My followup appointment with Dr. Sharma, the gastroenterologist, on December 22, went very well. He said the pictures from the gastrografen enemas were normal. There was no indication of polyps, tumors, or other abnormalities. And, there was plenty of gut left to complete a reversal of the colostomy.
He told me he would refer me to Dr. Galloway at Emory University Hospital, who is a top notch surgeon, and who has done lots of research into abdominal wall reconstruction. To me, that was such a wonderful Christmas gift! I was so excited to just be able to be seen by Dr. Galloway. Dr. Sharma said that I should receive a phone call from Dr. Galloway’s office to set up an appointment.
On December 23, Gail from Dr. Galloway’s office called to discuss the appointment with me. She said that Dr. Galloway has looked over my records and agrees that I am a good candidate for abdominal wall reconstruction and ostomy reversal. He likes to schedule patients for a CT scan on the same day as the initial appointment, but that if we wait until there are time slots available on the same day for both the lab and the doctor, it would be January 3oth before they could schedule me. However, if I was agreeable to making the 85 mile one way trip twice, they could schedule the CT scan on Saturday, January 3 and then the appointment with the doctor on January 7th. I guess you know what I said!
So, between now and January 7th, I have to drive over to Carrollton to Dr. Griffin’s office to pick up the test results to hand carry to Dr. Galloway. Not that I am looking forward to the actual surgery, but I am so excited that this is going so quickly so far. I am really close to having my colostomy reversed and getting my abdominal wall reconstruction surgery.
I am trying to keep my hopes low, in case there is any problem that would cause me to not get this done. Please keep your fingers and toes crossed for me, and say a prayer if you are a praying person.
Talked with my sister who is two out from her reversal and is doing well. Good luck and keep us informed. So glad it is going to be soon.
Thank you, Peggy! I am nervous and excited at the same time.
Prayers as always!
I have followed your blog for several years. I had a colostomy done in 2008 and then a reversal in 2009. I need to make an appt with my dr now as I believe I have abdominal hernias from the two major surgeries… so I am interested in what all is involved and why the need for abdominal wall reconstruction. I hope that isn’t what I need. But other than that my reversal went very well. Major surgery is never fun…but I was so glad not to have that colostomy anymore. Praying all goes well.
I’m so happy to hear this Karen. I know surgery isn’t pleasant, but this one is for the long run.
Thank you Gaelyn! I am looking forward to getting my life back.