Going without a vehicle?

I guess I must thank my sister and a blog I read by Mr. Money Mustache for getting this crazy idea stuck in my head.  Here's what I am thinking, once I am fully recovered from this surgery, I am going to attempt to use my bike for the majority of my transportation and park the truck.  Now I am a realist and knowing where I live and what I like to do, not having a vehicle at all won't work for me.  I do like to travel and go places that are way out of range for a bike in a reasonable time frame.

Here is what I see happening at first.  Use the bike to go to school(15 mile one way trip), going to the gym(1o mile one way trip) and anything else local that is to far to walk to.  Who knows where this will take me but I think it is well worth the try.  I did a rough estimate and on the amount of money I spend on gas every year and it is well over $3000 just for normal driving, not including trips anywhere.  Now I just have to figure out which type of bike is the best for this job, it's not going to be the tri bike, I know that for sure.

As for the recovery, things are progressing quite nice.  The incision is still open about a quarter inch or so and still leaking out fluid slowly.  The abdomen is feeling stronger and not nearly as sore as last week.  I am able to ride a bike for 45 mins, elliptical for 45 mins, no running or swimming yet.  I can't lift much yet either, you can feel the pressure on the abdomen when ever you pick anything up.  Spent an entire day on the go yesterday driving and walking around the Erie area, this was probably the best day I have had out in years.  Feeling very optimistic that things are going to be greatly improved this week as well.  I will post a few new pics if I can talk the Doc into taking the rest of the staples out tomorrow.

Training after major surgery

Let me start off by saying I am not a Dr. and anything I state here is from my own personal experience.  Always consult your Dr. before training especially after major surgery.  I am 13 days out of surgery now, I am feeling fairly good.  I do have some pain on my side and hip area and of course around the incision still.  I am leaking quite a bit of fluid out of the incision as well because it had not closed up completely.  Because of this I am having to go see the Dr every 2 days now to get the incision cleaned out to prevent infection.

So here is were I differ from some people, I can't stand sitting around so I took my tri bike out for my first ride since surgery.  I did a nice and easy 9 mile ride in 45 mins.  I just need to get moving again.  Now I have been walking since the day after surgery and can walk over a mile without major discomfort and I have been riding lightly since 5 days out of surgery 4-6 miles on a comfortable mountain bike.  I did not get in the aero position, kept myself upright and when you hit bumps in the road that is pretty uncomfortable.  Other than that it felt great to get back out there again.   After the ride I had some slight discomfort walking around but that went away after 5 minutes or so.  I also had some minor leakage and was able to squeeze the rest out after the ride.  That is one of those things you need to talk to your Dr about.  Mine said it is not to serious(the leakage) and he did not tell me to not exercise so this is what I told my mother how I felt about it, "I hope he doesn't think I am smart enough not to train."  Take it as you will but I am just going by how I feel and until he tells me differently I will keep on going.  I am not able to run yet and it might be sometime before that happens.  Believe it or not but I can not wait to go for a swim.  I must be feeling good because I hate swimming lol.

One thing I can say about exercise, I am recovering at least 2 times faster than the initial surgery 6.5 years ago.  I was not in shape back then, I was smoking and drinking as well.  This is enough to prove to me that not only does exercise make you feel and look better, it also seems to greatly improve your recovery from major surgeries, at least this is my experience.

I will keep the post coming as my progress continues and hopefully one will be about running pretty soon, I do miss my long runs.

10 days post op

Well I have made it to the 10 day mark now.  I have had remarkable recovery so far.  Since the last post I have been able to discontinue the pain pills, I am walking over a mile, riding a bike for over 40 mins, and driving.  Now with that said I have seem to have open the incision quite a bit and have had some bleeding every day since Friday when the surgeon removed half of the staples.  I am assuming it is because I am trying to do to much but I will just say the Dr did something wrong :-)  Other than the bleeding issue things are progressing well.  I am very excited about getting back to training for the summer tri season.  I have found that riding on a non tri bike at a leisurely pace is less painful that walking right now but it does put you in a more vulnerable state so it is a little risky.  Also I learned the joys of sneezing today for the first time, it is quite possibly the worst feeling I have ever had.  The only way I can put it is it felt as if my entire stomach was ripping open and I could feel each tear.
I wanted to post some updated pics to show the incision recovery but I was to busy trying to reattach my belly tonight and forgot to take the pics before all the sterri-stripps were put on, maybe next time.  I have been reading a new book called The Second Brain written by Michael D. Gershon, M.D., it is about the function of the intestine and how it is controlled by a separate nervous system than the brain/spinal cord nervous system.  I will post anything interesting I might read there, it is fairly technical reading so it might take me sometime lol.  Thats all I have for now, congrats to all the Buffalo Marathon finishers today, wish I could have been there.

