Ultimate Colon Cleanse Part III: Cutting Time

After deciding to have my colon completely removed in April of last year, time moved quickly to my surgery several weeks later in June. Based on the work I had done, I felt mentally and physically prepared for the estimated eight hour procedure.

Since my surgery was on a Monday, we had to be at the hospital the Friday before for bloodwork, a COVID test and my surgical marking. The surgical marking was done by an ostomy nurse, and included two sets of preferred locations for my stoma, which for many is just below either side of your belly button. Mine ended up on the right side of my stomach.

Every stoma is different. The size and shape depends on your body, the surgeon, and therefore many options exist for ostomy bag supplies to match the needs of your stoma.

After our final appointment, it was time for our vacation to start! There was a good deal of stress for both of us, but we took solace in spending time together and having some fun around Rochester. We went for runs along the Zumbro River, had coffee at our favorite spot, Cafe Steam, went to a Honkers baseball game, and dropped by the art museum.

Our busy weekend was a fun way to pass the time until Sunday afternoon, when I had to start my bowel prep for surgery.

After several colonoscopies that year alone, I developed a good system of chugging the prep early and sipping to completion. We did cheers a few times to my colon and talked about what the surgery-day would entail.

We were up at 3am so I could finish my prep and take a shower with the surgical soap. After that it was a short walk through the humid air and empty streets to the hospital.

Mayo Clinic is a well oiled machine. We registered and were quickly taken to pre-op, where they did a lot of verifications and hooked me up to monitors. Then I changed into my surgical attire, which resembled something an astronaut would wear.

I was introduced to members of the surgical team and as they wheeled me to the next staging area, which would be outside of the operating room. This was the hardest part, as I had to say goodbye to my wife. I felt bad she had to sit around all day while I took an extended nap.

Once they wheeled me to the next area, I had my stomach shaved and we again discussed the approach for the surgery which would be robot assisted. After that, they wheeled me into the operating room where the team was busy prepping the robot, monitors, and my bed. Several nurses helped me sit up as they injected a spinal block, and then I was hooked up to the IVs and oxygen.

I have a dry sense of humor which I believe has served me well in the medical world throughout my life. I remember cracking a few jokes, thinking about my family and then the drugs kicked in and I was out.

I woke up 10 hours later, with Tara next to me and an amazing nurse talking about fly fishing.

I also noticed the bag and how swollen my stomach was. Next up for IV: Recovery