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What is it like to lose a rectum?

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Posted 8/19/2009 11:49 PM (GMT 0)
Hi,

 

I have had a colostomy for eight years this month, but a part of my rectum has remained intact, in case I get the ostomy reversed.

 

However, due to a low grade dyspalsia in the rectum area, the remaining rectum has to come out. I am accepting that my ostomy will be there for the rest of my life.

 

But I wanted to know from someone who has had their rectum removed, the post surgery, physically how they felt, etc...

 

Thank you

Posted 8/20/2009 12:48 AM (GMT 0)
Its kind of weird, lol. that was the hardest part for me to wrap my head around. I just couldnt figure out how you cut out a hole. I still dont really understand that.

But anyway, it hurts after surgery, but only for a while, what was worse for me was it itched like crazy! I found that if put on a clean maxi pad every couple of hours it wouldnt itch as bad.
Im not sure if you are a man or a woman so if you are a man you might not want to do that, lol. BUt it did help. the dr gave me some stuff too, i cant remember what its called but its a cream that you can use for the itching.
It was hard to sit for a while, so i sat on my tailbone, which made my tailbone hurt, lol. But after a few weeks it was fine, and the only thing that i have now is sometimes i feel like i need to go,but obviously nothing can come out there. But that passes after a few minutes.

good luck!
Posted 8/20/2009 12:58 AM (GMT 0)
I didn't really notice much of a difference. I have a REALLY good pain block though!!! I don't know if that made much of a difference or not. I wouldn't worry about it too much. The pain that I experienced with surgery is nothing compared to the pain with my UC.

Holly
Posted 8/20/2009 2:04 AM (GMT 0)
Well, I guess I qualify to answer this to some extent. I have only been missing a rectum for three weeks now due to cancer and crohn's. I still have the staples in. (one more week!!)

Right after surgery I felt like I had to push every once in a while, but the Dr. said it was just phantom pain. The staples hurt a little and the area felt tight because everything is swollen right after, but now I can't even notice them or the fact I don't have a hole down there. Hey no one will ever be able to call you an a** hole again. (My Surgeon told me that one)

I tried to talk him into taking off a couple pounds of ugly fat but straight faced he said a plastic surgeon had to do something like that. (No way am I having any more surgery) ever, nada, zilch unless absolutely have to. Never say never right. Hope I haven't jinxed myself writing this.

I am walking 1 1/2 hours a day (in intervals) already and my bum seems to work for climbing stairs ect. All muscles good.

Not appreciating the bag yet but hope that comes soon. Good luck with your surgery. Let us know how it goes for you.
Posted 8/20/2009 10:30 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks to all. It helps.
Posted 8/20/2009 1:58 PM (GMT 0)
Again thank you for the response. Have any of you gone through radiation/chemo before or after surgery?

How was it after you left the hospital?
Posted 8/31/2009 12:22 AM (GMT 0)
HI Neshama,

Am currently 7 weeks PostOp and can now sit on a wood chair for at least 20 mins without trouble (numbness). I sat in an reclined position or did the left to right cheek shift and alway sat on soft cushions chairs. No pain, my Dr. used desolvable stitches.

I'm still sitting in soft cushions and in a reclined position. Don't sit straight up till you're ready.

My butt scar is not smooth now, kinda strange. At first I felt like a large bulge back there, but it shrinks in a few weeks. I had to change my gauze & bandage each morning for almost four weeks. Initially some minor bleeding and secretion. Whip each morning with warm water softly.

My WOC Nurse had the surgery and it took almost 6 months for her to feel normal back there.

All the best,

Ron
Posted 8/31/2009 5:13 PM (GMT 0)
HELLO IM JUST GOING TO GET A NEW OSOMY ON THE 8TH OF SEPT ANY IDEAS OF WHAT TO EXPECT AND HOW TO GET THROUGH IT ALL I HAVE THE SUPPRT OF MY HUSBAND AND HIS PARENTS
SO WAHT ELSE CAN I DO TO MAKE THIS AN EASIER TRANSITION FROM GOING THE REGULAR WAY TO ON THE SIDE THANKS
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