Ist full day out of hospital

Well I don't know if it is possible but I think I set a PR on getting released from a hospital for abdominal  surgery.  I had surgery at 1:30PM on Thursday and was released at 11:40AM on Sunday. So that is a 70 hour 10 min time if you can beat that let me know.  I have some more post op pics and they are pretty nasty so if you get grossed out DO NOT LOOK!  As for recovery, the first day the Dr had me out of the bed sitting in a chair, day 1 I did 2 walks in the hallways and sat in a chair for 2 hours.  Day three was the same as day 2.  Day 4 was the release day, 1 walk in hallway, sat in chair for 3 hours, released so had car ride home, did 2 15 min walks outside.  Today(day 5), I am showering, taking the bandages off, and did my longest walk yet.  As for the diet, day 1 was ice chips after surgery, day 2 was  water and apple juice all day, day 3 juice in the AM and soft food for lunch and dinner(chicken rice soup, sandwich) day 4 soft foods in the AM and ate a burger and ice cream for dinner(Not a smart idea).  Day 5 taking it easy oatmeal and banana for breakfast, half a PB&J with bowl of chicken soup for lunch.   As for bowel habits, Day 1 I everything was shut down from the anesthesia still, day 2 I was having gas by the end of the day, day 3 I had gas in the AM and diarrhea in the PM, day 4 I was was having multiple loose bowel movements.  Today I am having multiple movements and quite a bit of pain, but I am assuming this is from eating the burgers and ice cream(will I ever learn).
All in all I feel I am doing great for having had major surgery less than a week ago.  I have about a 4 inch incision just below the belly button and the closed opening from the ostomy.  The Dr was able to use the old incision so I won't have any new scars for the major incision, just the scar from the opening.

Day4

Day 5

First Meal and First Gross Pic

Finally got to eat today. It's been four days. Felt much better once I ate. Brief run down of events. After surgery I was pretty much out I it all night. Had catheter removed first day as well. Second day I had my IV taken out but felt pretty bad all day. Today things are looking much better. Got to eat and found out I might get to go home tomorrow. I'll keep everyone posted and maybe get some better pics if y'all can handle it. Thanks again for all the prayers.

T Minus 1 hour

Well it's about here. Very ready to get this done. I did have to get a mini scope to check the stump to make sure there was enough to work with. All good there but that is an extremely unpleasant procedure but only last a few minutes. You don't get any meds for that one. Thank y'all for the prayers and I will continue to keep everyone updated.

Survived the flush out

All done with the flush and antibiotics and did it without throwing up. Feeling pretty good considering and very excited. Hope I'll be able to get a little sleep tonight. Did get a surprise call from the Dr saying he wants me to come in early to check the stump before the surgery. I hope all goes well with that. But 24 hours from now I should be all hooked back up. Thanks to everyone for the prayers and well wishes. God is great so I have no worries. Stay tuned for more.

Half way through the day and 6 pills down

Well so far so good, I am not completely starving and I have taken 6 of my 9 antibiotics and have yet to throw up.  Do have that wonderful metallic taste in my mouth though.  I also am going to out smart the nurse finally.  I have shaved my arms, legs, and chest.  So no matter where they want to stick stuff or tape things it won't ripped everything thing out lol.  Side note, to much black coffee on an empty stomach, not the best idea.  But all in all I am feeling very upbeat and excited.  I will continue to keep the post coming as my day progress and once I am awake from my drug induced coma tomorrow.  Thanks to everyone for there support and prayers.  I know God is with me and may his will be done.

