Post Ileostomy Reversal Questions

Hello Everyone,

I was diagnosed with Rectal Cancer Stage 3 in March 2007. I had radiaton/Xeloda therapy. A temp ileostomy was performed August 2007 followed by 6 more chemo treatments. I am so happy that I just had my reversal Jan 22, 2008 and discharged in 2 days. However, my abdominal area is much more tender now than when I had the initial sugery. Not having to wear a pouch is beyond words . Maybe others who have gone thru a reversal could help me with my questions. I would really appreciate it.

My doctor said no diet restrictions. I was very surprised. He said we would discuss fiber at my 10 day post-surgical visit.  What did your doctors tell you regarding diet?

 

I haven't had the diarrhea or explosive BM that I have read about or the nurse told me about. I am the opposite. I am beginning to wonder if I may be a little constipated. I plan to contact the doctor tomorrow and ask about softeners. I think that I may be straining a little. Maybe that's why my abdominal area is so sore.  What kinds of foods are considered softeners? Did anyone not have diarrhea or numerous daily bathroom trips?

 I had reached my insurance out of pocket so now I have at least $500-700 worth of medical supplies...mostly unopened. Is there a place that I could donate these items to those who don't have insurance or having difficulty purchasing supplies?

 

Thanks everyone for all your help.

 

 felecia

i personally think that anyone who has prevesily gone through an ilstomy will always be in the club,my sister will have her reversal in months i can't believeu where discharged in 2day was it a small surgey

lol out of the club. How about graduated out of the club like me. Just had my reversal a week and a half ago.

I was on clear fluids the first day after and was starting to pass that night, nice and easy, didn't want to force it. The day after I went on crackers then that night regular food. Yay lasagna! 4 days in the hospital.

Yes the diet is open once your home, I just need imodium to slow the diarrhea down so I could at least sleep through the night, but accidents still happen.

UP to a year to get back to normal? :'('' That's so depressing. The medical people would specify between 'a few days' to 'about 3 weeks' or more. I wish there was more consensus to the length of time to get over the diarrhea phase.

Batt chief,
I read on another post that you are feeling so frustrated that you are considering going back to an ileo. That is a very personal decision but I would encourage you to try a couple of suggestions for a few weeks before you make up your mind.
Are you doing rectal exercises? I found that increased continence dramatically. Pretend there is a pebble up your butt and clench it. Hold it as long as you can and then release. I do it with weight lifting. No one can tell what you are doing and that way I know I am getting between 30 and 60 exercises completed per day.
To stop the butt burning I take 1/2 a dose of prescription Questran powder twice a day to bind up the acids. Questran also lowers your cholesterol. I do not have a cholesterol issue but it is a nice side effect. I take Immodium three times a day. I eat a fairly low residue diet. I no longer need the pads and Depends. I am still nervous about it so I stick to foods I know will not increase D. I am three weeks out from my reversal and loving it. I am old and did not expect to have such a fast recovery. Some people prefer to take Metamucil to add bulk to their body waste. The less liquid the output, the easier it is to control. My surgeon had me switch to Balneol to clean my butt followed by a thin gauze pad covered in Calmoseptine placed directly on the hurt area. Leave the gauze pad in place until the next time you empty your pouch. You can find both products at pharmacies. It took two days for the burn and blisters to stop hurting. I am still a little tender but sooo much better. I hope you feel better quickly!
Szm