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Take-down/Surgical Scars.

Fri, November 13, 2009 12:34 PM

I'm supposed to have my take-down of the ileostomy in less than a month. I've read all the bad news and I've made my peace with it. Not really, I cry every time I hear another horror story thinking how much more could any of us endure and when can the normal life start? But then everyone says "oh life will never be normal again..." blah blah blah, but is it every really normal anyway? I mean I would like to just get back to school and get a job and stop living with my mom, do the whole young adult thing.
Regardless of my bitterness I have one purely cosmetic, vain, and self-esteem related question. I had an open wound after my third surgery because of two staph infections and the middle scar that hooks around your belly button ya know? It healed like an inch thick and with a divot so it looks like a butt on my stomach. Awesome. My doctor said they could work on removing scar tissue giving me a thinner scar provided that it didn't get infected again and have to be opened once more. Yet now I'm reading that the take-down is done with laproscopic surgery so that means they wouldn't even go through my scar again right? But when they attempted the take-down the first time around they did. So now not only do I tear up about incontinence and constant diarrhea, but also when I think about never wearing a bikini again or being uncomfortable with my shirt off for the rest of my life.
Anyone who thinks they might know: can they remove scar tissue in the surgery or do I have to shell out more thousands of dollars to a cosmetic doctor to get my abdominal ass removed?

hey2308
Joined Jul 23, 2008

Mon, November 16, 2009 9:24 PM

Reply posted for hey2308.

I don't really have much info for you on the scar but I will say I just had my take down surgery 3 weeks ago and I have had no incontinence at all or leakage. I think it all depends on the surgeon and or the person. I can totally relate to you feeling annoyed with the thought of going to the bathroom in your bed that was what I was all prepared for but thankfully I didn't need to be. the thing that is most annoying for me right now is getting up a few times during the night to go but I am sure this will improve with time. I have a tiny scar from the take down but from the first surgery I have a nice sized one. I am only 25 but that won't stop me from wearing a bikini again I feel blessed I am so much happier now. I do recall freaking out reading everyones horror stories after the take down and it scared me I hope I brought you some kind of peace that you may not even have any of those problems and i hope you don't.

Good Luck!!

trackstar7
Joined Sep 19, 2009

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