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Questions about reversal

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Posted 6/12/2006 2:47 AM (GMT 0)
My husband has a temp illeostomy.  I've been reading many of the posts regarding post-reversal problems:  hemrrhoids, burning butt, problems with foods, and none of this has been mentioned to us as possibile symptoms after the reversal process.  What causes the burn and irritation on your bottom?  What are other common problems we may encounter? sad
Posted 6/12/2006 10:36 PM (GMT 0)

Pepperdog,  the butt burn is usually the cause of diarhea (sorry for spelling) and most people when they have the trotsky's get a mild case of it from the acid in the stool and all the wiping.  It's just that usually for the first couple of days you are passing so much it becomes rather irritated down there.  As far as roid's go, I haven't had them.  Now food is another matter.  Usually you start out with bulking foods like mashed potatos, rice, oatmeal, banana's etc.  Yes, they are bland but usually help to bulk up the stool.  Bulking and a combination of creams from the start will help reduce the butt burn. 

Other things I have encountered are a sense of swelling down there and sometimes itching.  Most all of it is controllable though, and along about week 4 was when I branched out and started different foods.  So far, the only things I can't tolerate right now are lettuce, tomato and Feta cheese because Feta gives me gas.  And gas hurts.  Good luck to you.  Phil

Posted 6/13/2006 12:18 AM (GMT 0)
Phil, thanks for your reply. Your explanation reassured me that maybe it won't be as bad as some of the problems I've been reading. My husband had the ileostomy (8 wks ago) as a result of surgery for colon cancer (rectul area). His path report came back clean afterwards, no node involvement but he starts chemo tomorrow as an extra measure to lower chances of recurrence. We are frightened of the chemo and side-effects but want to hit this with everything we can to avoid recurrence. The bag has been frustrating for him; he's a very physical guy and it's hampered his ability to do some things. He perspires heavily when doing outdoor activities (like yard work), and we had 2 or 3 occasions where leakage was a problem, but he's had to learn this may happen when he's physically active.

We were told his reversal would happen in late July, but since chemo is beginning we now think they won't do the reversal until much later (at least 6 months). He's not happy about that, but we're doing what we have to for the best long term result.

He's had lots of gas and seems to be one of those people who experiences a large output volume. He uses bags with filters, but we don't think they're that effective and he tries to avoid 'gassy' foods. Is it normal to have to dump the bag six or seven times a day? Sometimes he has to get up 2-3 times at night to dump it.

Thanks again,
Pepperdog
Posted 6/13/2006 3:01 AM (GMT 0)

Pepperdog,

   I'm pretty new to all of this also since my ileostomy surgery was 5/5. I need to empty my bag at least as often as your husband, maybe even more. My ostomy nurse stresses that I should keep it emptied quite often because my stoma is retracted and I've had problems with leakage. I'm having a barium enema tomorrow to find out if I've healed enough for the reversal. It's currently scheduled for 6/21 but I won't know for sure until the results of the tests are in.

My ileostomy is due to a 7 or 8 year history of diverticulitis that ended up with a massive infection and a perforation of my colon. Prior to surgery I was told that I may not survive so as much as I hate the ostomy, I realize I'm just lucky to be here. 

In regards to the chemo, I'm also a hospice nurse (and no, hospice doesn't always mean you've given up). There are wonderful doctors that specialize in pain and symptom management. Yes, chemo can be extremely difficult but there are some wonderful drugs that do a fantastic job of making the process bearable. Please do not just assume that your husband must suffer through the consequences of chemo. There are people out there that can help and I would be glad to help you find someone in your area if that becomes necessary.  Please let your husband know that it sounds like he has an excellent prognosis and my thoughts and prayers are with him.

Posted 6/13/2006 5:29 AM (GMT 0)

Pepperdog,  It sounds like he's pretty normal for the amount of time that he has had the bags.  I just got into the habit of dumping mine whenever I went to the toilet to urinate.  So I imagine throughout the day I was dumping mine just about as often.  Eventually his output will slow down, especially if you concentrate on bulking foods.  Is he drinking alot of gatorade?  That is good to drink, but can also cause alot of output.  Also he may need to incorporate some type of fiber mix into the diet, such as metamucil or citrucil.  That helps.  Plenty of cheese too if he can tolerate it.  That was my favorite.

I alway's got more  gassy during the night resulting in having to dump at night also.  Some nights however I could go all night without dumping.  It's just a matter of time and what you eat.  I remember some nights that bag stood straight out like a party balloon for all the gas at night.  As for the leakage due to sweating, that can happen especially if he is working outdoors with alot of bending, depending on where the stoma is it can continually fold the skin on the wafer.  Grrr.  Leaks suck.  Is he using a self adhesive wafer or one where he has to put on the paste?  He might try also the powder stomahesive.  Not only does this keep the skin from breaking out, it helps keep things dry under the wafer.  Good luck to you.  Phil

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