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Can total colectomy be reversed?

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Posted 4/10/2015 3:49 PM (GMT 0)
Hi, hopefully this is not a dumb question. I am 37and when I was 19 I was diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis. At the age of 22 it got so bad I had to have surgery to remove large intestine and rectum. Have an iliostomy on my side. Saved my life. But I have been real depressed lately. I have 2 kids and oldest is aware but not my youngest. My wife has been with me since the beginning and is very supportive and understanding. I have just been feeling bad lately. Was wondering if there was a surgery option for reversal. Any advice would be accepted. Thank you all.
Posted 4/10/2015 4:50 PM (GMT 0)
I assume you are saying reverse it by having a j-pouch type surgery? Obviously they can't put a new large intestine in. Unfortunately, I doubt there is anything that can be done.

When they do the j-pouch surgery, they leave the rectum in tact, because those muscles are the only way to control the flow of stool. Without the rectum you would have no control, so unless there is some cutting edge surgery and technique, which I don't think there is, there probably isn't much that can be done, sorry.
Posted 4/10/2015 5:17 PM (GMT 0)
There is the kpouch you can look into, it's an internal reseviour to hold stool, you won't have a bag or external stoma, just a little valve that you release stool through.
Posted 4/10/2015 7:19 PM (GMT 0)
Yea, the k-pouch is a good option if you don't like the external appliance, but finding a surgeon that can/will do it might be difficult unless you can travel to the place in Florida that does them on a somewhat regular basis. If the surgeon left the rectal stump, then a j-pouch is an option as well, but after 15 years your rectal muscles might not be of any use anymore. I think I would definitely pursue a k-pouch if I were ever in that position.
Posted 4/10/2015 7:24 PM (GMT 0)
Also, and this is probably something that won't happen in my lifetime, but a research lab at a university (forget which one) has successfully bio-3D printed a liver, so I can definitely envision a procedure where your DNA or stem cells or whatever could be used to print a new colon that could be modified to resist the auto-immune response that screwed us all up in the first place. That would/will be cool.
Posted 4/10/2015 7:25 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you everyone for the info!!! Yes the removed rectum also, but muscles down there still work (hope that's not too much info). I am very glad to have found this forum!!! Like I said just been a little depressed lately and looking for options. If they are out there. I need to make an appt with my Doc.
Posted 4/10/2015 8:49 PM (GMT 0)
There are both the K-pouch and BCIR which could be options for you.
Posted 4/10/2015 8:58 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Bab. Before I would get my abdomenal contents rebuilt to something that might allow me to poop differently, I think I might address the quality of life I have now compared to before. Then I might try to determine why I'm more depressed now. Though I've had my physical, mental and emotional pains I would not pretend to know how you feel. Your stuff is yours and you'll fix it in the best way you can. Keep in touch and continue to be thankful for the good stuff.
Wish you the best,
Michael A
Posted 4/10/2015 9:14 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you mickeyz!! I prob need to find a local group maybe to talk too. I certainly do not miss all the meds, the many colonoscopys, or the enimas and the being sick constantly. Had ulcerative colitis. Have a great wife and great kids! And of course my family is supportive. Also glad to find this forum to talk to people like me.
Posted 4/10/2015 10:22 PM (GMT 0)
I think what Mickey says makes sense. Are you sure the ostomy is the source of your depression or could it just be the obvious place to pin things on? You were so young when you had the surgery maybe there are feelings you have and adjustments to make for your current phase of life. Of course woulnt try to speak for you

If you did just get on w life maybe you need to find people to talk to, support group can be a great idea (including here).

Sorry you're in such a hard time. Hang in.
Posted 4/11/2015 2:12 PM (GMT 0)
If you're anal muscles are intact, and you have some rectal cuff, yes you can try for a jpouch. See a qualified CR surgeon for a consultation. And like other said, the k-pouch is an option too.

Sue
Posted 4/18/2015 8:52 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Bab,

I agree with Mickeyz; you should look into options like therapy, examining why the depression has become so bad now, etc,.
If you're in good health, don't risk it with a dangerous surgery which might not even be viable for you.
I know how you feel. I had the same surgery, and in many ways I've never accepted it. But I also remember how much sicker I was before the ostomy surgery.

Good luck,
Tania

Female, 47, diagnosed with Crohn's disease in 1975, at age 8.
I had a total colectomy and ileostomy surgery in '85, at age18.
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