Caat:
I am somewhat familiar with LifeSeal and its clinical study and pending FDA approval. It is an ingenious product, and if you have the opportunity to participate through Stanford it might be well worth the additional time/energy of travel to the Stanford University medical campus.
Lifeseal is a surgical sealant, being used to reinforce/strengthen the round tract of line sutures in creating a colo-rectal or colo-anal anastomosis. One of the more concerning risks of a LAR is leaking of fecal material at the anastamosis site - and sequel was of peritonitis and/or sepsis. Nasty. The clinical study will be looking at Lifeseal’s ability/role in lessening the risk/occurrence of an anastomosis leak.
I survived systemic sepsis from an extensive bowel perforation. It was a harrowing ordeal.
I was a physical therapist by profession. Your ability to return to work as a pediatric occupational therapist will depend on your energy levels post surgery and caution to prevent a hernia (parastomal hernia if you have a temporary stoma and incisional hernia).
You may want to look into a hernia prevention wrap. These are usually elastic-Lycra-spandex lumbo-sacral binders or “belly binders.” A small company in the United Kingdom, called “Comfizz,” makes a speciality line of hernia prevention and ostomy wear. I wear Comfizz undergarments and highly recommend them. Comfizz won an award from the British NIH for its high quality and innovative designs.
http://www.comfizz.comSending you healing strength and sincere best wishes,
Karen
Dear friend to Bella Piazza, former Colon Club member (NWGirl).
I have a permanent ileostomy and offer advice on living with an ostomy - in loving remembrance of Bella
I am on Palliative Care for broad endocrine failure + Addison's disease + osteonecrosis of both hips/jaw + immunosuppression. I live a simple life due to frail health.