Temporary loop ileostomy complications
Sun, February 14, 2010 1:00 AM
In August 2009 I underwent surgery to create a temporary loop ileostomy in hopes of bypassing my very diseased colon and rectum while I searched for a medicine that helped control my Crohn's. Since the surgery I am still having very significant output from my rectum. I'm not just talking about mucus here and there but I have much stool, mucus, and gas coming out both my rectum and through my ileostomy.
I understand that as long as I don't have my colon and rectum removed, my disease is going to be active. I know that it is normal to have some stuff come out of your rectum but I am running to the bathroom at least 10 times a day to have bowel movements from my bottom. It has really made me regret having this surgery because I am pretty much in the same predicament I was in before only now I have an ileostomy, too.
I've had my suspicions that it is a mechanical problem with my stoma, as it shrunk significantly post surgery and if I watch it when it's active, it almost looks like my stoma is struggling to push stool out. I suspect that when this happens the output merely travels back inside and continues down my GI tract, causing the many bowel movements I still have from my rectum.
I am wondering if anyone else has experienced this problem because it is very frustrating for me. My doctors are not giving me the answers I need. I have had a cat scan done to rule out a fistula and other things but they don't seem to want to admit that it could be a problem the stoma itself. I would appreciate anyones input if you have had a similar experience or if those with an ostomy can chime in on any experience having their stoma revised to improve the flow of their output. Thanks.
sweenJoined Dec 23, 2009
Sat, February 27, 2010 1:00 AM
Reply posted for sween.
Hi there-
No expert here BUT the loop ileo was certainly more of a challenge than the end ileo for my son. He, too, would have drainage..was told this was normal but what he found was that if he didn't have a good fit with the wafer/belt then more stuff would slip into the lower stoma opening. He also slept most nights in the recliner :)
This is what worked for him: a convex wafer and a belt so that it forced the stoma to be in a better position, Sometimes he needed a barrier ring (or some folks like the eakin seal). Somewhere someone referenced the loop ileo being the devil.....they're right! There's good info on the uuoa and jpouch websites as well that we found helpful. We were fortunate to have a great ET nurse as well.
Hang in there.
Good luck
KC
Joined Jun 23, 2009
Sun, February 14, 2010 1:00 AM
Reply posted for sween.
wow... your story sounds very familiar. My 21yr old son just had a "temp" ileostomy 3 wks ago in an attempt to let his rectum heal and hopefully go back in 6-12 months and dilate a stricture he developed. It's only been 3 wks but he is still passing stool and we were told that it could be a couple of months before things settled down and that even after that he could still have the sensation and urgency as before. He is not having the freq you are though. He shares the same frustrations... why do this and still have problems! I would call your surgeons office and also see an enterostomal therapist regarding the stoma. I have found the ET nurses to be a fantastic resource. His dr still has him on the colazol and remicade to treat the disease in his rectum. I'm not sure if your still continuing your meds but if not, maybe that's something you could ask your dr about.
Joined Jul 6, 2009
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