Necromancer Posted November 9, 2008 Share Posted November 9, 2008 Some of you know that I've been on disability from work. I've been suffering with intense abdominal pain and a HUGE distension in my stomach. Yeah... it's not ALL fat. Some history. It became noticable over a year ago. When I was lying on my back, I noticed that my stomach came to a weird peak. It kinda looked like two scoops of ice cream, y'know? So I blew it off for quite awhile. Then it actually began to hurt and was a serious problem for me in many ways. Never mind how unsightly it had become. So I went to my doctor and he told me to just lose weight. He said it was an umbilical hernia and that they were common and you could control them by losing weight. I never fully understood that, but okay. So I lost 25 lbs and it was still obvious and still painful. He told me to continue to lose weight and he gave me a script for percocets. I took them when it was really painful, but wanted to avoid using them often. So... about two months ago, it got REALLY bad. The pain was constant and when I'd come home from work, I was in agony. I switched doctors and the new doc was blown away that I'd let this go so long. He made an appointment for me to get a cat scan and see a surgeon. I returned from the surgeon yesterday. It's NOT a hernia. It's a BIRTH DEFECT. I was born with something called rectus diastasis. Yeah... i know... here come the asshole remarks. Anyway, it's this birth defect that basically is a lack of stomach muscles. While most people have three sets of abs, I don't. The middle set was never there. BUT... it's not usually a major problem for most people, and it rarely ever shows up in people under sixty. This is what my surgeon said anyway. Also, it's usually just a cosmetic thing. When the seperation between the abs gets bigger, you get an unsightly bulge. MY seperation is over 10 inches wide. So basically, my intestines are kinda spilling out of my stomach. There is just a thin layer of stomach lining that is keeping it back. Here's what it looks like inside. This is from a recent catscan I had. http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o278/NecroBolt/myinsides.jpg At the top, you can see the large protrusion in my belly, and the lack of abs keeping it back. That gap is nearly 11 inches wide. So... on Tuesday, I will be undergoing some surgery. This is how it was explained to me. I'm going to be cut from the top of my breastbone, down to below my navel and opened up. Pretty much like open heart surgery. I'm gonna be spread a little too. Not as much as open heart he said, but somewhat. Then, they are going to place a series of mesh containment patches inside me. They have to put two smaller incisions in my sides to insert some kind of posts that they need to hook the mesh to. I'm not sure what that's about, but whatever. Then they will "tighten me back up", pulling the existing ab muscles back to cover the mesh and contain my intestines. He said that recovery will NOT be a joy by any means. He's expecting my stay in the hospital to be two to three days because of pain. Then a month or slightly more to fully recover and return to work. I've already missed a month just with the pain I've been in. It feels like constantly being punched in the gut HARD. Unless i'm stretched out on the couch, it hurts. And lately, even lying down i'm still in pain. When I stand, the pressure of my insides hanging dangerously low and protruding out, makes it quite difficult to work. Sitting is actually worse. I can only stay in a seated position for short periods of time. Last week, the drive home from New York had me in agony. So anyhoo, what i'm getting at, is that after Tuesday, you won't be seeing me here for a bit. Probably not 'till I get home anyway, unless one of my kids brings their laptop for me. But from what the doc said... i'm thinking posting will be the least of my worries. I won't lie to you all... i'm scared. It's a 3 hour plus surgery. I don't like anesthesia. I don't like pain. I HATE hospitals. But... when it's over, i'll be able to get a bit more physical than I have in the last year. Getting back to long hikes and just more aerobic activity will be a great thing. Another benefit will be that once the ab muscles I have are tightened up, it will make it hard to eat anywhere near as much as I do now. It will be the equivalent of having my stomach stapled. If I even tried to eat like I do now, it will hurt like hell, AND screw up the surgery. I'm good at doing things when I HAVE to. So basically... if you want to wish me well... send some good thoughts, vibes, prayers... or if you just want to tell me to f**k off... this is the thread for you. I will miss you all while I'm away. Hopefully it will only be a few days. To my entire TRF family... Cya's soon. Kenny Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Necromancer Posted November 9, 2008 Author Share Posted November 9, 2008 Oh... and for the people who hate my long posts... Going to the hospital, got stomach issues. Long surgery. Won't be here for awhile. Wish me luck, k? Cya's soon. Necro Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mara Posted November 9, 2008 Share Posted November 9, 2008 Ooohh, Necro. I am so sorry it's turned out to be something so major. But the good news is that it can be rectified. (Pun intended). I will be keeping you (and CeeJ as well) in my thoughts and prayers. I know you aren't looking forward to the surgery at all (who would be?). But it sounds like your quality of life will take a huge turn for the better! Best wishes. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
