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MeByTheSea

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Posted 10/18/2015 6:54 PM (GMT 0)
I know you are having a hysterectomy, but is there a reason they are removing your anus?
Posted 10/18/2015 7:47 PM (GMT 0)
Maybe you have me mixed up with someone else. So I'm not having a hysterectomy. I'm having a parastomal hernia repaired with mesh. They originally left the anus because the surgeon thought I was too sick to live through doing both the anus and colon removal. The scope I just had done shows moderately severe UC even tho I have no symptoms or problems in that area. So Dr Fichera will remove the anus first and then the other surgeon will repair the hernia. The reasoning is with that much inflammation still there I have a high risk of cancer in the future and once the mesh is in place they wouldn't be able to do the anus later. I remembered you gave me Dr Fichera's name ( thank you thank you thank you) but I couldn't remember your friend's name here in WA. Don't understand why they hesitate to take yours out? Do you have other health issues that would make the surgery risky for you? I could see it then.
Posted 10/18/2015 11:20 PM (GMT 0)
OOOH..OK...yes, now I remember about your hernia!!! I was just wondering, IF you didn't have the hernia, would they still take out the anus?

My surgeon considers my UC mild/moderate. My family doctor looked at the pictures that were taken during the biopsies and said, "I'm no GI doctor, but, to me that sure looks like a severe case of UC, not mild". It bothers me the most when I am on my feet for an extended period of time...sort of like hemorrhoids would feel like...pressure. I am using the proctofoam, but noticed some spotting from my vagina when I use it, so, I think I will postpone using it until I get that second opinion on the 27th.

I do NOT have any other health issues. I take blood pressure medication and it keeps my blood pressure well controlled. The surgeon said..."You're 69 yrs old...that is a BIG operation for someone your age". That was the only thing he said! He said something about them not knowing what they might be up against once in there, that they may have to go into the stomach cavity...yada, yada, yada. Why would they have to do that??? I don't know, I am sort of confused at the moment..lol.

How did you get a parastomal hernia and is it common for people with ileostomies?
Posted 10/20/2015 2:22 AM (GMT 0)
Hmm....I probably wouldn't want to do the surgery since the anus isn't bothering me. Now if I had your symptoms I would ask for it, cause your still living with discomfort. I'm pretty sure they would do it. Your surgeon doesn't sound very confident by saying things like "not knowing what they might be up against". And the stomach cavity, I don't even know what that means. Why would they need to go there. As for my hernia I guess they are fairly common. Think I developed it very early after my ileostomy. I have been in the hospital so many times w blockages I've lost count, and endured way more at home. And I've always had to be very careful w what I can eat. Makes me jealous when people on here say they eat most anything they want lol. Hopefully that will all get better after the hernia repair. Hope you get better news w your other consult.
Posted 10/20/2015 7:27 PM (GMT 0)
Sounds like your surgeon didn't do a great job with your stoma. Now, hope I don't jinx myself, but, my surgeon did a fantastic job on mine. I do eat everything, but, like he warned...I chew very, very well. I am bad at staying properly hydrated and have been hospitalized at least four times for dehydration for the first two years after my operation in 2010. I've gotten better though...I try to drink water every time I think of it.

I emailed a woman I met on the forum who had the same surgeon as I do her operation. Guess what? He left her anus in there too!!! She was having issues and had the operation to remove it. She said the second operation took 10 1/2 hours!!! shocked HOLY CRAPOLI!!! There is NO WAY this old broad would survive that!! She had her second operation at another hospital by another surgeon.

Well...I made an appointment today to see a GI doctor, but she can't see me till Nov 23rd..lol. My family doctor wants me to see her. Oy...all these doctors! I thought after that operation I would be home free! Guess that isn't the case mad
Posted 10/21/2015 6:33 AM (GMT 0)
Hello again. I am Christine's friend, who gave you Dr. Fichera's name. I looked for your email address so we could get in touch, but you don't have one listed and mine isn't listed either. I would love to talk about my surgery with you, as you will also be getting the same procedure from Dr. Fichera. I had some complications with the surgery, but even with that, I healed well and quickly. The nurses and everyone at UW were terrific. When are you scheduled?
Posted 10/21/2015 6:55 AM (GMT 0)
MeByTheSea: I just edited my profile to show my email address if you wish to email me. I am anxious to hear what you think of our surgeon and the University of WA Medical Center. I am so happy that I chose to go up there. I live near Tacoma, so it was a bit of a hike and some scary traffic but well worth it!
Posted 10/21/2015 7:12 AM (GMT 0)
ep49
Ok I got your email. Will get in touch soon.
Posted 10/21/2015 7:23 AM (GMT 0)
Christine
10 1/2 hrs? Wow. They told me 5 to 8 hours for the hernia and I was wondering how much time it would add to do the anus removal. How long can they keep a person under? I too thought I was done and would never have to go thru surgery again. Now here I am. 😒
Posted 10/21/2015 7:56 PM (GMT 0)
I suppose it depends on what they run up against during the surgery. I am not certain just how long my surgery to remove the colon and create the ileo took. He told me to expect it to be about an hour and a half to two hours, but that wasn't the case. Apparently, because they bumped up against a problem, I think my bleeding, it took longer than that. My surgery started at 7 am sharp and they didn't wake me up till 2:30pm, when they wheeled me into my room. I was told I was in ICU for awhile. Mind you, I was a sick cookie, prednisone dependent for at least two years straight before surgery and on and off that drug for twelve years. I also was on 6MP for seven of those years, 3 infusions of Remicade and then three months of Humira...all for naught!!! My surgeon wanted me off the Humira at least six weeks prior to the operation, which was the case, but I couldn't get off that darn prednisone!!! I believe I was on 20 mgm going into surgery.

A friend of a friend, who was diagnosed with rectal cancer which metastasized to her lungs, recently underwent a complete hysterectomy and immediately afterwards, during the same surgery, they removed her rectum and anus. I believe she still has some colon left and she has a colostomy. I have yet to talk to her. She was hospitalized for nine days, which is a miracle in itself since I was in there 11 days and wasn't half as ill as she. Before her operation she stopped over to my home to get a pep talk about having a "bag". Would you believe, with all her problems, having a bag was her most concern!!! I was glad I was able to ease her mind. She has a very rough road ahead.

Talk with Pat. She's a sweetheart and you do have an excellent surgeon from what I hear from Pat. Tell him to get over here to Jersey or at least Philly!!! LOL...good luck!!
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