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scarring from surgery

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Posted 12/4/2005 10:06 PM (GMT 0)
hey ya'll, this is my first visit with this board. I am a regular with uc, hopefully you guys can help.Just abit curious of the extent of the scarring, I think I maybe headed for surgery soon and would like to know any info that would help. I was diagnosed with pancolitis in nov. 04, with no remission as of yet, pred the whole time, also a few hospital stays.lost down to 117 lbs. which is small for me I am usually around 140. That weight loss I was still on 60 mgs. of pred. so only can imagine how much without it. Anyway it is becoming less helpful(the pred.) and I guess this is my last option.I am very emotional at this point about it only 30 and recently divorced, so some good news would be great, or any news at all, thanks in advance!
Posted 12/6/2005 6:59 PM (GMT 0)

Scarring would depend on weather you had a "traditional" surgery with an incision or if you had laparoscopic surgery. I had my colon removed via an incision from the base of my diaphragm to just below my belly button and so I have a 9" scar. Being a male it really does not bother me that much. With the laparoscopic surgery there are 3 small incisions made for the instruments and from what I read the scars are minimal. I'm sure someone on this forum can tewll you first hand.

Good Luck!!

Posted 1/5/2006 7:40 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Tonya,
I had similar episode as yours with the UC. I ended up with surgery. Permanent ileostomy, and while the scar is long, it isn't too ugly, and I know it will fade with time. I have heard they can do it with a laporoscopy, but I have had bad experiences wtih those things. Case in point, my liver surgery to remove a growth the size of a softball off my liver. The surgeon thought he could get it out thru the small incision, so I went thru all that for nothing and had to go thru surgery again for that issue, where they opened me up and a nother surgeon really got it done right. They can see what they are doing clearly with the big incision. My hysterectomy was the same. They could try to get the endometriosis with laparoscopy, but in the end I had to have another surgery and get everything out. The main thing is your life. The drugs failed me too, and now very very slowly, strength is coming back. I drink endurance gatorade for electrolyte balance, and I look a lot prettier now than I did when I was suffering with the UC. Yes I have a long scar, but when I look at it I don't feel disgusted, I feel like I'm glad it's over! Now I am learning to care for my new plumbing system. You may even want to go for the J-pouch. I chose not to because the drugs they use to treat cuffitis and pouchitis, are the same ones I couldn't take to start with. Just study your options, and be as knowledgeble as you can be. These forums will help you. And if you do get the surgery, they will help you adjust too. Be strong.
God Bless,
Leslie in KC
Posted 1/7/2006 3:25 AM (GMT 0)
Tonya,

I have a scar from a point 4 inches above my navel, around one side of my navel, and down to a point about 3 inches into my pubic hair line.

If you are considering surgery hammer your gastroenterologist with questions. If you meet with a colo-rectal surgeon hammer him also. Research him on the internet. I was so fortunate in that mine is one of the top colo-rectal surgeons in America.

If you can manage to have the surgery when you are in remission do so then. It will make your hospital stay and recovery time much shorter. Your gastroenterologist should know this an will advise you accordingly.

It is important that you drink a lot of water while you are flaring. You also need to replenish your electrolytes with gatorade. It is the best of sports drinks because it was designed for function. It replenishes the salts in the body that enable you to retain water and thus remain hydrated during a time of water loss as in when you are suffering from diarrhea.

Above all, endeavour to maintain a positive attitude. Remember, just when you think you've got problems, look around, there are worse situations than yours. If you are a spiritual person maintain a faith relationship with your God, whom ever he may be. I am a Christian and found myself closer to Christ than I ever had been during my last two years of Pancolitis before my surgery. He guides the hands of talented surgeons just as he healed the afflicted when he walked the earth. Faith is indispensible in time of need.

I wished I had researched these boards when I was sick. I just refused to slow down enough and was actually in denial that I was as sick as I was even though the bloody diarrhea, rectal urgency and incontinence got worse. If you have Pancolitis, it ain't gonna get better. You may get it into remission, but it'll come back. Besides, it increases your cancer risk and then you just though you had problems !!

Hang in there ! We'll be here for you.
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