colectomy with ileorectal anastomosis.

Hello Everyone,
I am new to this forum and was looking to get some opinions on people that have had the colectomy surgery and those that have had the temporary iliostomy also.
Im 30 and have battled with constipation my whole life. It got really bad 11 years ago when I had a gi bleed due to pressure. Since that time I have taken 8-10 stimulant laxitives a day and had 1 bm every 10 days or so. After numerous studies I was diagnosed with colonic inertia, mega colon, mega rectum, and a pelvic floor disorder. Fast forward to today, since the birth of my son 8 months ago I have not had a bm without using 4 gallons of golyte bowel prep, normally used for surgery prep. I take it one time a week, all 4 gallons. My gi doc spoke with a surgeon and it was decided I would have this surgery and I could not be happier.
I am considering asking for the temp iliostomy due to the mega rectum. In the past a surgeon advised this to alkow the rectum plenty of healing time. As it is now I can hold over 200cc of substance in the rectum and have absolutely no sensation, its like nothing is there.
For those that have had the surgery both with the temp ostomy and without what was your experience?
Does the diarrhea last forever?
I am slightly concerned about working and having to run to the bathroom because my career prior to taking time off due to my symptoms is in a prison. I would love to adjust without a bag but am seriously considering the possibiliy of having one permanently.
Also, has incontinence been an issue with anyone and if so does your body adjust after a while ?
Any information would be great!

Hi Jordysmom!

I can't help with your symptoms but I have an ostomy because of Crohn's disease, perforated bowel during colonoscopy, emergency surgery, ICU. That was 18 months ago. My ostomy is permanent and I am waiting to have my second surgery to remove the colon and get on with life! I was devastated when I first woke up with my ostomy, I won't lie. Now I can't imagine living without "Lily" and suffering with the pain and agony of Crohn's. My quality of life I 300% better now.

Everyone is different and your appt with your surgeon should give you more answers. I wish you the best of luck!

Larasmom

hi, i had the surgery for colonic inertia. colectomy w/ileorectal anastomosis 4.5 years ago. was still constipated and miserable, cuz of my pelvic floor dysfunction, so a year later had a loop ileostomy done and never regreted it since. i still had problems with pressure in my rectal stump cuz of the mucus that it keeps producing, only cuz my PFD i couldn't expel it, so i tried enemas, but they didn't really do the job and i was always having that pressure and pain in my rectum and anus, so last Aug had the rectal stump removed and anus shut closed. now i feel the best i've felt in 20 yrs (since my bowel issues started). go for it. it's the best thing you can do for your self. good luck and feel free to ask any questions you need.