metaldad Posted November 9, 2008 Share Posted November 9, 2008 that suck's bro. sorry to hear that. you will be in my prayers . get well quick . i will play some KISS for you on tues Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Janie Posted November 9, 2008 Share Posted November 9, 2008 Wow Kenny. Good luck! At least you now know what was going on and that you will have a hard road ahead of you but once you get through it, you will feel so much better. I'll send many positive vibes your way! This may go without saying, but, you know that you have a lot of support here and if you ever need words of encouragement or whatever, you can find them here. I'll be thinking about you! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PassTheAmmunition Posted November 9, 2008 Share Posted November 9, 2008 Hey Kenny - Man I'm sorry to hear about this, but I'm excited for you that they got to the root of the problem and that they know what to do to bring you some relief. Its easy to fearful of the procedure and hospital stay, but as you know frm the times you have wished others on here encouragement, you will be fine and you will be recovering before you know it. You are in my prayers and I wish you a speedy recovery. You've got a great family and support network to help yu through it. Just please, whatever you do, please don't start watching the View while you recover at home. The last thing you need is those nasty liberal women making yor stomach turn. Go easy on the stomach Necro..... Good luck bro PTA Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ReRushed Posted November 9, 2008 Share Posted November 9, 2008 Good luck! I hope all turns out well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blonde77th Posted November 9, 2008 Share Posted November 9, 2008 I am Not Happy that you are in pain Hon But am Happy you are taking care of this & thanks to the Dr for the finding out the real cause !! I remember what you where like in July & I have been thinking so much of you wondering if it was any better . You know I will be http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg273/blonde77th3/Praying-1.gif for you .In the end you will be soooo much better !!We will all be thinking of you on Tuesday Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
udanax Posted November 9, 2008 Share Posted November 9, 2008 aaahhhh that sounds like an unpleasant condition that I would never want to have..... Good luck with your surgery Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Daylin Posted November 9, 2008 Share Posted November 9, 2008 Ken, I read some time ago in the 'pissed off' thread that you were going to see a surgeon, etc., and I commented on it, but I had no idea you were in this much pain. I'm glad you went to a different doctor and he got to the bottom of this. I know you're scared. I would be too! Surgery is a scarey thing, but you'll come through it. Soon this will be corrected and you'll be so much better. No more pain! I know the recovery will seem and will be long, but just take that time to 'heal' and know you'll be up and about again, and when you are you'll feel great! Hey, if you have a month or so to relax....take advantage of that You know I have and will keep you in my prayers. Light a candle(s) for you. Keeping positive thoughts coming your way. Love to you, Ken *psst* CeeJ.....You're gonna have your hands full with your guy, so good luck Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Arleen2112 Posted November 9, 2008 Share Posted November 9, 2008 Positive Thoughts and Prayers for you Kenny and a Great BIG Hug http://i248.photobucket.com/albums/gg174/Arleen66/bighug-5.gif Everything will be fine..Just think of the Abs your gonna have when your done Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tangy Posted November 9, 2008 Share Posted November 9, 2008 Just don't watch too much Oprah during your rehab! ( just kidding ) Heres to a sucessful operation and a quick and full recovery. Hopefully you be in good shape the time spring hiking season begins. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jack Aubrey Posted November 9, 2008 Share Posted November 9, 2008 Ken, you are in our prayers. I know surgery is scary, but if an easily freaked-out guy like me can get through two, then I think you'll do just fine. Here's a bit of good news - right before your surgery they're going to give you a med called ver sed. You're going to love it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Necromancer Posted November 9, 2008 Author Share Posted November 9, 2008 QUOTE (Jack Aubrey @ Nov 9 2008, 02:22 PM) Ken, you are in our prayers. I know surgery is scary, but if an easily freaked-out guy like me can get through two, then I think you'll do just fine. Here's a bit of good news - right before your surgery they're going to give you a med called ver sed. You're going to love it. Did you have this too? I was told it's rare. Explain more of the ver sed experience I should look forward to. Should I have CeeJ video me under its influence? