reconnection

if some intestine was removed, it is still possible to connect to the rectum if the rectum has been spared --has not been affected by crohns. I dont know what you mean by straight to the bottom. Is the rectum spared or not? The rectum is the short piece of intestine between the anus and large intestine. The anal muscles can still have some control. However this disease might return at the site of connection at some time later in life, so no guarantee the disease wont return.

I am not sure if I can be of any help but I will try. I don't have Chron's Disease but I did have a Sub-Total Colectomy in April '09. My small intestine is now connected directly to my rectum. I had this surgery after suffering from bloating and pain for years . . . usually within a couple hours of eating. In my case the diagnosis was "colonic inertia" and a severely twisted colon. Anyway, now . . 9 months later; I no longer have the stomach pain but I do get pain in the anal area because of having diarrhea anywhere from 8 - 15 times/day. It helps if I eat a lot of rice, mash potatoes, white bread, etc.. Also I have to mix powdered vitamins/minerals/protein into my rice or yogurt daily. I do feel a lot better now but this surgery can take months to recover from (I felt very weak for a long time). I really hope things go well for your daughter; she is too young to have to deal with these kind of problems. Write to me anytime if I can be of any help!

Gilda

Hi Lucy,
I feel so bad for your daughter; she is just too young to have to deal with these kind of problems! I know that is not helpful and I am sure you have heard it before. I do think that she will probably end up developing a really strong character as a result of having all these health issues. I still hope and pray that she is able to find a solution for her problems, though, so she can live a normal life!

I am still happy with my surgery (sub-total colectomy with connection from small intestine to rectum). I feel much healthier, can eat more normally, have more energy, just feel happier in general. The diarrhea does limit me in going out for more than 4 hours at a time. I just don't feel comfortable having to use friend's bathrooms or even public restrooms when others are present. It is embarrasing to have diarrhea! I can (and do) take Lomotil, Immodium and Vicodin (for "drying-up" effect) about 1 hr. before I go out and then again before I go to bed. I have good control, it is just that the pressure sometimes builds up and it is kind of uncomfortable. I have to keep experimenting on when and what to eat if I am going to be away from my house (bathroom) for more than about 4 hours. There is one other bothersome problem after this surgery . . ."butt burn." I am not trying to be funny or weird, there really is such a problem after this surgery (maybe for life . . . I hope not). The stool that comes out will burn sometimes! My doctor said that the colon seems to put a protective mucous on the waste so that the acid and bile salts don't burn. Now I have to use Desitin or Vit A/D ointment daily to protect myself. None of this is fun, but I do feel healthier than pre-surgery. Write to me again if you need help!

tummybug1~I am sorry to hear your daughter is having such a difficult time...I can fully understand the frustration in helping her to have quality of life!

I would suggest that you post your question on the Ostomies Forum (you can use the quick jump). There are many of us who have been in her position who might be able to help, too.

My only concern about a reconnection would be the presence of disease in her rectum. That could make things more complicated...have you gotten a second opinion from a C/R Surgeon? Does she have fistulas? If she doesn't have you heard of a k-pouch? some Crohn's patients can be candidates.

hi gilda
after emailing and lisning to you things do sound hopeful the rectum is deseaed but at the moment thay are using adalimumab to see if this works and settles things down obviously there will be no choice if this drug does not work but we will see thank you again fir all the advice and the time you have spent replying to me i am really grateful

lucy xx