I had surgery about three years ago. I had a blockage and it was emergency surgery. A year later, I went in for the reversal, but there was so much infection the doctor said it was like an explosion going off. The doctor snipped a vein. I lost 2/3 of my blood supply. I only have a stump left for a rectum. My doctor tells me that he can do the reversal, but it will take a year out of my life and I will have a sudden urge to have a bowel movement.
Has anyone had this problem? Is it worth it? Please help me out. I welcome all information.
Thanks so much, Joyce
jenkins124
Apr 18, 2011 2:29 pm
bes0642
Apr 18, 2011 4:28 pm
Joyce, you didn't state your age. I'll tell you what my Dr. recommended: "I would not do the reversal." I was 61 at the time. He said it's quite an ordeal and not an easy surgery for a 61-year-old. His recommendation was if I was younger, it would be worth the risk. However, it's an individual decision. Some folks have the surgery without any problem. But after me spending 96 days in ICU and 2 months in rehab, I'm done with hospitals. I can live with having the Ileostomy. Best wishes on whatever your decision may be. Bob
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lottagelady
Apr 18, 2011 8:18 pm
Hi Joyce - I am 49 and do not have bowel disease and a reversal should be my next step with a hernia repair ..... however, I have decided that after 21 anaesthetics and being left disabled (long story ...!) I have had enough, so will go for the hernia repair and get my stoma resited to the other side - I personally have had enough, I have generally got worse after each lot of surgery and as this will be the biggest yet, I do not want to take the chance ..... better the devil you know and all that ..... but it all boils down to the fact that I would rather lose a pouch than actually lose control myself .... yuk, not sure I could deal with that ........ Good luck in whatever you decide Joyce,
Rach xxx
Rach xxx
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scotiaman
Apr 18, 2011 9:03 pm
Hi Jenkins...well, you have a big decision to make...so maybe some of the following will help you make a decision that in the end YOU (not your DR. or other sat home) must be comfortable with.
1. Do lots of research...you can do it online, Mayo Clinic, John Hopkins, and the US, Canadian, and other professional ostomy support organizations.
2. Get opinions from lots of medical personnel, especially emergency nurses, doctors, etc. ...they deal with related issues daily.
3. Much of the literature suggests it takes 6 months to a year to have the pouch settle into a daily routine, and your diet will have lots to do with that. You will want pretty immediate access to the bathroom.
4. With an Ileostomy, the stool is often quite liquid.... that means there is likely going to be some leakage...at night especially...and some otherwise...our muscles, including the rear, weaken with age and that will have some impact on holding the stool back.
5. Reversals are, after all is said and done, a cosmetic option...you can (generally) live quite comfortably and healthily with an Ileostomy, and the chances of remedial surgery are generally lower.
6. If you have diabetes...healing is much slower.
7. Does your surgeon have lots of experience in doing reversals...you will want a specialist and not a general surgeon.
Anyway...I hope this helps...I am 58. I chose not to do a reversal because I did not want to deal with leakage, incontinence, strict diets, the risk of future surgeries, etc... it was a LIFESTYLE decision...having made that decision, I also had my rectal stump removed so as to eliminate the chance of rectal cancer... I'm two months out of that and have healed up quite well...am no longer dragging around the rubber donut lol Best of luck...don't be in a rush...consider seriously what will make your life comfortable!!!
1. Do lots of research...you can do it online, Mayo Clinic, John Hopkins, and the US, Canadian, and other professional ostomy support organizations.
2. Get opinions from lots of medical personnel, especially emergency nurses, doctors, etc. ...they deal with related issues daily.
3. Much of the literature suggests it takes 6 months to a year to have the pouch settle into a daily routine, and your diet will have lots to do with that. You will want pretty immediate access to the bathroom.
4. With an Ileostomy, the stool is often quite liquid.... that means there is likely going to be some leakage...at night especially...and some otherwise...our muscles, including the rear, weaken with age and that will have some impact on holding the stool back.
5. Reversals are, after all is said and done, a cosmetic option...you can (generally) live quite comfortably and healthily with an Ileostomy, and the chances of remedial surgery are generally lower.
6. If you have diabetes...healing is much slower.
7. Does your surgeon have lots of experience in doing reversals...you will want a specialist and not a general surgeon.
Anyway...I hope this helps...I am 58. I chose not to do a reversal because I did not want to deal with leakage, incontinence, strict diets, the risk of future surgeries, etc... it was a LIFESTYLE decision...having made that decision, I also had my rectal stump removed so as to eliminate the chance of rectal cancer... I'm two months out of that and have healed up quite well...am no longer dragging around the rubber donut lol Best of luck...don't be in a rush...consider seriously what will make your life comfortable!!!
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junopete
Apr 19, 2011 3:28 am
Get a new doctor. The one you have is an idiot.
I had my surgeries done when I was 62 years young. My age was no big deal.
Your doc is right. With only a rectal stump, you will be going 8 or more times a day. However, not all is lost.
You are going to have to give some accurate history.
Write me.
Rick.....
mooza
Apr 20, 2011 11:12 am
Pretty much nearly had rectal stump. You do what you think. I now have my ileo for life. I think I wasted from trying to remember what operation it was, but from 2001 until sometime in 2002, until 2005. Look, I wasted 4 years of my life not wanting to have my stoma back yet again. I even went on holiday to Thailand and still wouldn't have a stoma back. I had a stricture and was so hungry, not happy at all. You might find that you or your body, one or the other, has to give, mate. The day I realized life was so horrible, mine was the weight off my shoulders. Like a "wow," I can't even put the words in here. I know it was a sunny day and I won't forget the great feeling I personally felt inside. So, I suppose in the end, I won inside me. Well, go for it 2008. However, it was different. Take care. xx Good luck.