Trending
Social
Ostomy
Forum > Ostomy reversal

Misdiagnosis Leads to Successful Colostomy Reversal

Replies
7
Views
1176
Topic Summary
Past Member
Feb 09, 2022 4:01 pm

This is a long story but people are wondering about my post no reversal than surgery to reverse.

Well, turns out I was misdiagnosed. That group of Dr even

Thought I should have more surgery and remove rectum and that

I had Crohn's disease. A WONDERFUL GI DR. told me to go to Mayo for a second opinion.

I did...They DID NOT AGREE WITH OTHER DRS. DIAGNOSIS.

AND Said...WE WILL BE ABLE TO REVERSE YOUR COLOSTOMY!

I HAD MAJOR 7 HR. SURGERY to repair a perforation caused by a

Careless Dr for a routine colonoscopy at age 70. I was never told and slowly got ill. He also, didn't mention I had diverticulitis which caused my Dr's to wonder what was wrong! Soon I had over the top inflammation! Ended up in surgery with colostomy. Never told why.

Two years later problems started..in out of hospital Dr's thought I now had Crohn's.

TURNS OUT TWO YEARS LATER...THE ORIGINAL SURGERY A STAPLE came Loose and leakage occurred causing me to get extremely ill.

That's when I was told...NO REVERSAL!! CROHN'S DISEASE!! MORE SURGERY TO REMOVE MORE BOWEL AND RECTUM!!

BUT ON OCT 15TH I Had surgery 7hrs to repair damage done.

Temporary ileostomy for 3 mos. Then...JANUARY 19TH I WAS

REVERSED SUCCESSFULLY!!

NOW 3 WEEKS AFTER REVERSAL I'M BACK TO NORMAL IT'S

AMAZING AND I THANK GOD...THESE PAST 5 YRS HAVE BEEN

HORRIBLE, I was so ill for so long I'm lucky to still be here.

This group of Dr's were a well-known clinic and hospital.

May God bless the Mayo DRS.

JaymieGleason
Feb 09, 2022 4:43 pm

That is fabulous. I'm so happy for you. Here's to enjoying everyday!!

lovely
Feb 09, 2022 7:33 pm

Thanks for sharing. Glad all is well now.

Posted by: Nini4

Well,  I  hit the two year mark. I went back and read my posts from when I first found this site. I was very fortunate in that I stumbled upon it only 4 weeks post op. I have said many times that this community really saved me. The first 2 weeks after my surgery I shut down completely. It wasn't until about the 3rd week that my son came in to my room, flicked on the light and told me I was going to have to get back to living because I was scaring him. I had fallen into such a depression.  He  ticked me off,  but it also made me stop and think- what was I going to do? Feel sorry for myself and sulk, or be grateful I was alive. 

I've re-read my journals from that time and it was after my son kicked my butt, so to speak, I took an honest inventory and had to dig deeper than I've ever had to. I mean, I had survived a pretty nasty divorce, after a pretty crappy marriage and that was tough. But this was different. I felt like I was now a handicapped person who would be limited in their life and be looked at as a freak. My mental state was precarious, at best. 

But then I found this site. I just lurked a bit before posting. I read so many of the other stories and I started to see just how full my life can be, I was not handicapped,  and certainly not a freak! The stories of survival, the sense of humor, the support and compassion was inspiring.  It was then I made myself get out of the dark, and get my sh*t together.  

Not all rainbows and sunshine at first, hardly! But with grace from myself - to myself, and the kindness and willingness of the folks here to be supportive, non judgemental and openly share intimate details about their life circumstances,  l not only survived but thrived. 

I think of all the years I had suffered with such extreme pain, barely functioning,  and the many hospital stays and how that is all behind me now.  (All fingers, toes, and legs crossed that I never have to go near a hospital for myself ever again. I think I'd rather have a fork stuck in my eye. I loathe every about them.)  

So, to everyone who has been a part of this journey with me, to say thank you is not enough. I'm forever grateful to know you all.  My Angels, each one of you. 

 And as the Grateful Dead famously said,

"what a long strange trip it's been!"

Im so happy I'm tripping with you all.


Justbreathe
Feb 09, 2022 7:46 pm

Wow...good on you!!! So happy you found the right docs and solution after all you have been through. I am contemplating going through a reversal. My worst fear...doctors and hospitals (as you have experienced) as they say...been there done that.... At 78 I am just not sure what to do but loved hearing your success story - gave me a bit of hope. Thanks for sharing and best wishes for many happy years ahead to make up for those 5 you lost!

Past Member
Feb 10, 2022 1:40 am

Thank you for your kind words. Unless one has been through this (as only ostomy people know first hand), most people do not have any idea how difficult it can be or how ill a person can get.

I don't know where you live but if you somehow can travel to Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, you would get the best results, best doctors. I'm 76 and

after 5 years with a colostomy, I am doing really well. And that's after a 7-hour surgery in Oct. to correct all the mistakes made by former doctors. Also, a 3-month temporary ileostomy while the bowel/rectum healed.

I wish you all the very best in whatever your decision is. If you have any questions or anything, please send me a message.

Sincerely, Asiam

 

My Ostomy Journey: Bruce | Hollister

Play
Rocket52
Feb 11, 2022 2:44 am

I hate to say this, but because of a misdiagnosis by the overrated Mayo Clinic in Rochester, I ended up with a permanent ileostomy which was unnecessary. Doctors can be wrong!

Past Member
Feb 15, 2022 4:59 pm

Oh no!! I'm so sorry to hear that.

Best wishes, Asiam.

Justbreathe
Feb 16, 2022 1:40 am

Yes....unfortunately they are everywhere and in abundance....sadly, this is exactly why I am fearful of further surgery.

💬 Interesting Topics
ILIOSTOMY BY ERROR BY GUTENBERG
Upcoming Surgery Oct 23 for Ileostomy
Red Mucus Discharge After Ileostomy: Is This Normal?
Anti-fungal Powders
Hello new friends!
Urinating Problem After Colostomy Surgery
Create Account
↑