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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 4/6/2008 1:49 PM (GMT 0)
Hi, I am 25 years old and after almost 5 years of battling UC, and having a flare for the last year and a half, I had a Subtotal Colectomy about two weeks ago.  Not gonna lie, I FEEL GREAT!! but I am a little worried, because I mainly hear people getting the J-pouch done, and not a Sub-total.  But both by GI and my surgen rec. a sub-total because they said my rectum is healthy enough, and I should be able to manage that small area fairly easy.  Has anyone else has a Sub-total done for UC??
Posted 4/6/2008 1:51 PM (GMT 0)
Don't know the answer to your particular question, Keith, but it sure is great to read you feel great!

Congrats!

Mitz
Posted 4/6/2008 1:59 PM (GMT 0)

Keith,

I haven't encountered anyone who was successfully able to keep their rectum.  Usually more surgery is required.  I would suggest you post this question at www.jpouch.org  You will probably encounter folks who had similar surgery but eventually had to have the rectum removed.  I am curious though, your signature line says you are having a jpouch in July yet you desire to keep the rectum?  This is confusing to me as the jpouch replaces the rectum.

Sue

Posted 4/6/2008 2:10 PM (GMT 0)
I also don't know the answer to your question. However, I am super happy to hear that you're feeling great post-UC. Many congratulations!!!
Posted 4/6/2008 2:13 PM (GMT 0)

Sue,

For some reason, my signature from the control panel has not updated.  I was going for the J-pouch surgery.  But after much thought and many test, Both my G.I and my surgen and I all agreed that a sub-total colectomy would be the safest and best bet for me (due to my age and condition of the colitis).  But I feel better now than I have in years.  I have greatly reduced my bowel movements, and greatly increased my energy level.  I was just wondering if anyone else had this done, or am I the test rat LOL....  I checked out J-pouch.org but most of those had a sub-total colectomy with a temp. bag, but mine was a one shot deal (knock on wood)..........

I haven't encountered anyone who was successfully able to keep their rectum.  Usually more surgery is required.  I would suggest you post this question at www.jpouch.org  You will probably encounter folks who had similar surgery but eventually had to have the rectum removed.  I am curious though, your signature line says you are having a jpouch in July yet you desire to keep the rectum?  This is confusing to me as the jpouch replaces the rectum.

Sue

Posted 4/6/2008 10:21 PM (GMT 0)
Hey Keith - fantastic news - I wouldn't worry too much right now - enjoy your newfound comfort and energy - I assume your doctors discussed and weighed all the options and what was correct for you at the moment.  HOPEFULLY that is the end all  & be all for you!!  Very happy for you.

Posted 4/6/2008 10:38 PM (GMT 0)
Good for you! It's always great to hear from someone that feels good about their decisions and the outcome!
Posted 4/7/2008 3:18 AM (GMT 0)
So happy for you...take that old nasty colon they removed and run it over with your car tongue
Posted 4/7/2008 3:30 AM (GMT 0)
I am happy you are feeling so great. I think you should talk to your doctor about your concerns and ask what types of symptoms you should keep an eye out for in case your rectum acts up, and what meds would you take or what you would do. Then you could have a plan and relax and enjoy your current health!
Posted 4/7/2008 10:52 PM (GMT 0)
Hey there keith i had surgery about 8 years ago and was able to keep thing intact had the colostomy for 3 months and then the reversal def helped. ive had my issues over the past 8 years but they found out my rectum had enlarged itself  10  times its normal size so had to go through therapy for my anal muscles and gettin colostomy takin back off but it will def be an improvment
Posted 4/10/2008 11:32 PM (GMT 0)
I just wanna give everyone and update.  Besides wheening off the pain meds, I feel good.  I still have a drainage bag in me, but for a one step surgery I feel great.  I have maybe 5-6 BM a day which is a lot less than it was before.  Before surgery use to be more like 15-18 bm a day.  I go to see my surgeon on Monday and we will see how everything is looking.  I am keeping my fingers crossed.  Wish me luck.

Keithm

Posted 4/11/2008 6:42 AM (GMT 0)
thats wonderful you feel great
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