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What does it feel like to not have a colon?

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Posted 8/19/2009 5:24 PM (GMT 0)
I have had UC for 28 years and because of recent findings from my last colonoscopy, have been strongly advised by my G.I. to have surgery. I am just wondering what it feels like to not have a colon inside you. It is a rather large organ and you would think that there would be a hollow feeling once it is gone. This might be a rather silly question, but of all the colectomy questions that I have this one seems to concern me the most. Thanks for any input you have.
Posted 8/19/2009 5:41 PM (GMT 0)
I honestly don't notice any difference. Of course your abdomen will be really sore for a few weeks after the surgery, but now that I'm on week six I feel relatively normal even though I'm missing 80% of my colon.
Posted 8/19/2009 5:43 PM (GMT 0)
No difference here either and it's been 8 years.

Sue
Posted 8/19/2009 5:56 PM (GMT 0)
the area where your colon once was quickly heals over after colectomy, so it is not hollow. feels great, actually.
Posted 8/19/2009 5:56 PM (GMT 0)

Jingle,

If you read my signature, I have had several major organs removed.  I honestly did not feel any different after any of the surgeries, there was no empty feeling, the other organs just adjust to take up the empty space.

I hope this makes you feel a little more comfortable about the whole thing.  I wish you the very best and just want you to know that although I didn't have mine removed from UC, it was the BEST decision that I ever made; I am so healthy now and have never felt better!!!!

Judy

Posted 8/19/2009 6:06 PM (GMT 0)
I forgot to add that I feel about 100 times better after having the surgery. Having to deal with an ileostomy is a little inconvenient, but is well worth it considering how much healthier I feel now.
Posted 8/19/2009 7:00 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks everyone. I feel better knowing that there will not be a hollow feeling. I am excited to have the surgery and live my life relatively medication free and I am excited about taking my life back.
Posted 8/20/2009 12:52 AM (GMT 0)
your colon really isnt that big when it isnt full of poo, so you dont feel hollow, just healthy!

Its a little weird to think sometimes that im missing a whole part, well actually a couple of parts, but its so worth it!
Posted 8/21/2009 2:37 PM (GMT 0)
FANTASTIC!!!

i do have a bit of indentation below belly button - but nothing major

Posted 8/21/2009 11:00 PM (GMT 0)
The only thing I feel without a colon is... GREAT!! I'm glad you're looking forward to a new life that's UC and medicine-free!! smilewinkgrin
Posted 8/22/2009 12:56 AM (GMT 0)
How long does it take for a hematoma to go away?
Posted 8/23/2009 2:55 AM (GMT 0)
I actually had that concern/question too b4 I had surgery! LOL!
I can't feel it NOT in there, but I could feel the pain with it in there. Make sense?
It feels sooo much better with it gone, b/c I don't feel the constant cramping.
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