I would like to wish my little friend a happy 2nd birthday today. It very nearly went unnoticed but for the nice spring day reminding me of that morning two years ago walking into the hospital. I've just found out that I have to have more surgery. It's not serious, they say, and I would like to know who else has been through this.
Back at the end of last year, I started passing blood out of the non-business end. After camera and tests, it's come to pass that I have a thing (can't remember what it's called) that happens to the non-used bit when no food is passed through it. It's not Crohn's or cancer; it's just like areas of inflammation, and that's where the blood is coming from. Now they want to remove the rest just to be on the safe side. Has anyone had this done as a second operation, and what are the aftereffects, if any? This time I want to go into this with my eyes open.
There has been talk of more operations for me, but I don't think I could face all that again so I have declined their kind offers so far. I will be interested to see how yours goes - so here's hoping you keep us informed.
Best wishes
Bill
MeetAnOstoMate is a remarkable community of 41,450 members.
“I found real people, real humor, and answers I couldn’t get anywhere else.”
“The support here impressed my husband’s medical team - they plan to recommend it.”
“This community saved me when I thought I was a freak. Now I’m thriving.”
“Thank god for this site - I finally knew what to ask my surgeon.”
This group has been my go-to during my loneliest hours whenever I've had a "bag blowout" at 3am and there was no one else in the world to talk to.
Because it's a global community, there's always someone here to lend an ear, provide advice, and just hold my hand if that's all I need.
Sure, there's also a lot of camaraderie, fun topics, and laughs, but the main reason I come here is for the total acceptance I get from the members. No one else on the planet could possibly "get" what I'm going through, not even my loving husband or supportive family.
The "Meet an Ostomate" forum is definitely a one-of-a-kind family, which I am very proud to belong to.
M
xo
Hi Portsmouth fan.
I have not had the "total," but many have, with very mixed results. There is a very informative thread running on forum.iasupport.org.
Take care and good luck (for ops and footie, lol).
Learn about the physical and emotional benefits of using ostomy accessories.
I had everything done at once some 15 years ago, and I don't recall the rear end being much of a bother except having a difficult time sitting.
Happy Birthday to your stoma; some of us call it our Stoma-versary :).
I am so sorry you are having this difficulty. I've had my ileostomy for 26 years now and have never heard of such a problem as you are having. Blessings!
My Ostomy Journey: LeeAnne | Hollister
I'm so sorry you're having issues again. When I had my ileostomy surgery 50+ years ago when I was 15, they left the rectal stump, hoping that it would heal (from ulcerative colitis). The doctors gave it 4 years, but it bled, hemorrhaged, had active disease, and interfered with what was otherwise a healthy life (living with my ostomy). So at age 19, I finally got my parents and doctors to agree to removing that part also. It was "radical" at the time, and I did have some healing issues, but in the end result, it was the best thing to do. It healed and I've never had problems with the scar... Talk to your doctors, because sometimes men can have more difficulty given the strategic area. I ended up with some nerves to the bladder cut... so I have no bladder sensation, but my bladder works fine... I "go by the clock." Being the best informed you can is the key... Best of luck to you.
Marsha
Hi Blue, I just noticed this thread; the name caught my eye, and I had a quick look at your profile. I had my ileostomy operation on February 15th this year in Newcastle RVI... 5 weeks yesterday, back to work tomorrow! I must have been in a worse state than I thought pre-op, as I'm feeling pretty good now. In the last week, I have been out in my kayak 3 times - flat water only though - and had my first ever scuba dive trial last night. Not bad for a 52-year-old physical wreck!
Not bad considering the surgeon couldn't do it keyhole because of many previous operations. He also had to remove the former appendicostomy too. I'm pretty sure I will be remembering my 'birthday'!!!
That's great news, Almeia,
keep it up. Do you live here or further north? I love to see all sorts of boats on the river. My stepson has just bought a small motor cruiser, and we hope to be out and about a lot this summer. My old crewmates from Hampshire Fire Brigade are doing a charity paddle soon, the Cockleshell Heroes in kayaks; look it up. I hope they looked after you in the R.V.I. I've got to go back in the Freeman later in the year.
Thanks immarsh,
I want to get the job done, and thinking about it, I don't suppose it will be much bother, but all of you are giving me loads of questions to ask, which can only be a good thing.
I think it is possibly one of the most psychologically challenging decisions one could have to make, unless the condition is life-threatening.
I sincerely hope to God that I do not need to go there.
Learn all about skin barrier extenders.
I found some old posts (2011) titled Surgery to remove rectum post ileostomy. There were some varied but very good replies. See if you can find it. Forgot last time... Happy birthday to your stoma... Mine is
52 years young!
This is a month of celebration; my stoma anniversary/birthday was March 11, and Stanley is 3 years old. So far, so good... taking it one day at a time. We ate some yummy things celebrating that I could eat again. Happy birthday to you and to everyone celebrating their special day! We have many blessings to enjoy. Take care! LH
Hi Blue, happy birthday to your stoma.
I had my first ostomy last September due to an infection where the belly button is. I had a second surgery this January with the removal of a good part of the large intestine due to an infection that caused the bladder to stick to the intestine. I have an ileostomy, and so far, I am doing well. It's not Crohn's or cancer, so I'm glad for that.
Stay positive, and all will go well.
Eileen