scheduled for a total colectomy

I am scheduled for a laporascopic total colectomy from Mayo on Jan 20 due to slow transit constipation---meds, diet, exercise, etc. did not work for me.  I am well educated, well informed, extremely active with two kids,  (did I mention I am a Scorpio..just adding a little levity) and believe that I am making a reasonable decision to move forward with this elective surgery.  However, after reading many of these posts, I am concerned about the long-term effects of this surgery due to so many negative posts and is there anyone out there that would be able to give an answer to the obvious question---"would you do this surgery again if given the choice"?  "Is your life better because of your decison (holding out for the patient that is post-op over a year)"?  Thoughts?

azelf

ABSOLUTELY is the only answer I can give you. I had mt Total Colectomy nearly a year ago and although you may see from my recent posts that I am still having issues with other areas of my digestive tract and although I had a long road of recovery with complications I would do it again all over tomorrow. Each person responds to this differently, but honestly I have yet to find someone who regrets having this surgery no matter the complications. I too had Colonic Inertia (or slow transit).....I will not lie and say this surgery/recovery was a walk in the park. It was a major surgery and even though I am a nurse myself I do not think you can be enough prepared for what can happen......Still ALL THIS ASIDE!!! I absolutely do not regret the surgery and for your problem I think it is definately beneficial.

Lizzie

Hi guys and girls. I had a total colectomy at the age of 17 coz of unrelenting UC. I spent the best part of 3 years in hospital whilst the docs tried to sort it out. After a long stint on cyclosporine, I still became ill whenever my steroids were reduced. I am now 29 and can say that the procedure, a one stage j pouch, although very new, was the best thing i could have done. To be fair, the first few months are painful and unfulfilling, but once you start to heal, you will find that things return almost to normal. Over ten years on, I still feel well, no illness, can eat what I like (except coconut, the devils food!) no meds, and I live an active normal life. I dont now what will happen in later years as this procedure does not have a long term medical history but I will say that it gave me my life back. A higher accolade you will not find. I was told at the outset that i would not be able to eat or drink certain things, this is down to the individual so dont be phased. Like I said, the first few months are a ***** but then you can learn what you can or cant eat. just take it as it comes and you should be back to relative normalcy within the first year! hope all goes well azelf.