HealingWell
Search Close Search
☰

Help! Terrified of reversal on 6/21. Need morale support!

Support Forums
>
Ostomies
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply
❬ ❬ Previous Thread |Next Thread ❭ ❭
Posted 6/19/2006 3:16 AM (GMT 0)
Hi everyone. I'm scheduled for my ileostomy reversal on Wednesday and I'm terrified. I've read so many things on this site that have been helpful but I'm just really afraid. My original surgery was on an emergency basis because of a diverticulitis related rupture. I lost around 25 inches of my colon and had a temporary ileostomy.

I've lost 25+ pounds so far and have little or no appetite. I needed to lose the weight and could stand to lose more but I don't want to be sick in the process.

I'm a RN but have not had to deal with the after effects of ileostomy reversal so I'm hoping to get some more support from all of you.  This past month has been so stressful. My surgery was followed by my husband having a partial tear in his achilles tendon so he's now in a brace for 6 weeks in an effort to avoid surgery. Last week he was told he has a leaking valve in his heart and we're not sure how bad it is. The cardiologist wants to monitor it so see how fast it's changing. Too much stress!!!  Any responses would really be appreciated. Thanks.

Posted 6/19/2006 9:49 AM (GMT 0)

Chertuc,  Just when it seems the world is falling in around you, you will find that it is merely an illusion and things have only gone to crap temporarily.  As you normally do, you will ride out the storm, and things will turn out the way they need too.  I am in week 9 now of post take down and believe it or not, for Fathers day last night I had a hamburger off the grill, with Dorito's chips and you aren't going to believe this, I actually had sliced cucumber and celery stuffed with cream cheese and garlic.  Mmmmmmm.  Things I thought up until yesterday, I would never eat again.  Yes.  Vegetables.  Raw ones at that.  I figured it was Fathers day so what the hell.  I'll pay for it on the toilet anyway, I might as well go the full gammit.  Well, I didn't pay for it.  My system did fine with it so that renews my hope. 

You too will be at this point and realize just how liberating it is to be without the bag.  Yes, it will be rough the first couple of weeks, but it WILL get better.  I had my whole colon and rectum removed and had a temp ileo.  You will get through this, it's just pre-surgery jitters.  So hang in there.  I alway's tell folks that God never gives us more than we can handle, he just seems to be giving me extra attention right now. 

Phil

Posted 6/19/2006 1:17 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks Phil. I know things will get better but it certainly doesn't stop me from getting so anxious. I'm terribly afraid of general anesthetic and always have been. I worry as much about that as I do the after effects of the surgery.

What kind of incision did you end up with from your take down. My surgeon is careful to warn me that he really won't know if he'll need to re-open the original incision until he operates but I'm curious to know what most people end up having. Thanks again for the support. As many people have said on here, no one can understand the physical and emotional toll better than someone that has gone through this.
Posted 6/19/2006 3:08 PM (GMT 0)
Chertuc,  The only incision I had with my take down was where the stoma protruded from the skin.  Basically the sewed up the hole, disconnected it and stuffed it back in.  Then they put in two sutures and allowed the incision to fill in with scar tissue.  They didn't have to re-open the original incision line from ribcage to lower abdomen.  I suspect yours will most likely be the same.  I think I was in surgery maybe one hour.  Hang in there kiddo.  We'll keep you in our thoughts and prayers.  Phil
Posted 9/11/2006 4:08 PM (GMT 0)
Hi! Newbie here.  I too am TERRIFIED of my reversal surgery on 9/27/06. I had my ileostomy and subtotal colectomy during emergency surgery 6/25/06 less than 72 hours after a cesarean section for the birth of my third child.  I have been sent to 5 doctors now and we still do now know the cause of my bowel becomming ischemic.  I was diagonosed with intestinalis pnemotosis. The reason for the c-section 3 weeks early was that I came to the hospital with abdominal symptoms (diarrhea & vomiting) so we do not know if my bowel was already dying or the process started after the c-section.  I've had LOTS of blood work and been sent to a cardiologist to rule out possible blood clots.  It was easy to have the emergency surgery as I was in A LOT of pain and wanted relief and would have died without it though I was scared as well, but having the reversal that I am going into not knowing full and well what's ahead is quite scary.  On top of that, I have a baby who will be three months old at the time who is breastfed exclusively.  I will have to pump at the hospital during my recovery to provide him with food.  I have really enjoyed reading the stories of those who have had the procedure and would love to ask more questions.  I only wish I had found this site sooner as education is the key to understanding.
Posted 9/11/2006 6:46 PM (GMT 0)
wow!!! sounds like you went through alot.  Congrats on the baby.  I too will be having my reversal, it is scheduled for this friday 9/15 and just like you I am very nervous.  I had my temp ile. done on 6/1/06 and I told myself then that I couldn't wait for this bag to come off.  But, as the day approaches for my reversal I am having second thoughts, I guess it's not knowing what to expect after the surgery.  I have used this site to see what others have gone through and it has helped but I am still nervous.  I will keep you in my prayers and hopefully the ileostomy reversal goes well for the both of us.

Posted 9/11/2006 11:21 PM (GMT 0)
If you have any anxiety you should visit www.j-pouch.org because it is full of useful information!  There are thousands and potential j-pouchers and people who have already gone through the procedure and everyone is willing to answer any questions you may have.  Just search through the posts and most if not all of your concerns will have already been addressed in there somewhere.  I am having my j-pouch and takedown in December and have been doing all kinds of research on the j-pouch website.  Good luck!

Posted 9/11/2006 11:51 PM (GMT 0)
Will, I will keep you in my prayers for a successful reversal and speedy recovery. All we can do is to have faith in God that He is the ultimate healer and He will see us through. This is advice that I need to take myself instead of worrying myself into a frenzy. Please keep me and the rest of us posted when you feel up to it. I have also found other sites that have stories of reversals.
www.ostomyland.com has a great day by day account my a guy who documented his reversal experience from pre-op to home. Also try www.ostomy-evansville.net/comparingnotes.htm as well as www.ostomymates.org. I hope this helps.

-GA girl

"If you believe, you will recieve whatever you ask for in prayer" Matthew 21:22
Posted 9/12/2006 11:14 PM (GMT 0)

GA girl said...
He is the ultimate healer and He will see us through. This is advice that I need to take myself instead of worrying myself into a frenzy.

Oh, how true!  We really do have to listen to ourselves.  When I'm worried, a best friend asks me "what would you tell somebody else in this situation."  So easy to answer, usually such spot-on advice, when we are able to take ourselves out of the picture.

Love, Hugs and Prayers for successful surgery and speedy recovery.   :-)

PS:  Ck UOAA Discussion Forum, too.

Posted 9/13/2006 12:27 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks so much for the comfort and advice wmnak!
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply