new problem

 Hi all, new member here. After being healthy my whole life (59 now) I found myself in great abdominal pain while at work. Went to the ER where I was diagnosed with diverticulitis with sigmoid rupture. A colostyomy was done, but after 15 days of distention, pain, nausea, and a prolapsed mitral valve which sent me into congestive heart failure, my surgeon finally decided to get  GI consult which revealed the colon was "hooked up wrong". Back to surgery, revision of colostomy done. I did fine with the bag, but opted for reversal which was done 10 days ago. I'm doing okay except for the abdominal pain since my mid line excision had to be opened for the third time. Now that the anastomosis has been done connecting my colon back to the rectum I'm having several episodes of mucous and some soft stool a day----unable to leave the house. I'm hoping this is temporary,not returning to the surgeon until 4 more days. Anyone out there to help reassure me? Jannett

Thanks peggy, I'm so grateful to have found this site!

hello jannett.

i had an ileostomy for 8 months and i had my reversal surgery 3 weeks ago. the surgery was a successs but while i was in hospital i caught the c.diff bug which made me very ill. i am now out of hospital but i am still on antibiotics for the c.diff. obviously the c.diff made my bowels wake up very quickly and i was forever on the toilet and was always in excrutiating pain. it was un controlable.

however i am doing great now but like you i am still going to the loo about nine times a day. i have only been out of the house a couple of times. i darent be too far from the toilet.i did have alot of mucus to begin with but that does settle down. and i am also reassured that the BMs will slow down but it just takes time for the bowel to settle down. this could take a while but it will happen. the bowel really does not like to be messed with!lol
i am in no pain now and hrdly have to take any pain meds. unlike you i was joined back up through the stoma site so didnt have the pain that you are having with your scar. im sure that will get better though.

i am only 20 years old and although i coped fine with the bag it was nice to have a chance at the reversal. im sure you will be able to appreciate it soon too. hope ive been a bit of help. take care.