24 hours

Normally 1st thing in the morning is my favorite time. Hot cup of coffee, nice filling bowl of oatmeal, and a delicious sweet banana. Well today consist of Black coffee. Yup that's it. Anyone one who has ever had bowel surgery or a colonoscopy knows how this story is going to end. So there is no food allowed all day, I can drink orange or line gatorade and have the same in jello. I know your think wow this guy is lucky but wait there is more. Starting at 1pm start taking antibiotics every 4 hours to help prevent infection tomorrow. If you dont know they don't sit to well on an empty stomach. Then the grand finale, There is a bowel flush at 6 pm. If you have never experienced this you are extremely lucky. Have you ever had a case of bad diarrhea? Well imagine that times 100, this flush stuff taste nasty and works fast. You are
Tied to a toilet for at least 3 hours, and you will learn the real meaning behind explosive diarrah. I know I know this just sounds amazing and if y'all are so lucky you may also get to try this someday(and if you are over 50 or experience any bowel discomfort please talk with your DR/Gastroenterologist and get checked out. A simple colonoscopy can catch colon cancer and safe your life). There's my PSA for the day. Please don't take this as me complaining I am just trying to explain what a day in the life of someone who has IBD/IBS can be like. No this isn't everyday but for me personally theirs is the 2nd surgery and 7 bowel prep in the last 6 years. So it has become somewhat of a joke around my house now. So as I finish my black coffee I will sit here and contemplate doing my last 7 mile run. Maybe I will have some nice orange Gatorade first:-). May y'all have a blessed day and please pray for me and my doctors over the next few day. I will keep y'all posted and I promise some gross pics if you want em.

Final Junk Meal

Well it is getting very close to the surgery date.  Tonight is the last time I will be able to eat for sometime, tomorrow begins the wonderful process of flushing out the guts and taking a ton of antibiotics.  For my last meal I went with pizza and wings.  Might as well go out with a bang lol.  I am starring to get a little anxious about the surgery but am still very excited.  I think my biggest concern is going to be what can I eat after the procedure and how my guts will handle it.  I will be fine with having to eat low residue low fiber as long as everything flows smoothly if you know what I mean.

As for the Ironman training, that is going to be put on hold for awhile.  I got in a wonderful final bike ride today and the weather was perfect.  Will get in one more easy run tomorrow then I'll be done until the Dr. clears me, unless I think I feel good enough:)  I hope I am able to come back quickly, things have finally started to click with all the training and I just had a 5K PR on Saturday, 22:23.  If anyone has any helpful hints on a quick recovery from abdominal surgery please off any advise.  Thinking of asking the Dr. if HGH would be helpful.

All I ask of is prayers for a successful surgery and quick recovery.  If I can I will post some gross pictures of the surgery if the Dr will give me some.  I will probably have multiple post coming soon during recovery as I will be very bored.  Keep up the training and get some rides in for me.

Getting Closer to the Big DAY!

Well I am 18 days from surgery and I am getting very excited.  So many things to think about, and I am going to be "normal" again.  Had a pretty cool weekend as well, got to see Lance Armstrong speak and go to the Bills draft day party.  Want to give a big shout out to Mary Eggers for beating Lance Armstrong  in the 50 meter kick off.  They were also able to raise over $50,000 for teenslivingwithcancer and livestrong.  You can still donate to this as well, so if there is anyone out there that can help please go to this link http://www.teenslivingwithcancer.org/duel-in-the-pool/

As for my surgery, I am most worried about the post surgery and how my bowels are going to act.  I will probably keep myself on a pretty bland and strict diet to start but if anyone has ever dealt with IBD/IBS and has an thoughts or helpful hints, please let me know.  I will also have at least 4-6 weeks off of training, not sure how well I will handle that part.  I have not gone more than 2 days without training in the last year, who knows maybe I will come back even STRONGER!

Time to get ready for another week of work and see if I come up with anymore big ideas.  Still plan on the Buffalo to DC bike ride, any thoughts on a route?

Up and Down Weekend

Had some big workouts already this weekend and haven't felt so hot.  Thinking I need to quit eating junk food so much, just does not sit well in my guts.  Did a 53 mile bike ride yesterday and had horrible heart burn, and gas the entire 3.5 hours, especially when in the aero position.  Then did a 11.5 mile run today and had the same problem.  I don't know if it was the ice cream, pretzel m&m's, or wheat thins.  Maybe a combination of all?  Will I ever learn.  I better straighten up only 3.5 weeks until the surgery, then I won't be able to be eating all this junk anyway.

I did find an interesting read on long rides and how to properly pee on the bike, gotta check it out,
http://www.amateurendurance.com/community-submissions/article/how-to-peeing-on-the-bike/  This is something anyone in endurance sports must deal with at some point.

