HealingWell
Search Close Search
☰

colectomy information

Support Forums
>
Ostomies
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply
❬ ❬ Previous Thread |Next Thread ❭ ❭
Posted 10/25/2010 2:21 AM (GMT 0)
Hi all,

It looks like my dad is going to be having a colectomy done in the coming days.  We brought him to hospital on Thursday last week because he was having bad pains in his stomach and wasn't moving bowels or passing gas.  He has been in hospital since then and even with 2 enemas he has barely passed any stool and still has not passed any gas.  Apparently he was diagnosed with diverticulitis some years ago and we didn't know but now they say tomorrow he will have a colonoscopy.  The infection is not totally cleared up yet but his white blood count did get better since staring IV and antibiotics.  And like I said he has not cleared up his bowels so i dont understand how they can do this without being empty.  Aside from this, they will wait the full 7 days to see how much better the antiobiotics work.  When they do the large intestine resection (colectomy) we don't know what to expect. Some people say it's very serious and a 50/50 chance and others say majority of procedures are perfomed with sucess.  And then I've heard alot of stories about people who have had the procedure and then starting having problems with fingers and hands... arthritis, osteo.... and deformaties.... I'm just confused.  Wondering if anybody has some insight to share.  I'm actually freaking out to be honest.... feelng like this is it!!  Please help with any knowledge or information you have.....

Posted 10/25/2010 4:36 AM (GMT 0)
Hi rabnlade,
I can understand u being worried about ur dad u have come to the right place, this forum is a great support base and can help with any questions you may have. A total colectomy is a major surgery but like all surgeries they all come with there risks. I have had 4 surgeries in the space of about 18 months and I feel great now. I also had my surgery done urgently so I was not cleaned out and they are still able to do the surgery, these colorectal surgeons are amazing at what they can do. I'm sure your dad is in very good hands. Don't be afraid to ask his doc anything at all. Are they looking at just doing a resection? or doing a full colectomy? As for your question about it bringing on more problems such as joint pain etc thats not a definate, many people don't have any other problems post surgery at all. I have crohns/colitis which are autoimmune diseases and once I had my total colectomy/ proctocolectomy I did develop rheumatoid arthritis but that does not happen to everyone so please don't worry about something that may never happen. I don't know what else I can say to try to set your mind at ease but please keep us posted on what they decide to do with your dad and ask any questions at all we are only too happy to help out. If he has the total colectomy chances are he will feel fantastic once he is all healed up, I know I do :-). I will send positive thoughts your way and for your father, take care
Doreen (((((((((hugs)))))))))
Posted 10/25/2010 6:02 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Doreen,

Thanks for replying so quickly. I've never used this forum stuff before and didn't know what to expect. I'm happy and grateful you are doing well after your surgery. I guess it is reassuring to say the least. All this terminology is so new I'm trying to keep up. I'm strong but I think I'm going into a panic attack over this. My understanding is that they want to do the colonoscopy tomorrow but will wait the full 7 days of antibiotic treatment to really discuss the colectomy. The doctor never got into whether it will be a full colectomy or not. I suppose even if the infection goes away and he passes gas or stool they will still have to operate due to the damage done??

I'm here holding on to my faith. Will check in soon with good news we pray.

Thanks again!
Reem
Posted 10/25/2010 12:04 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Reem,
I can understand why you would be feeling panicked over this all, it is a lot to take in but try to take some deep breathes and hold on to the possibility that he may not need drastic surgery at all. The colonoscopy will give you and the docs a clearer picture. So chin up and let us know how he goes with the scope. Hoping and praying for the best outcome for you and your dad
Doreen
Posted 10/26/2010 5:30 AM (GMT 0)
Welcome Reem,
I understand the concern you have for you father. I had my colon and rectum removed after suffering with Crohn's Disease for 7 years. I thought the surgery would be horrible, but it really wasn't that bad. They kept me very comfortable with pain medicine, and I was out of the hospital in only 4 days! My health has been great ever since.

I have never heard of deformities or any of the other side effects you mentioned, so you do not need to worry about that. I'm praying for you and you dad that everything goes well. Please keep us posted!

Take care,
:-) Cecilia
Posted 10/26/2010 4:48 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks Doreen and Cecilia

Well they did the endoscopy (not colonoscopy) yesterday and found a blockage about 40cm up from the rectum. They did remove one polyp according to the surgeon. She also said that nothing screamed out at her as to why this is happening. She said it could be many things like, diverticulitis which is what everyone thought was the reason, it could be because of the infection or it could be cancer. Nothing solid yet, other then the fact that she is concerned about his strength and nutrition and how he will respond to surgery because he has not eaten for a week. She doesn't want to push it any longer and feels we should have the surgery. That was as of Monday.

This morning my dad passed more stool and is now passing gas. They say that is good because if he clears up more they might be able to do another endoscopy and really see what the problem is. Although they still think they will have to operate. His age, underlying heart issues and nutrition are all major factors in terms of response to the surgery. Ya I'm freaked out. I pray morning tonight and continue to call God into this situation. What more can I do???

I'm thinkin natural medicine, i'm thinking are these the right doctors and surgeons, is this the right hospital.....

I guess tomorrow is another day and by the grace of God this whole blockage finds its darn way right out of his system!!!

I'm grateful for both of you right now. Thank you.
Posted 10/27/2010 3:50 AM (GMT 0)
rabnlade
Sorry to hear that.  Is he having a Total Colectomy or partial or what?  If he is not even passing gas they probably should put in a NG Tube, I bet he has a illus, or some call them gas loops, unless the gas is gone it wont let ya poop.

 That is a good question...how are they going to scope him being full like that?  Without knowing much about him or whats going on but with every surgery there is a rick. For me as sick as I was I would do it in a heart beat again...

Need more info

Leslie...praying for you

Posted 10/27/2010 11:24 AM (GMT 0)
Hey Reem,
I'm no doctor but from what you have told us so far I would guess things are looking ok at the moment. Especially if he is passing gas and some stool now. My colectomy/proctocolectomy was done when I was extremely sick and it was an emergency surgery and I am here to tell the story so hang in there the doctors are amazing they really know their stuff and your dad is in the best hands. However if you wanted to get a second opinion on whether or not to go ahead with surgery then I think you should do that for piece of mind. Keeping you and your dad in my thoughts and prayers. Stay in touch and keep us posted, take care
Doreen
Posted 10/30/2010 1:50 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Reem. I can understand your panic and concern regarding your dad. You mentioned his age and other health conditons . . may I ask what they are?
In July I had a subtotal colectomy at the age of 57. I have other health problems but they were not an issue with or after the surgery, thank the Lord.
Is there a possibility that he can have a laproscopic surgery?
Praying for you and your dad.

Val
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply