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Facing elective total colectomy (2-3-14) due to pre-cancerous biopsies

Thu, January 16, 2014 3:32 PM

I'm 52 with UC for 30 yrs. My UC has been mild to moderate since '95 when I stopped taking meds. Two colonoscopies within the last 1.5 years resulted in a biopsy from each showing dysplasia (pre-cancer). Subsequently, I have had two recommendations for total colectomy and J-Pouch surgery. I am to meet with the surgeon next week and he may even recommend my rectum be removed too (just had biopsies yesterday to address this possibility). I still have the option to not have surgery (scheduled for 2-3-14) which would subsequently entail fairly frequent colonoscopies (what fun!) and, of course, the possibility of developing cancer and the never-ending stress of that possibility.

Sooo, I am pretty freaked out. Has anyone gone through or know of anyone that has gone through a similar situation? Any good/successful J-Pouch stories out there?

I could sure use some support.

Thanks,
Nathan

nrussell1961
Joined Jan 9, 2014

Fri, March 28, 2014 10:19 AM

Reply posted for mju.

Sorry about the slow response. I live in Highlands Ranch, outside Denver. I went to U of C Hospital, Anschutz for the op and was pretty pleased overall. Surgeon appears to be excellent.

I won't beat around the bush, recovery (7.5 weeks now) has been slow, difficult, and I have problems with weight loss and dehydration. Finally realized dehydration was really messing me up. Make sure you pay attention to your post op care literature particularly with dehydration and need for electrolyte balance.

Personally, I am so glad I had option for J-pouch. Hate the bag.

Good luck and would be happy to answer more questions.

nrussell1961
Joined Jan 9, 2014

Sun, March 16, 2014 2:43 PM

Reply posted for nrussell1961.

hi there. just joined and facing possibly surgery too. wondering where you live, where you went, and how things turned out. thank you in advance. hope you are well.

mju
Joined Mar 16, 2014

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