HealingWell
Search Close Search
☰

Hi new here

Support Forums
>
Ostomies
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply
❬ ❬ Previous Thread |Next Thread ❭ ❭
Posted 5/22/2008 10:55 PM (GMT 0)
I am new here, I have been told and now verified with 2 more dr.s here at the Mayo Clinic in Cleveland (and I live in Houston, my surgeon referred me to see a specialist here) I will head back to Houston tomorrow and schedule an appt with my dr. for a "Total Colectomy/ Ileorectal Anastomosis"  I have had chronic constipation my entire life and I am a 41 year old healthy (other then the colon not working) female.  If there is a pill, potion, exercise you name it I have tried it over the years.  Both my grandmothers had the same type of issues just never had the opportunity to fix things as I do now.  After speaking with the dr today she informed me of the (more then likely she said) after effects of surgery.  The problems with having to go to the bathroom too much with pretty much permanent loose stools.  It would be a complete opposite set of problems then what I have dealt with my whole life so maybe I would be trading in one set for another but I am so ready to live life without feeling bloated, abdominal pain and spending long long hours in the bathroom hoping my laxatives would kick in.  I want to schedule this within the next month or two but I am not exactly sure what to expect.  If anyone has any advice feel free to drop me a note,

Lori 

Posted 5/22/2008 11:23 PM (GMT 0)

Loriann-

I,m new to this web site also,but it has been a GOD send...look at and read Total Colectomy1-19...you will find alot of good info...but for the most part everything that i have read,it is a life changing s/x,and all of the people that have had this s/x said they would do it all again.The drs say it is much easier to deal w/ the new side effects than not going at all...My daughter is only 11 but we are going ahead w/ the s/x...anything to give her a shot at better quality of life!!! Good luck and you will be in my prayers tongue

Booka(Krista)

Posted 5/23/2008 12:23 AM (GMT 0)
Lori Ann-sorry to hear of your diagnosis, but you found a great forum to get any/all information from people who have "been there, done that".  It has been a great help to me, too.  Were you at the Cleveland Clinic or Mayo Clinic?  I had many of my surgeries at the Cleveland Clinic (last 10 years everything has been there) and trust my physicians with my life:)  I hope you have a safe trip home to Houston and can move on with your surgery.  My diagnosis is Crohn's and have a permanent ileo, so I cannot help you with your questions.  But read the threads as suggested and post any new questions you need answers to and good luck in the future.

Posted 5/23/2008 2:23 PM (GMT 0)
Nothing really to add other than I'll wish you all the best!!
Posted 5/23/2008 2:52 PM (GMT 0)
I had chronic constipation. The surgeon did the sitz marker test and I had 23 out of the 24 markers left after 5 days. My pelvic floor function tests were all fine so last Oct they removed my colon and reattached everything back up. I don't wear a bag and just have a small 3 in bikini scar.

I'm not gonna sugar coat it. The surgery was the most painful thing I've ever experienced. Mainly b/c after the surgery your bowels shut down and have to wake back up. In the meantime they've pumped you full of CO2 for the operation and that gas is trapped and is very painful.

But being on the other side of everything now I'd make the same decision. I pretty much have a normal life now as far as being able to go to the bathroom. At first I had runny stool but after a couple months everything became normal. I was under the impression that if I went out to eat I'd have to hurry home in time to go to the bathroom. But that hasn't been the case at all.

Others might be different, but since my pelvic floor function is normal and the only problem was my colon, with that gone I am normal now. You just need to be aware that if you have other problems than just the colon then you'll have other issues.

Good luck with your decision.
Posted 5/26/2008 1:44 PM (GMT 0)

Lori Ann,

 

I had a laprosp. subtotal colectomy w/ ileorectostomy (ananstomosis) for CI two and 1/2 weeks ago.  I won't say it was easy and my major complication was excessive bleeding.  They said I was one of the "lucky few" who had this problem.  Anyways, I received much blood; they kept the pain controlled quite well, and sent me home w/ percocet.  Some days it is one step forward and two steps back; other days the opposite.  Overall I must say I am pleased.  Even though I am having multiple loose to liquid bms per day and some cramps that are getting less and less, it is a WELCOME CHANGE from the way life was before sugery.  I also had to call the plumber twice to get roots out of my main sewer line which normally I would have been more than upset.  But this is a good sign because I am evidentally going through a lot more tp and never had that problem before !!! Even though all of our experiences are unique, I pray you will make the right decision. Godspeed. NFC 

✚ New Topic ✚ Reply