I am also thinking of doing a ride from Home to D.C. to visit Amy in August.  Would be a 400 mile ride, try for 4-5 days I think.  I'll have to see how I recover from surgery but I think it would be a great time.  Would get to see a lot of great sights, only thing that worries me is riding in D.C.  I have never had to ride in city traffic, always lived in the country.  We'll see what happens but things are looking great, and life is good.

Review of Kashi Go Lean Crisp Cinnamon Crumble

Well I will start off by stating that this is a review from someone with very sensitive bowels.  So if you are an individual who doesn't tolerate whole grains and fiber well this might be of use for you.  Here is the link if you want to check it out for yourself.  http://www.kashi.com/products/golean_cereal_crisp_cinnamon_crumble

The Facts

I will start by saying that this was a good tasting cereal for being a healthy alternative, but if you do have sensitive guts beware.  I ate a bowel at 7AM and by 11AM the pain started.  I had crazy gas pains for over 4 hours.  Now just to make sure that it was the cereal and not something else I ate I put my guts on the line again and had a bowel at 330PM.(If you know me at all the minute the pain stops I just want to eat again)   Sure enough by 730PM I had the same gas pains that lasted until 1130.  I am not sure if it is the whole grains or all the fiber but I belly did not like it at all.  So for all y'all IBS and IBD people just be careful on this one and let me know if you have the same problems or not.

What an exciting week

This has been a very busy and exciting week.  Right off the bat on Monday I registered for all my classes this fall at NCCC.  So it is looking like I am actually fully committed to do the RN program, very excited.  Then on Thursday I got an email from my Tri coach that allowed me to officially register for Ironman Arizona.  So that has me all pumped up now.  Then on Friday I got the date for my ostomy reversal surgery, May 17.  What a week, everything just kind of fell in place and that feels great.

As for Ironman training, we had some nice weather Friday so I was able to get in a nice 40 mile ride and did a 7 mile run this morning.  The only thing I am worried about is I am going to lose 6 weeks of training to the surgery.  Probably wont be able to start training until July, but will be praying for a quicker recovery.  All in all I cant ask for more right now, things are great just keep me in your prayers.

My Review of EMS Solstice Switchback 25°/45° Sleeping Bag

Originally submitted at Eastern Mountain Sports

A versatile favorite, the Solstice Switchback 25°/45° sleeping bag has thicker insulation on one side so you can decide how much protection you need overnight.

EMS Solstice Switchback 25°/45° Sleeping Bag

Good for the price

By TexasSnowMan from Youngstown, NY on 4/9/2012

 

4out of 5

Pros: Comfortable, Lightweight, Packs Small

Cons: Zipper Snags Easily

Best Uses: Backpacking, 3 Season Camping, Car Camping

Describe Yourself: Avid Adventurer

What Is Your Gear Style: Comfort Driven

Was this a gift?: No

I have used this sleeping bag in mid 20 temps and it did what it said it would do. It is fairly light and packs easily. Perfect for spring-fall hikes. The only problem I had was the zipper snagged easily.

(legalese)

Time for a another new diet, Low Residue, Low Fiber

Well to get ready for my big surgery and life without an colostomy I am going to be trying a low residue low fiber diet.  This will be my first day on it and I am hoping it will at least calm my guts down and slow them down a bit.  I am a little nervous about the surgery and how things are going to function after everything gets hooked back up normally.  So I am hoping this type of diet will help with that.

I don't have an official date for the surgery yet but am hoping I find out sometime this week.  This is going to be very exciting time for me considering I have been carrying around this extra baggage for over 6 years now.  If anybody else has gone through this please pass on any tips you may have.  I'll keep y'all posted on how this low residue low fiber diet works, sounds pretty plain and boring but that'll be just fine for me if it works.

Living with Pain

I sometimes wonder why I keep doing everything I do.  I wake up and feel like crap because I had to eat pizza and wings last night.  Knowing that I would wake up this way I still did it.  Then after that I know I have a ten mile run that is going to hurt because I tore some cartilidge in my knee but yet I get my gear on and go for a run.
So now I feel good because I got my run in but now will probably hurt more because of it.  I don't know if it is the OCD of wanting to train non stop or if I'm just crazy.  At least I know I'll have some time off when I get my ostomy reversed, that sounds like a blast don't it.