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Rectum removal question

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Posted 7/5/2010 7:36 AM (GMT 0)
For those of you who have had your rectum removed I have a question. Are they supposed to just sew the "hole" closed or do they sew your cheeks together. I think most of the way they kinda sewed my cheeks together because when I go to sit or widen my legs a little I can feel the stitches stretching. Is this normal?
Posted 7/5/2010 10:55 AM (GMT 0)
From what I know, it seems that for those who had cancer, their butt cheeks are sewn together because the surgeon removes more as they want to make sure they've gotten all of the tumour. For those with IBD, it seems more common just to have the hole closed up and the butt cheeks remain as they were.
Posted 7/6/2010 9:18 PM (GMT 0)
Brian, no they don't sew the cheeks together. You probably have a fair number of stitches or staples (which is what I had) going up your rear at the moment in order for them to remove the rectum. You're going to feel the stitches pull until they take the stupid things out I'm sorry to say. Hang in there!
Posted 7/6/2010 10:38 PM (GMT 0)
I also think it is mostly just the hole they close. I know what you mean about it feeling weird.

Once the skin heals and you are more active the skin seems to stretch to meet the demands you put on the area.

I would say it took me 8-9 months not to notice it. Yoga class was really a pain for a while!!

Good luck and keep faith.
Posted 7/7/2010 12:11 AM (GMT 0)
My husband just had the surgery last week.  They closed the hole from inside (laprascopically) but he his hass his buttocks separated.  We checked with the surgeon today and they said it will take about three months for the area to begin to feel somewhat "normal".  My husband is using an icepack and warm water to help with the healing.  The surgeon said to keep walking and everything will get better over time.  I hope he is right.  I'd love to take a short vacation the middle of August (2 months after surgery) if he is able to sit for two hours at a time.  I've also ordered a waffle pillow and a memory pillow.  Good luck.
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