Ostomy Reversal

Iron · Posted: Sun Aug 27, 2006 11:06 am Post subject: Ostomy Reversal

Hello Everyone!

I have an upcomming Ileostomy reversal scheduled for the end of October. I am approximately one month into having the Ileostomy. Not having much fun with this 'device'. In fact I would have rather dealt with a modified diet and not getting the Ileostomy. However, I do have it and now am faced with the ultimate reconnection. I have some questions.

• Has anyone on this forum had an Ileostomy reversal?
• Does the area of the stoma pose any problems after reconnection? (pain, blockage, sensitivity to foods etc.)
• What if any complication can I expect in restarting of my Colon?
• Has anyone with a bypassed Colon (Ileostomy in place) used enemas to help restart and strengthen the Colon?
• Any general thoughts or comments on the reconnection aspect, post colon resection?

Thank you and my regards,
Iron

Sandy Jackson · New User Joined: 03 Nov 2006 Posts: 1 Location: Australia

Dear Iron,
I had Major surgery in May, 2005 and had an ileostomy until Nov, 2005 when I had the reversal. I had a lot of problems with my skin accepting the base plate for a long time and also some leakage problems. Compared to what I have been going through the last 11 months that is nothing. I went for a trip around the world with the bag.

It depends on how much of the bowel is taken and where the cancer was as to how long it will take to get proper bowel control back (if ever). I had an Ultra-low Anterior Resection of the Rectum and about 13 inches of my bowel taken. The brain needs to learn the signals from the bowel all over again and that is what takes the time. If you have had chemo and radiation this also causes a problem as the radiation burns away the lining of the bowel and all of this has to heal as well. They told me from the cancer council that that can take up to 12 months to happen

As I am a diabetic as well this has caused a lot of problems as far as the kind of foods I can eat. Also my medication for the diabeties doesnt help either. At the moment I take 20 - 24 anti diarrhea tablets a day and a very bland diet.

My social life is nearly non existant, I am lucky that in my job incontinents plays a bit part and the people I work with have been so supportive. If not there is no way I would be able to go to work. One Saturday morning I counted how many times I went to the toilet in four hours and it was 14 times. This then caused problems with your skin not only in the rear end but also your hands as you are washing them so much.

Everyone is different and as I said it depends as to where the cancer was as the to how long it will take to get things back to normal. some days I really wish I still had a ileostomy, my only alternative now is to have a colostomy which will be permanant, that means major surgery again. I am trying to give myself as much time as possible to get back to normal as I can.

As far as where you stoma is there will be a scare but apart from that everything started working for me within in two days and I was out of hospital. Had no problems with sensitivity.

I am sorry I didnt get to reply to your note before you had your reversal and hope all went and is still going well for you.

Sandy

johnnyb · New User Joined: 08 May 2007 Posts: 1

Hi. I've only just joined so am late in replying to the posts. I had a very low anterior resection in February 2005. I had a short course of radiotherapy prior to this. About 12 inches of bowel was removed and the resection was about as low as they could go. I had a temporary ileostomy for 10 months during which time I had 28 weeks of Chemo with tablets.
The ileostomy was reversed in December 2005.
I'm still experiencing bowel trouble 18 months later. Probably to do with having to relearn new patterns and the brain getting wrong messages.
It is getting better as time goes on but it seems to be a long process. It does make me think twice before going anywhere too far from a toilet if we go for days out. I'm on Mebeverine and take Immodium when necessary which helps. It does get me down sometimes but at least I'm still here!!
Hope these cooments help someone.
John, Stockport, England

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