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too soon for ileostomy reversal??

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Posted Yesterday 4:43 AM (GMT 0)
I recently had my temporary Ileostomy in September due to Colonic Inertia, and Scleroderma. I spent 10 days in hospital with complications due to an obstruction. I'm home now and all is fine, have sort of got used to my stoma, and quality of life is back.

I had to see my Gastroenterologist last week due to pain in my throat, I had an ultrasound, to check for lymph nodes up etc. All is normal with the ultrasound, so went to see my gastro doctor to have a Gastroscopy to check my esophagus. The Gastroscopy showed a small polyp only in my stomach, so it was biopsied, won't get the results back for a few more days.

When I saw my Gastro doctor the day before the procedure, he asked when I was going to have the ileo reversal, I was quite shocked that he would mention it to me so soon after having the ileostomy in September. He said he would write to my surgeon who performed the Ileostomy, to remind him that it needs to be done. I  told him that I was in no hurry to have the reversal, as it was only early days for me since the ileo, and that I felt ok.

On the day of the Gastroscopy, the anaethetist came to see me, someone who I had not met before, and he read in my notes about me having an Ileo in September. He also asked me when I was going to have the reversal, I told him that I was in no hurry and that the Colonic Inertia was due to having Scleroderma, and having the reversal would probably not be a good idea, as I doubted that my colon would heal, with the scleroderma being the culprit. The anaesthetist didn't agree with me and said that I needed to get the reversal done, and that I would find that my colon would of probably of healed itself. He also said that he would talk to my Gastro doctor, to remind him that it needs to be done. Of course, I should of asked the reason why, but i forgot at the time.

So now I am in a dilemma, why the rush to have the reversal, so soon to having the ileo in September?

If someone could enlighten me, if they know why two doctors would say the same thing. I am a bit confused about the whole thing.

Thanks for reading this..........Cleo

Posted Yesterday 1:07 PM (GMT 0)
Cleo, what specialist to you ordinarily go to for the scleroderma? I don't know much about that, but I don't think it's a gi doc or an anesthesiologist, right? So I wouldn't assume they know anything about how scleroderma would affect your healing after a reversal. Talk to the doc who knows about scleroderma first.

I don't see why there would ever be a rush for a reversal, as you can live indefinitely w/the ostomy.... although a lot of folks here have had docs w/prejudices that reversal is the only way to go. Why not ask the gi doc if he really is in a rush, and why. Not sure why you would consult the anesthesiologist at all, what does he have to do with it?

Glad your quality of life is good, and I hope the biopsy is OK.
Posted Yesterday 1:50 PM (GMT 0)
That does seem odd. What did your surgeon say going into surgery as to how long you should expect to keep the ileo? I don't know why there would be an hurry, but I know nothing about your condition either. Don't let anyone rush you without a good reason, especially if you are feeling well and adjusting well to life with the ostomy.
Posted 12/2/2011 5:47 PM (GMT 0)
My daughter had her colon removed on septemer 30 and is having the reversal next week. 8 weeks is the minimum time they want for healing. My daughter hates the bag and is very anxious to have the reversal. If you are comfortable with the bag, then take as long as you need. There is no rush. My daughter is 13, so you can imagine how horrible the bagis for someone of her age!
Posted 12/5/2011 3:04 AM (GMT 0)
Why the rush? I had my colectomy July 2010, and still haven't had my reversal. I dealt with my ostomy well and wanted time to mentally heal after my colectomy woes. I have been pressured by all my doctors (with exception of my cr surgeon & hemotologist). My primary, infectious disease. A recent hospitalization due to gastroenteritis...the residents and a geriatric doctor. Well, the majority of these doctors are women, and thinking that since I'm a single 38year old, that my life because of "dating" must be hard with an ostomy, so why am I waiting? Because.....I'm happy to be alive and when I'm ready, I'll move forward.
Posted 12/6/2011 12:16 AM (GMT 0)
I had a loop ileostomy at the end of september and had it reversed on the 23rd of november, I'm only 21 and the way it effected my life in that short time was horrible but if your comfortable having the bag I don't see why you should have to rush to have the reversal. I don't know anything about your condition but whatever before the reversal happens they should be doing some form of tests to make sure you are totally heeled. I had to have a camera through the stoma and a dye test personally to make sure my intestines were ready for the closure. I'm sure if they start you on the road to reversal that they will do tests to check you are ready first and if not request them to do so before going ahead with anything.
Posted 12/6/2011 2:07 AM (GMT 0)
There is no minimal wait, some have had the reversal within a week. Same is true for waiting; some have waited a year or more. I think your medical group just assumes you will want have the surgery sooner rather than later. But it is your choice to wait, not theirs.

Sue
Posted 12/6/2011 2:27 AM (GMT 0)

  1. I was told by my surgeon that I would probably need more chemo, before the reverse surgery was to be done. I  had 30 sesions of chemo and 30 sesions of radiation before the surgery. Last week I went to see my oncologist and he recomended more chemo and I decided that I will not go thru more chemo, at least not until I get a second opinion. I read the results of the lab and the tumor that I had in my rectum was removed completely . The  cancer was on second stage. During my first chemo treatment I was very sick with the side effects. Is it a good idea to make sure that the second phase of chemo is necessary?

Posted 12/6/2011 6:11 AM (GMT 0)
I'm not sure your age, but the younger you are, the more aggressive the malignant cells can become. You don't want to stop treatment and risk this rectal cancer to mastacise. Yes, once chemo is done, the reversal will be dealt with. If you'd be comfortable with a second opinion, please do so without risking too much of lag time between your treatment phases. I wish you nothing but the best...my heart goes out to you!!
Posted 12/6/2011 7:40 AM (GMT 0)
There is no rush at all if you are managing well I would wait until the SURGEON tells you different and not your g.i. Or anethethiologist.
I have had an ileostomy since 2002 and am not going to ever reverse it because of loss of control of my spinxter muscle.
Now I have heard that after while the colon muscles can atrophy,that may be there rush..but do not know your exact condition. But honestly,wait it out until the surgeon is ready and have all the testing done before you do the reversal. Good luck to you,
Leslie
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