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Surgery

Sat, September 19, 2009 4:18 PM

Hello everyone,

I just had my colon and rectum removed one month ago. I have to live with the bag for at least three months hopefully that is all but possibly as long as 6 months. I have had colitis for about 5 years and the medications just stopped working so my last choice was to get the surgery. I do feel a whole lot better as far as my colitis symptoms go cause I don't feel any. The recovery part has been kind of tough I am so bored most days I don't feel like eating at all. but I force myself too. I was just wondering how life is after the reversal could any one give me any input on what to expect? I am depressed I am worried that the surgery will not work and I don't think I would take that news too well. I see my surgeon on September 29th thats when I think we schedule the reversal surgery. Should be mid November. Any insight into what I might expect in the future would be greatly appreciated.

trackstar7
Joined Sep 19, 2009

Mon, September 21, 2009 12:00 AM

Reply posted for rifles96.

thanks for the advice I noticed I am having really watery stool in my bag i have been taking benefiber and Imodium as well still having issues with it thickening up. did you have problems like that before the second surgery. With the take down did you have incontinence at all and how long before it became under control? I can't wait for the second surgery..

trackstar7
Joined Sep 19, 2009

Mon, September 21, 2009 12:00 AM

Reply posted for pmedic.

I had a total colectomy on May 20th and just 5 weeks later on June 24th, I had my take down surgery. This surgery has really saved my life. I am 31 years old and have been suffering with ulcerative colitis since 2004. I am a Police Officer and I was able to return to work on July 28th. Since the takedown I immediately began feeling better, but I was still having 8-12 bowel movements a day. I started taking Fiber and Immodium and it has really helped. This last week I have had my set backs as I have started to have severe pains and some bleeding. But all in all I feel much better than I did before the surgeries. My surgeon keeps telling me that it could take over a year and even up to 4 before everything adjusts and learns its new roll since I no longer have a colon. My advise would be keep your head up and keep a positive attitude and your healing will be much easier. Good Luck with your second surgery, you are over the hump and it's all down hill from here.

rifles96
Joined May 7, 2009

Sun, September 20, 2009 12:00 AM

Reply posted for trackstar7.

My father had a colostomy and the reversal. After the reversal, expect diarrhea for several weeks to a month. My father added banana's to his diet which helped his solidify his stool. Recovery will take some time but think positive. You will be back to normal before you know it. Good luck and have a speedy recovery!

pmedic
Joined Dec 27, 2008

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