Tag Archives: #decendingcolonhernia

# 81 PRE-OP APPT

Yesterday’s colonoscopy went well, no abnormal findings!!! For those of you that have read previous blogs you know that I have a mutated gene for both colorectal cancer and breast cancer, so colonoscopies are preformed more frequently…YAY ME…NOT! Anyways “no findings” is a good thing (insert happy dance)

While I was having the colonoscopy, the surgeons office called the G.I.’s office and had them give me a message to call them after my colonoscopy was done. Dr. Peter Rubins office wanted to see me for the Pre-Op at 2:30pm yesterday. We took an uber back to the hotel, I took a nap prior to the 2:30 appt. Doing the cleanse for the procedure literally kept me up all night going to the bathroom, so I was a bit sleep deprived.

Dr. Peter Rubins office is across the street from the famous Met Museum. His examination of my hernia was very thorough, then we discussed the surgical options. Initially the plan was to do the repair laparoscopically, however due to past surgical history and for longevity of the repair he recommended an open repair. His explanation made sense but honestly I don’t remember the details to include them…so you are sparred from the detailed explanation. I was given to option to eat dinner last night, breakfast this morning, then liquids after 12 noon, then start a new colon cleanse for the surgery tomorrow. The other option was to stay on clear liquids until the surgery. I opted for the clear liquid option.

When our appointment was done, we opted to walk back vs. taking a cab back to our hotel. The reason for the above picture is because it was comical and challenging to be passing by all these great little hole in the wall places to eat and you cannot indulge! I have been on clear liquids since Sunday afternoon.The smell of freashly baked goods, pizza shops galore was torture. We made it to our room where I warmed up some broth, yummy.

Surgery is scheduled for tomorrow morning at 9am. Anticipated hospital stay is two nights and we will hang out in NY for 10 days post-op.

Mahalo for reading my blog

Much aloha Pina

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#80 New York

After completing the breast restoration process last year, I was so happy that all of that was behind me. All I wanted was to have successful breast reconstruction, which I was able to get going to Louisiana. I thought 2023 would be the final surgery, but apparently not. (details in previous blog)

Like I mentioned, this surgeon wanted me to have colonoscopy prior to the hernia repair vs. having one done later in the year since I am due for one. If you have been reading my blogs from the beginning I have mentioned that I have a mutated gene for both Colorectal and Breast Cancer. When Dr. Reiner asked me during my consultation when my last colonoscopy was, he was quick to say that he would not do the repair without a colonoscopy first. Also I would need to have colon prepped (cleansed) prior to the surgery, so might as well do them both.

Tomorrow at 9am eastern time I will have the colonoscopy done by Dr. Peter Rubin. On Tuesday we will meet with Dr. Reiner for a pre-op visit and instructions for the Hernia repair on Wednesday.

Sitting here in our hotel room at The Marriott Courtyard in the upper east-side of Manhattan, I have just finished one of the two bottles of Clenpiq, which is the colon cleanse kit I was prescribed (wish me luck) We are with in 1.5 miles of the locations where both procedures will be done.

Wish me luck, keep me in prayer that all will be seamless without complications.

Mahalo for reading

Pina

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# 78 Beyond Frustrated

The title of this blog is an UNDERSTATEMENT of how I feel right now.

But, first let me go back a little bit before I explain. Recovering from the second phase of the SGAP Breast Reconstruction done on August 30th went smoothly. The surgeon modified the front DIEP flap scar, moving it down leaving the umbilicus at the waistline. The gluteal scar had/has an area that has decided to take its sweet time healing, today it has less than 5mm to go before it is completely closed. The left breast is a bit smaller then the right breast, and I am okay with that because I have two breast now! I was offered another revision, but I am happy with the current outcome. I was really worried for a bit when I had the complications and having the wound vac, I thought I was going to lose the flap. Beyond grateful for the surgical team in Louisiana !

Above is a diagram of the scars, I know it looks intense, but all scars a healing really nice. I did go out and buy myself new bathing suits, however I have not been cleared to go into the ocean due to the gluteal scar not completely closed. Just need to be patient……..and then this happened!

Last month I noticed that I had this “puffiness” on my left side near the waistline on my back. That area did not feel right, I would do my lymphatic massage, the puffiness would subside, but then reappear. On Monday the 27th as I was bearing down to use the restroom, I placed my hand on my back waistline and felt something literally plop out (and I’m not talking about a BM..lol) I asked the Ultrasound Technologist if it was possible to have a hernia back there, she said, rare, but possible. Since then I have had an Ultrasound and CT. I have a Hernia! The descending colon has herniated out.

The yellow line shows where the wall has been breached (so to speak) the large bowel should not be past that point.

What’s next? Getting this repaired before it gets “incarcerated”.

Tomorrow we fly to Burbank, I have a surgical consultation with a surgeon with City of Hope, on Monday the 18th. On December 28th I have surgical consultation with a surgeon from UC Irvine. This comes after the Specialty Care For Hernia Repair out of Newport Beach let me know that they could not do this repair. This facility does outpatient, and was not a good option for me. They recommended having it done at a University Hospital. I am not in pain, it is uncomfortable though, I am wearing an abdominal binder making it bearable throughout the day.

My kids quickly started sending me names of possible facilities/surgeons. I was really challenging coordinating this, making phone calls etc. However I have two consultations and hopefully one of the surgeons can do this ASAP!

So there you have it…this is why I am Beyond Frustrated ……simply at the thought of another surgery has me bummed.

Mahalo for reading……I almost forgot, the flowers were a gift from a wonderful patient during Breast Cancer Awareness Month!!! She totally made my workday, work week wonderful. I got lots of compliments from patients that got to see them, they were beautiful!

Mele Kalikimaka everyone,

Pina:)

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