Facing More Surgery And Feeling Anxious

LilacFaerie

Mar 18, 2011 11:46 am

Hi

I got a temporary sigmoid colostomy done mid November 2010. It saved my life. However, what was temporary has just become permanent and within 2 weeks my doctor wants to operate again. She intends to turn Tomi from a loop colostomy to a end colostomy making him permanent, remove my sigmoid colon, rectum, anus and anal sphincter, then sew up my bottom giving me a "barbie butt". She is also going to remove a badly dislocated and probably fractured coccyx (tail bone) at the same time

I am perfectly happy on one level to have this operation. And yet at the same time I am nervous and okay - getting scared.

Can anyone tell me what recovery is like for this procedure? Will I be able to sit on the toilet once they let me go home? Will I be able to walk okay? Does the barbie butt operation have any impact on moving around during recovery???

I would love to hear from anyone who has been through this operation and who can talk to me about how long it takes roughly to recover.

I didn't realise how big this op was until my surgeon told me she will be operating for around 8 hours to do it all - aparently the spinal stuff adds complications, but she estimated 4-5 hours for the barbie butt operation! Scarey
I will be glad to be asleep for all that!

Still it's getting close and I am getting more and more nervous about it.
would appreciate any words of wisdom
Thanks

lottagelady

Mar 19, 2011 6:04 pm

Aww hun - after all you have been through it will be like a walk in the park!

Your surgeon is on your side and I am sure will not let you go through anymore pain - if it is hurting, just tell them and I am sure they will help you out with it.

She knows you are scared I should think - but talk to her again and tell her your worries about it and I am positive she will reassure you

Take good care
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Rach xxxx

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Posted by: Karen & Stella

Fay,

I am one of those few people who still have a lot of output at night. However, I suffer from short gut syndrome after seven bowel surgeries that led to the loss of much of my small intestine as well as my large intestine from the initial bowel cancer surgery. It does get better over time as your system adjusts, but an ileostomy can be a challenging adjustment. It's important to connect with a good Enterostomal Nurse - ET nurses who can help you problem-solve over time. It's been five years since my initial surgery, and I had a great visit with a new ET nurse in December. He really helped me with the problem of high output at night. I had been getting up every 90-120 minutes to empty my high output bag because of filling. If I slept for three hours without emptying, I would have problems. My ET nurse helped my husband and me make a nighttime collection system using a Rubbermaid juice container with a handle and my old CPAP hose. This is connected to one of my two-piece high output bags and allows for continual drainage. It isn't pretty, but it has been a real lifesaver. I guess the real message I want to share is to stick with it, find a nurse who you can work with, and together you will find solutions to whatever challenges you face. This website is also an important support for me and others. There is nothing you will go through that others haven't already faced and figured out. There is so much wisdom here. Read the materials they've put together for newbies. There are a lot of great suggestions to use. I hope things get better quickly for you.
Karen

Joolz822

Mar 26, 2011 1:50 pm

So that's what it's called - a Barbie Butt. *LMAO* I have one of those. It took me a week to feel almost human when I had my surgery in July 2009. Total recovery was at least a month. Then I was cleared to begin chemo and radiation treatments again. Everyone recovers at their own pace... I know, big help.

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Little Jade

Mar 26, 2011 8:13 pm

Sorry to hear about your upcoming surgery.  I can understand why you're worried about it.  I had a similar operation done in March 2008, an extensive bowel reconstruction, removal of rectum etc.   Let me assure you that the adjustment to having a 'barbie' bottom is not difficult, considering you are already a graduated Ostomate!!

Two tips I would like to share and you may want to discuss with your doctor:

(1) Make sure your surgeon takes care to sew your bottom up by giving enough 'slack' for sitting and squatting.  Mine was sewn up too high and close to the surface of my buttocks without allowing for enough 'slack' to stretch properly.  For several months after surgery, it was quite painful for me to sit or squat down.  Since your surgeon is a female, perhaps she will understand how sewing works.

(2) Use Vitamin E ointment to help speed up healing of the sewn up area.  A nurse suggested it to me after hearing of my sufferings.  I use it everyday now even though I am all healed, because the scar tissues still hurt sometimes and I find the ointment helps to form a barrier from urine sting, as well as soften up for the stretching when sitting on the seat.

It's okay to feel nervous about the operation and do give yourself time to heal.  Walking and everyday activities may be restricted at first, but after a few months to recover, you will find life is good again!  All the best in your surgery, and let us know how things go.

Facing More Surgery and Feeling Anxious