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Colostomy reversal

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Posted 11/5/2011 5:59 AM (GMT 0)

A couple years ago a surgeon perforated my colon requiring an emergency colostomy.  confused I couldn't look at the colostomy for a week and then had a RN come twice a week to change it, now it's routine to change it.  Of course I'd never go back to the guy that perforated it; next week I'm meeting with another surgeon to discuss doing a reversal.  This surgeon believes in leaving the wound open, he said that there is less likelihood of infection setting in.  Can anyone tell me how long the surgery usually takes and how long it will take to recover?  Needless to say, I'm scared -- especially about looking at an open wound, fearful that I'd faint each time as I don't even like the site of blood, that being said, I'm willing to go through surgery and whatever else it takes so I don't have to live with the colostomy.  Any help would be so appreciated.

wink  

Posted 11/5/2011 11:29 AM (GMT 0)
I had a temporary colostomy for 2 months, due to having a colon resection for cancer (mainly healing). A reversal is often referred to as a takedown procedure. My takedown only lasted about an hour. My resection 5 hours. The first 48 hours after my 5 hour resection surgery is a true blur, I was a mess back then, needed 2 blood transfusions, etc. Consequently, my 1 hour takedown was nothing like my first surgery - I remember the recovery room, the ride up to my room, etc. Now I did experience pain, the nurses did chuckle a bit when I gasped outloud - ouch, that hurts to move - they smiled and asked - did you think you wouldn't have any pain? But compared to that first surgery, the takedown was easier to recover from. I also knew a lot more than for my first surgery - mainly to get out of that bed, start the walking, sitting upright in a recliner, and to do those hourly breathing exercises. I was supposed to be in the hospital for 7 days but was discharged on day 5 and I think it was because I was active. I took a pad of paper with me and kept track of my laps around the surgical floor, I did a dozen breathing exercises each hour. All of this helped me recover better second time around.

The pain from my takedown last just a few weeks.

Most recover well from takedown surgeries. I wish you my best.
Posted 11/6/2011 2:15 PM (GMT 0)
I had a different surgery, but have had an open wound. Will you be able to get a visiting nurse to change the dressing, at least some of the time? That's also good because they know what to look for an can spot problems.

My wounds have bled some, but most of what comes out is drainage - fluid that isn't blood. It is kind of gross, but I've just sucked up and gotten used to it, and my partner helps too. It is better to let the wound drain than to let that fluid build up.... plus you can put things on from the outside to keep the wound clean and help prevent infection.

Good luck!
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