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Seven days after reversal... and counting

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Posted 10/10/2006 6:56 PM (GMT 0)
hello all - I came home yesterday following reversal surgery on 4 October.  All went well and I am glad to have got rid of the dratted bag after 8 months, so no complaints there.  I have no real bowel movements yet, just liquid comes out more or less every time I have a pee.  I have control during the day but have to wear a pad at night to prevent accidents.

My biggest problem is the itchiness and burning of my bum.  The itching drives me mad and I would scratch it off if I could.  Of course that makes it worse but nothing seems to make it better.  They gave me a cream in hospital (smells like Sudafed) and said it was good, but doesn't help more than a minute or two.  Vaseline is just as good.  Any ideas?  Advice?  When it will improve?

I am following the diet but it does not seem to be getting any more solid yet.  I know it's early days - give it time and be patient they said and I am trying but some reassurance would be very good.  Thanks!

I know there are a lot worse off than me and I wish you all the best - courage! gillian

Posted 10/10/2006 8:10 PM (GMT 0)
For the itch get calmoseptine. You can't find it in chain drug stores, only in the independents and especially where ostomy supplies are sold. Or you can always order it online at www.calmoseptineointment.com

Be patient!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Improvement will come in SIX WEEK increments over the FIRST year!!

Sue
Posted 10/10/2006 10:11 PM (GMT 0)

Gillian,

   Welcome home, I had my reversal done on 9/15 and it took me a good week in a half before I had a semi-solid bowel movement.  I share your frustration with the itchy feeling, it drives me crazy.  But the calmosptine works pretty well.  good luck on your recovery.

Will

Posted 10/11/2006 1:04 AM (GMT 0)
Hi

I do not know if you have one in your area, but calmoseptine can be ordered at Longs Drug Store. You need to have the pharmacist order it for you. It takes a few days to come in. The cost was under $8.00 for the tube. Cost might be different in your area.
Posted 10/11/2006 8:50 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks very much to all of you - I live in Europe and can't seem to order calmoseptine here, but my mum suggested Calamine lotion - she used to put it on sunburn when we were kids and it seems to be helping, so fingers crossed.

My favourite foods are raw veg salads and hot spicy stuff - has anyone ever managed to reintroduce things like this. Since the UC all have been out, but it would be nice to know that I can look forward to a hot curry again, even if it is 2 years hence!

Thanks again (better already since yesterday), gillian
Posted 10/11/2006 12:58 PM (GMT 0)
My diet is about 90% raw fruits and vegetables. It took about six months to get to the point where they passed comfortably. Spicy food does not bother me, others have burn with it but they take precautions. You should be able to eat whatever you want, in time. I haven't found any foods to be disagreeable.

Sue
Posted 10/11/2006 5:58 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks Sue that's good news! I had a bad day today, woke up and had a biscuit and almost immediately felt as if there were a blockage and pain in the 'old' bit of the intestine, above where the stoma was. Kept swelling up and bloating out and was relieved by huge burps generated by walking around the apartment as quickly as possible. Between burps had much pain and was getting very worried and frightened, thought my intestine had blocked up. Only watery stuff coming from my rear - no gas. Finally after much walking and worrying I made a mint tea which seemed to settle it a bit, took an anti anxiety pill and slept for a bit. Now I feel better but now I think the best thing is to stick to liquids for the next 12 hours or so - I am too scared of it happening again. Did you have anything like it? I rang the hospital (was only released Monday) and they said if I went back in they would just keep me on liquids anyway, so take a pain killer and not to worry. Am I worrying for nothing?

Thanks again...
Posted 10/11/2006 8:06 PM (GMT 0)
Yes, it sounds like you experienced a partial obstruction, I had several in the first year and none since. The best treatment is what you did, stop eating, drink plenty of fluids and walk, walk, walk. Once the obstruction has passed you can go back to eating again, you don't need to wait. This is very very normal, try not to get to anxious about it. The only time you should get concerned is if you begin vomiting. That would be an indication of a full obstruction and you would need to get to a hospital. I have never had one so can't comment but I do know the difference. Partial obstructions should become a thing of the past once you have more recovery time under your belt, so to speak.

Sue
Posted 10/11/2006 9:21 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you so much Sue.
Posted 10/16/2006 6:32 PM (GMT 0)
Hi! Gillian
In response to your original question, I had a subtotal colectomy on 09/19/05 in which I ended up with a temp ileostomy until 12/20/05 along with a TPN system. After my reversal, I was having 10-15 BMs daily in which my surgeon gave me Lomitol to slow it down. Along with the constant BMs, I experienced months of diarrhea, burning bum, swollen and bleeding hemmorhoids. I used calmine lotion and vaseline and it worked for me plus I took warm baths which also helped soothe the hemmorhoids. However, it took me approximately nine months to be able to eat whatever I want. In the beginning to a month ago, I was lactose intolerant since my initial surgery. Now I am able to drink regular milk, ice cream, but no soda. The carbonation bothers me. I drink lots of water. Be patient, it does get better, it just takes time. Up to now, I was always worried that I would never be 100 percent better, BUT now I can see the improvements in my life. Patience is the key and taking care of your health by improving it through exercise, watching what you eat and drink good nutrition, no stress, and just enjoy life! Good Luck and Take Care!
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