life. I will keep you in prayer my friend.

Dianna said...

Denise, I am so sorry about your doctor's visit. I was grateful for the good news that you liked your doctor, but saddened by the bad news. I will continue to pray for you. Dianna xo

GranthamLynn said...

Overwhelming I know. I lot of information to consider and understand. I am glad you like the doctor. Many prayers heading your way. And a few hugs!
Smiles. Enjoy your dance.
S.

Unknown said...

Wow, that's a lot to take in. My brother had colitis but he could feel when he had to get to the restroom. He would get very panicked. I can't imagine what you're going through. Prayers to you. I hope it all goes smoothly and you adjust to it all quickly.

Talk..to..Grams said...

Praying dear Denise, so sorry to hear this. Much love coming your way!! I will pray for peace.
♥♥♥

Joyful said...

That is a lot to take in at one meeting. But I am so happy that you have a wonderful new doctor and that there is an option before colostomy! I think that might work. By the way, I too have a much younger friend who uses a bag. She is married, works and has two young children and is doing very well! That gives hope. Big hugs. xx

Terra said...

Hi Denise, I am praying that you will find ways to improve your health and to deal with this problem successfully. You have a super attitude, and I hope you will keep up with your exercise and walking.

child of God said...

Hi Denise,
I saw a comment you made on a blog and followed your name to this blog of yours and discovered this is you! :P

Continuing to lift you up in prayer.
<><

Anonymous said...

Taking all the things easy will cure you half the way. It was happy to hear from you saying you want to dance with an umbrella. You like the doctor and other staff so half the disease will go away.
Keep you in prayers to get well soon.

Sharon said...

Denise, I am very glad that you liked the doctor. Sounds like she's being proactive, and very thorough. Though your news wasn't great, it sounds like you can trust this doctor, and I think that's a huge thing.

Will continue to pray about these new treatments. And what a wonderful testimony you are giving to all of us - for your spirit never ceases to rejoice!!

GOD BLESS!

Monica said...

Good morning Denise! I am happy to hear that you like your doctor and that she took so much time with you. Keeping a positive attitude is so hard and you are doing a great job! Will keep praying for you my friend!

rcubes said...

It's a heart that received and tasted the love of a faithful Savior which can remain joyful despite the many circumstances around...Your heart proves that...and as you dance, I can picture Him holding the umbrella....wait...He's the umbrella. Shielding you from that raining circumstances. Because He is true....to His promises. I know it's easier said than done and if one hasn't walked in your shoes, sometimes the other will not completely understand. But you continue to inspire and encourage instead. Facing each adversity with the strength that comes from Him alone. I'll continue to pray that you'll always remain strong in the Lord's mighty power. Love and blessings to you sister.

Stephanie said...

Oh dear friend, my heart aches for you. . .you continue to have such a sweet attitude and it's quite the example to me. May you continue to grow closer to God as you lean on Him through this difficult journey. I am and will be praying for you, sweet Denise.

Sending love and hugs across the miles!

Shelby said...

Praying for you, Denise. You are such an awesome testimony to being thankful not for but IN all things.

Love ya,
Shelby

Never Forsaken said...

Praying that the neurostimulator works with you!
If it doesn't, I have known a person many years ago who lived a full and professional lifestyle with the colostomy....But with medical advances...I am thinking the stimulator will be the procedure that works best for most people.
Getting out my umbrella and dancing with you!
No matter what storms come our way, always remember this...
God wants what's best for His children.
Love you too, Denise

Celestina Marie said...

Hi Denise, I am praying for you as you take this journey. I know it is not easy but you have a great attitude and strong faith that will bring you through it all.

Cheering you on with your exercise
and eating plan.
God Bless~~
Have a nice weekend.
XO

Mom to 3 said...

I am sorry that you received bad news at your Doctors appointment. Thank you for being so encouraging and positive, even on hard day. I hope you have a good weekend!

Valerie said...

Dear Denise,
Bless your heart. So sorry for your bad news. But thankful for your wonderful attitude. =)
Will be thinking of you and sending you heartfelt hugs and prayers.
Blessings and Sunshine, Valerie

moreofhim said...

Denise - I'm so sorry you did not receive better news. :( It's so very hard going through these health issues and my heart just aches for you. You are in my prayers, dear one, and I am praying for God's healing and/or His strength to see you through all this.

You are greatly loved!

Julie

Alice said...

I'm so sorry about the bad news Denise. I hope that the doctor can offer you some real help..

Pia said...

Denise, those are facts of life. I'm dancing along with you believing God will do something about this situation.