new member needing info on subtotal colectomies

Hi, I'm scheduled to have a subtotal colectomy Aug. 3 for severe constipation.  I'm trying to get a realistic picture of what to expect.  I read that Somer had it in Feb and believed it to be the best thing.  That was very encouraging; but, if I can get some detail of what to expect, I'd really appreciate it.  Thanks a lot.

Thanks so much Somer for responding. I'm just finding my way around here and will definately read every post. I'm so happy I found this site. Looking forward to talking to you soon. Amira

Thank you so much Betty.  When I first decided to have this done a few months ago, I was totally for it.  No second thoughts what so ever.  Then my husband started telling me that I was being too cavalier, that I needed to consider all possible outcomes.  I didn't want to consider any negative outcomes, and still don't, but I have.  He forced me to have a second opinion, which backfired on him because the second surgeon was more for the subtotal colectomy than my own surgeon.  I guess my husband is just afraid for me, plus we have different philosophies in terms of surgery.  I'm of the mind set: if it's broken, fix it.  He, on the other hand, believes that if it's broken, suffer for as long as humanly possible then suffer a little more.  Men.......is all I have to say!  Still, because of him, I researched; and because of all of you, I feel so well informed.  I'm more than ready to have the surgery and am counting down the days (19).  I refuse to have anything but positive thoughts.  I believe that will make all the difference.  And stories like yours, Somer's and Sommer's make it easy.  Even Sara, Zoe and Melissa who are having somewhat more difficult recoveries have been so couragous and so encouraging.  Thank you all.

Amira

Betty,

I had my surgery done on June 27 as well. I am 40 and live in Iowa.   My surgeon left 12" of my large intestine.  I am still in the "did I do the right thing" thinking.  Hopefully, when the body gets in a pattern and the pain goes away.  I will be glad I did it.  I was to start back to work on July 11, but I had complications.  I started back on August 2. 

Kelly

Well sasha, I just recently had a total colectomy on Nov 17th. My suregery was open. I also had to have my gall bladder out. I was in the hospital for 6 days. Oh my god was I sore. Im 4 weeks out from the surgery and still alittle sore. I have a temporary ileostomy but I feel better than Ihave in years. To answer your question, I believe that laproscopic is probably better, smaller incision, less pain, faster healing and a shorter hospital stay. But everyone's case is different.Lucky for you they changed your date, wouldnt want to be in the hospital on the holidays. I was let out the day before Thanksgiving. Just in time for our first snow. Take care and good luck. Let us all know how it goes for you. KathleenAnn

sasha,

I had my surgery done laproscopic.  It went just fine.  My surgeon did a great job and he has only 2 1/2 fingers on his right hand.  There was no incision pain at all.  I had 4 small openings on my stomach.  1 in the navel, 2 on the left side, 1 on the right and then about a 2" incision at the "c section area".

I later discovered that he took all out but 6" of colon.  The surgery has many different names and descriptions, but basically is the same.

I know exactly where you are in your life with this problem.  I have been there, we all have in this forum.  Each of our outcomes are different, but I know I did the right thing.  I have a secondary problem with being able to push the stool out, so I am still dealing with that.  But again, I know this is totally better than the way I was before.

If you want, e-mail me at [email protected] and maybe we can then speak over the phone and I can answer more questions for you.  Please let me know how old you are and where your at.  Just a curious thing, no big deal.

Kelly 

Thanks everyone for all the great info. I had the sitz mark test and just as I said it would,all those little sitz markers were still in there. I called the doctor and I will still have my surgery on January 3 @ 9:00 am.
I am not sure if they will do it laproscopic or open. I have three boys and I will have to get back to normal as quickly as possible. It is going to be a pain because they all rely on me to take care of them. My husband will be taking off for two weeks after I get home. Is the recoup time different with laproscopic vs
open surgery? I just want to feel better, and it has been a real blessing finding this site.

Marcy,  I had my surgery almost 1 year ago.  I think for most of the girls here, 6 weeks was the magic "feel good" number. 

~Somer

Marcy,

I had anastamosis also (small intestine attached to the rectum).  I was still sore when I went back to work.  Everything was pushed and pulled around in there, so it's normal to feel sore inside, as long as things are coming out normally.  I did not have any dietary restrictions after surgery, I eat anything I want now.  It's just great being able to eat and not think how bad it's gonna hurt next week or 2 coming out! 

~Somer

my husband just had a subtotal colectomy with about 6 inches of the sigmoid colon left, no ileostomy.  My question is this:  how long does it take before he will / may have formed stools rather than diarrhea like stools? Breezy62

I would like to know if anyone who had a sub total colectomy a couple of years ago is still happy with your results.

i had lap subtotal with the anastamosis, no large bowel remains, i had this done june 29th 2007 i am still suffering. I had many complications after surgery, i was then rushed back to hosp 6-7n weeks after surgery with an obstruction. It cleared itself but i still get it. Had my year post op check up yesterday on the whole successful op but i have 1 BM per day amd in agony near enough all day. Docs now put me on more meds, also now on anti-depressants. I had severe slow transit from birth so i suppose in one aspect it has been on benfit to me if only the pain would stop. I was told after my surgery i would be 6-12 months recovery, because of complications. I dont even have a bag. But i still get bloated, still get mucous and now i can't eat what i want, i have developed numerous food intolerances which i have now been refered to a dietician so hopefully that will help. Only telling you this cos i think everyone should be aware of everything, Knowledge is power even if it is not nice. If i can the pain sorted and bloating i am high and dry but it has been a long process for me, but by the looks of it, i am in a minority of problems post surgery. Hope everything goes well for you, i am sure it will. This site is excellent, i only came across it this week, just wish i had seen it b4 surgery, it will be of great help to you from the numerous people who have had the same procedure, as you are about to get. take care xx

ursac
i am having a total colectomy august 11th at rush hospital in chicago...i live in indiana....a total colectomy is where they take out the entire colon...a subtotal is where they take out only part... i got confused too and asked my doctor....who is genius...his name is Dr. Brand at rush and he instantly told me i needed this after looking at my sitz marker test...i've had digestive problems my whole life but the last five years have been torture.  i've been to univ of chicago and mayo with no help....i had my gall bladder out in may which helped with some issues but made the colon worse....i feel so grateful to have found this guy....
let me know if you want his phone number
jennifer (sugarbug)