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How might IBS-d affect my ileostomy?

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Posted 11/2/2014 2:10 PM (GMT 0)
Hello, my name is Michael, I'm 27 years old and will be having an ileostomy in 3 weeks. The reason for the ileostomy is colon cancer (I have Lynch Syndrome). Whereas most in my situation would just have the colectomy with the small intestine attached to the rectum, because of my history with IBS-d and other medical factors my Surgeon is very concerned that such a surgery would leave me with debilitating diarrhea. And so, we are opting for the ileostomy.

I've been feeling pretty good about this decision thinking it will at least be the end of my IBS-d problems. However, now I've been reading that IBS can still affect someone with an ileostomy. I'll ask my doctor about this but I'm getting anxious and worried. If anyone can knowledgeably speak to the affects IBS-d can have on an ileostomy I would appreciate it.
Posted 11/2/2014 2:23 PM (GMT 0)
Hi, and welcome! I'm so sorry that you are going through cancer and an ileostomy at such a young age. But maybe I can ease your mind a bit.

I have Crohn's disease. I was running to the bathroom about 25 times a day and my colon eventually became cobblestones with bleeding ulcers and it had to be removed. I had my ileostomy done 25 years ago and I have had no problems with it. My output can be more watery but to me that isn't diarrhea since I don't have to empty the pouch a lot. On a few occasions I have gotten the stomach flu and did get diarrhea but that is understandable. I consider it diarrhea if I have to empty the pouch about every half an hour.

I make a practice of emptying the pouch every time I use the bathroom though. It's just a personal choice for me.

No one wants an ileostomy but mine gave me my life back. I was chained to the bathroom for 11 years. I have since done a lot of traveling...including trips to Europe....I've done a lot of snorkeling and do have my own pool that I'm in every day in the warm months, so the surgery hasn't stopped me from enjoying my life. It actually allowed me to enjoy my life,

I hope this has helped you some. I'm sure other members will be on to give you advice, too. I'll be praying that you have an extremely successful surgery.

Sherrine

Sherrine
Posted 11/2/2014 2:49 PM (GMT 0)
My IBS is gone!!!!

I got my ileostomy due to ulcerative colitis, but I also had IBS. When I asked my surgeon how my IBS would be affected....he said, no colon, no IBS. He was right.

Life is great!! Wishing you the best of luck and an easy recovery!!
Posted 11/2/2014 2:53 PM (GMT 0)
Ps. Even if someone with IBS (diarrhea) were to still get some symptoms, (I get ZERO) you'd only have to empty your bag more frequently during the episode. No biggie!
Posted 11/2/2014 3:51 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you so much for your helpful and encouraging replies. Like I said, I'll talk to my surgeon in the next few days but your comments have been very helpful in the meantime.

So, I wasn't sure; does IBS generally affect the colon rather than the small intestine?
Posted 11/2/2014 4:12 PM (GMT 0)
I have a permanent Ileostomy 14 years and after 20 years of U/C it is a blessing. I too empty whenever I go to a washroom by personal choice its quick, its easy and now I do everything I did before with no real issues. Fluid or thick makes no difference to me. Good luck.
Posted 11/3/2014 12:46 AM (GMT 0)
I had UC and Colon cancer. All gone since the ileostomy. Life been easier since the surgery. A lot easier.
Posted 11/3/2014 5:07 AM (GMT 0)
Ibs is irritable bowel syndrome... no bowel - no syndrome?

The colon makes up most of the large intestine. I believe the colon is the bowel so no more bowel, no more issues :)

I am 28 an had ileostomy in July. Getting rectum removed and sewn shut wednesday.

I LOVE my life colon free and have almost zero issues with my ileostomy. Feel free to email me if you want to talk! :)
Posted 11/3/2014 1:56 PM (GMT 0)
Though never officially diagnosed as also having IBS-D in addition to my IBD-UC, I had bouts of urgency with D and constant pain even when in semi remission and often even in full remission, and sever pain and urgency during mild flares sometimes that I attributed to Concurrent IBS. All my IBS symptoms ended completely when my colon was removed and I got an end ileo. (i still have a rectal stump that I am due to get checked soon, causes me no issues at all- a small voluntary squirt of mucus every 2 or 3 days, a year and a half after end ileo surgery). End ileo has been full return of pre-IBD physical quality of life for me. My output is normally like oatmeal unless I eat very sugary foods en masse. Empty 5 times a day or so when it is convenient, during some of my pee breaks. Wishing you best of luck with surgery and outcome.
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