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Necromancer Posted November 9, 2008 Author Share Posted November 9, 2008 Thanks everyone. I can't believe I got so many great well wishes and prayers already. Very much appreciated folks. I am trying to work myself into a frenzy, so I thought posting in here would calm me down about it. You guys have already helped. Eternal thanks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ghost of a Rider Posted November 9, 2008 Share Posted November 9, 2008 Here's hoping it turns out well for ya Necro. This reminds me of this other captain we have working in our company who had a similar problem except his actually was a hernia. He was definitely overweight but something just didn't look right about his belly. His belly poked out so much that it looked as if he could set a dinner plate on it and eat off of it standing up. I believe he got it taken care of though. Anyway, good luck to ya. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jack Aubrey Posted November 9, 2008 Share Posted November 9, 2008 QUOTE (Necromancer @ Nov 9 2008, 01:29 PM) QUOTE (Jack Aubrey @ Nov 9 2008, 02:22 PM) Ken, you are in our prayers. I know surgery is scary, but if an easily freaked-out guy like me can get through two, then I think you'll do just fine. Here's a bit of good news - right before your surgery they're going to give you a med called ver sed. You're going to love it. Did you have this too? I was told it's rare. Explain more of the ver sed experience I should look forward to. Should I have CeeJ video me under its influence? No, I had two ruptured lumbar discs. One in 2000 and one last year. When the ver sed hits, you're going to feel really good and all of you anxiety and fear is going to melt away. You feel like you're floating. The only bad part is that you tend to lose all inhibitions, I was flirting with every nurse that I saw. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Show Don't Tell Posted November 9, 2008 Share Posted November 9, 2008 Hope it all turns out okay! Here's to a less painful recovery! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PhilCastro Posted November 9, 2008 Share Posted November 9, 2008 Oh! Good luck Necro!! I hope you recovery quickly! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nobodys hero Posted November 9, 2008 Share Posted November 9, 2008 I'm so sorry for all the pain you're going thru Ken. I am glad that they found the root of the problem and although surgery is indeed scary it will make you feel so much better when it's all over. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers for a successful surgery and a speedy recovery. Please have Ceej let us know how you are doing after you come out of surgery Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
troutman Posted November 9, 2008 Share Posted November 9, 2008 Hey Necro, Hope everything goes well!! And don't worry, you will wake up in recovery not remembering a thing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Necromancer Posted November 9, 2008 Author Share Posted November 9, 2008 QUOTE (troutman @ Nov 9 2008, 02:45 PM) Hey Necro, Hope everything goes well!! And don't worry, you will wake up in recovery not remembering a thing. Ever see that movie AWAKE??? That's what I fear the most. That and the massive scar i'm gonna have. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
troutman Posted November 9, 2008 Share Posted November 9, 2008 QUOTE (Necromancer @ Nov 9 2008, 10:52 AM)QUOTE (troutman @ Nov 9 2008, 02:45 PM) Hey Necro, Hope everything goes well!! And don't worry, you will wake up in recovery not remembering a thing. Ever see that movie AWAKE??? That's what I fear the most. That and the massive scar i'm gonna have. No I have not. Just try and concentrate on the things that mean the most to you. Such as family and friends! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tick Posted November 9, 2008 Share Posted November 9, 2008 We all know your an asshole, you don't have to get all technical on me. Seriously, I will pray for you Ken, not only that the surgery go smooth, but you would wake to not much pain. I have had my Spleen removed. My Toncils, removed. My Apendix removed. My shoulder replaced, tubes in my ears twice. I think you get the point. Your going to be fine, and when your done, Ceej will take good care of you. I love ya man ! Also, I can rival Frankenstien, as far as scars go. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kudzu Posted November 9, 2008 Share Posted November 9, 2008 Aww, Necro, that sucks. I hope your surgery goes as well as it possibly can and that you recover quickly. I don't know what we're going to do over in SOCN without you. I'll be thinking of you. Good luck! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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