Finally, good news!

Doug had the colonoscopy a few weeks ago and it went well!   Originally the plan was to go "to" the anastomosis site and "thread" a balloon thru the site and "expand" it.  Dr Stagg said he had no problem going thru the site, and went on up further and blew the air (as in a regular colonoscopy.)  He said the bag actually expanded and they had to let the air out. (That's a good thing!)  He was able to expand the area with a balloon to the point where he began to feel resistance.  He cautiously stopped as he certainly didn't want to do any damage.  He also took pictures.  Yeah, use your imagination.  But we appreciated it, wanted to see for ourselves what's going on in there!


Doug had an appointment with Dr Treptow (the surgeon) last Tuesday.   The discussion was, to reverse the ileostomy or not?  In the doctor's words "if it were me, I would at least want to give it a try.  If it doesn't work you can always go back to a permanent colostomy."  Since that was in the plan (at least in our thinking) since the beginning, we totally agreed.  Dr Treptow has been so good all along in saying to Doug that we would follow his lead.   Doug pays close attention to how he is feeling and between the two of us we are pretty good about getting the point across.  Doug felt like he would like to wait another month before scheduling the reversal.  And Dr Treptow requested that Dr Stagg go in and expand one more time he went in.

So that's where we are right now. Dr Stagg's office called today and will have an appointment time/day within the next 48 hours.   Dr Treptow scheduled the reversal surgery for August 6th.  He scheduled it when he is on call as he wants to follow Doug closely.  Love him! It will be an inpatient procedure and he thought 3 days.  The present ileostomy site will be left slightly open I believe with a drain for a few days.  I'll get more clarification on that.  Geesh, after everything I think we can handle "one" drain!

Doug's anxiety level is increasing.  As always there are risks and he is ready to wear pants again!  (We have invested in several pairs of bib overalls as it is just easier for him to not have to worry about working on an airplane with his hands up in the engine and his bag sticking out.) 


Your prayers are appreciated for everything to go perfectly.  Thank you so much!

Jan, Doug and Eric