Speaking of discipline....
So I had my post-op appointment with the surgeon who did my repair, and gave me the temporary ileostomy, last month. Evidently, I misheard her timeline for reversing the ileostomy, and returning the flow to normal (my GF says I heard what I wanted to hear....to which I replied, most folks do!). Whereas I thought the entire process, from surgery to return to work after 2nd surgery was going to be 6-8 weeks, in reality, the surgeon typically waits 6-8 weeks after the first, to perform the 2nd; and I'll need to do a CT scan with a contrast dye enema (fun times!!) at the 6 week point, to ensure everything looks good, and there's no leakage. 3 weeks later, I'm scheduled to go back to the OR, to reverse the ileostomy, with ~2 weeks recovery after that.
So I'm stuck with this thing, until February 21st. 38 days, and counting! **sigh**
After receiving the blessing from the surgeon, and a phone call to my supervisor, I've decided to go back to work, next week. Even with my physical limitations, I'm still okay to do so.....I'll just walk a little slower, and be more cognizant of the level in my bag. I got some larger than normal t-shirts for extra drape in the front, to help disguise the ileostomy appliance and bag (since who wants to look at a bag of shit, right?), and my client that I inspect for is willing to work with me, to make this happen. The CT scan is on my day off, so I won't have to take time off to do that, and I don't have to do any clean out prep before the surgery.....just stop eating, keep hydrated, and my body will do the rest.
Oh, and the best news of all, with the lab results of what was removed (~5 cm tumor in my rectum). Tested every which way they know how, it passed every test as being NON-cancerous. I got lucky, without a doubt. And that's why I encourage you guys that are sitting on the fence about getting the deed done with a colonoscopy, to get serious about your health, and do it. YOU may not be as lucky as I was.