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3 stage surgery ostomates

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Posted 10/18/2011 4:24 PM (GMT 0)
in the next few weeks I will be scheduling my second surgery. I am hoping to do it by the end of december. I have a few questions that I can't seem to get answered or find easily enough on google. Thanks for any help.

Questions:

1) Apparently during the second surgery, you will not have the same ostomy as you did during the first? I've read that the ostomy I have now is an "end ostomy" and after my second surgery, it will now be a "loop ostomy'...what difference will that entail? what difference should I expext?

2) Realistically, If i got the second surgery in the of december, assuming everything goes well and there are not complications, how long can I expect to wait before the last final surgery? What is the earliest amount of time that I can have the "take down" after surgery number 2? Is february early march too soon?

3) after the second surgery, will I be going to the bathroom from both ends? from my anus and from the "end ostomy"?

I greatly appreciate all the help.

 

Posted 10/18/2011 11:53 PM (GMT 0)
Hi shelbyc!

1. The loop ileostomy (mine at least) is a lot smaller and flatter. It doesn't stick out nearly as much as my end ileo did. I also have higher output. I get leaks a lot more often than I did with the end ileostomy and I've had to start wearing a convex wafer.

2. A lot of people I've spoken to only waited a month in between their 2nd surgery and their takedown surgery. My surgeon wants me to wait at least 8-10 weeks so I've only got about 3 weeks left before my takedown (even though I feel ready now). I definitely think you'll be ready by February/March.

3. You won't be going to the bathroom in the sense that what comes out won't be stool. I've mostly had mucus (and some clear fluids) come out, and towards the very beginning a bit of blood. But that's normal and my surgeon always asks me if I'm able to empty it, which I am.
Posted 10/19/2011 7:53 PM (GMT 0)
Thank your for all your help <3
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