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Posted 9/12/2009 9:39 AM (GMT 0)
Hi all, I am new to the website and find it very informative. I was diagnosed with stage 3 rectal cancer back in january 09 and originally had my colon resection with no iliostomy but within 4 days I was internally bleeding and my surgen had to give me the iliostomy. Anyway I am 5 weeks past my last chemo treatment and had my reversal on thursday 9/10/09. I am on ice chips and iv fluids until my colon "wakes up". I am experiancing some pain but not too bad yet. I will update you as I go through this process and hope things go smooth. I have read a lot of difficult situations arrising from this and hope mine will be minimal. Thanks for the great website and sorry for all the spelling errors, i blame it on the pain meds
Posted 9/12/2009 5:45 PM (GMT 0)
Hi, My mom has an Ileostomy on July 9th and is going to have the reversal done in a week or two.  I'm so glad you decided to write on this forum.  Before the reversal did you have a Barrium Enema test?  My mom has to go for this on Monday and I'm not sure what to expect. Once she has this test the Dr. will let her know if all is good so that she can have the reversal.

Thanks.

Vanity

Posted 9/12/2009 11:42 PM (GMT 0)
What they did for me was a fleet just prior to surgery, which from what I understand is similiar to what you are talking about. The doctor probably wants to see how the colon reacts after it has been dormant for a while. They flushed my stoma with about 12 oz of fluid and I have to say it was unbareable. Sorry for the bad news, after not using the colon for 6 months it was quite a shock to my system. My stomach cramped real bad, I had sweats and couldn't stand up. I was finally able to use the restroom and pass thye fluid..thank god. I was fine after passing it, then it was off to surgery.

 They started me on a "clear" diet today which is two days after surgery, I am experiencing a lot of motion in my stomach and passing a lot of gas. I hope this gets better, but the doctor said it will take a while. They give me beef or chicken broth, jello, juice and sherbert. I barely eat any of it and still have discomfort. I wish I could have better news, but I guess it could be worse. I will keep you updated and feel free to ask any questions. Keep up the fight!!

Posted 9/14/2009 4:15 AM (GMT 0)
OK all they let me go home after just 3 days in the hospital, not bad. I am starting have small bowl movements and a lot of gas, which are a bit scary as i'm never sure if i might go a little with the gas. Pain is OK, my side and surgery sight most painful, colon seems to be pain free so far. I have to share something I did to help the pain, I wrapped my abdomin with a thick ace bandage pretty tight and this helps with a lot of things. I don't know why the doctors don't have everyone do it, I mean it's a 5 inch cut through abdominal wall, only makes sense it needs a little support after surgery. I would recomend asking your doctor ahead of time to make sure it is ok in your situation. My appitite isn't that great yet and I have lost weight, about 5 pounds now. So nice to be home and not have the family traveling all over town. Stay positive all, I will keep you updated!
Posted 9/15/2009 1:33 PM (GMT 0)
Day 5 two days after being home, feeling ok, most of my pain is on my surgery side. Gas pains I think to go along with bowls moving. I have a few bowls movements a day (not very much at all) and passing a lot of gas. I eat very small portions of soft food as much as I can throughout the day. Also per doctor request I have been drinking one liter or 4 gatorade bottles a day for electrolites. I was able to walk a bunch yesterday, when I'm in motion my pain subsides, it's when I wake up after 2 hours on the couch when I'm in my most pain. Hope this helps with other who are going through or about to go through the reversal. I read so many horror stories, I'm hoping mine ends up ok, which so far I would say, not too bad. Good luck to all..
Posted 9/15/2009 4:01 PM (GMT 0)
I found my pain was similar. Tons of pain when I woke up, but it subsided after I got active.
Posted 9/18/2009 2:32 PM (GMT 0)
Ok all, I am 8 days post op and things finally got moving last night (thank God). Still in pain and the occasional severe pain in the abdomin but I think I'm turning the corner. I will keep in touch, good luck all.

Posted 9/27/2009 2:55 PM (GMT 0)
hi,glad to hear your doing well,this website is great.My dad 7 days post op after stoma reversal due to rectal cancer.Struggled little when home but is doing fantastic kinda trial and error with foods mind u.Nice to be able to talk to people in same situation.Hope u continue to do well.........Donna in Scotland x
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