Eric Tapley

As you’ve probably heard by now, I’ve been in the hospital for the past two weeks with severe intestinal problems. Specifically I suffered from a complete intestinal blockage due to inflammation of my small intestine near the spot of my previous surgery. This was exacerbated by ongoing problems with Ulcerative Colitis, lots of ongoing medications, and a possible bacterial infection.

Initially my doctors thought I would need emergency surgery, so I was transferred from hospital to hospital until I ended up at the Boston Medical Center. Rest and aggressive medical therapy was able to relieve the blockage. As a result the surgery has been delayed to give my body a chance to rebuild some strength and to schedule the operation for a more convenient time.

My surgery is scheduled for May 11th at 7:30 am. This is a major operation, during which I will have the remainder of my colon removed to get rid of the Ulcerative Colitis permanently, a “J-Pouch” constructed for eventual return to normal bowel functionality, and a temporary colostomy bag installed while my insides heal. It will be about a 5-hour procedure followed by 7-10 days of hospital recovery and then a gentle schedule of home rest and recovery. Two months after the initial surgery I will return for a smaller procedure to remove the colostomy bag, which will again be followed by a few days of hospital recovery and then - finally - a gradual return to normalcy. In the time between the two surgeries and initially following the final procedure I’ll be working closely with my doctors to monitor and and evaluate the healing and recovery process.

I’m very optimistic about this turn of events. I was able to avoid emergency surgery and have a bit of time to prepare physically and emotionally for the operations and recovery. I’m also working with top specialists in this field, a team lead by Dr. Becker, so after three or four months I should finally get back to being healthy. It’s been a very long two years and I’m excited to be solving these health problems.

Thanks for your understanding, support, prayers, and generally being great while I’ve dealt with these health problems. I know it’s hard because we don’t like to see our friends or loved ones in pain, but with a disease like mine there is very little anyone else can do. Now this is finally coming to closure and I’ll be able to resume my life - yea!