Hello. I am scheduled to have this surgery soon to remove my rectum. I already have an ileostomy because of ulcerative colitis so I don't have to worry about that. And I've read many of the posts of the surgery and recovery. But I wanted to actually ask for myself about the recovery and get some advice. I'm scheduled to have it May 22nd so it's coming up. I actually would not have known how bad my rectum is had I not got an obstruction and was told by my surgeon, who did my other surgeries and will be doing this surgery, I should get my rectum checked out. With the sigmoidoscopy they could only check about one inch of my 6-7 inch rectum cause it was so inflamed. Doesn't bother me at all I hardly know it's there but it is a threat to me and I have no choice but to get it removed since they can't check it for cancer. I will have 6 weeks off work at least to recover. I work a very physical job doing janitorial with a plan to become a Facilities Maintenance Engineer/Specialist, which is a very physical job as well. I like to be active and I walk a lot. I walk my dogs often and chase them in the field. I like to ride my bike. I'm pretty healthy right now and in good shape and am actually preparing for this. Much different than when I was sick and in the hospital for 4 weeks before they removed my colon and I was there another 2 weeks. 6 weeks total. I know there's a lot of stuff I won't be able to do for some time. And I know I'm gonna need to make adjustments to my life. So any advice is appreciated like how your recovery was, like length of time, difficulties, pain, adjustments, and what your abilities are now. Also if anyone had any complications. My surgeon is very good and I trust him, but I know with this surgery it can be done to 100% success with no errors and there could still be complications. I feel alright about the surgery. I'd rather not have to have this done, but it is well with my soul, and I think this will help prepare me even more. So anyway thank you to anyone who responds to this post and God bless you.
Get ready to not sit for awhile. I had complications so mine probably took longer than normal but if you already have an ostomy, the Barbie Butt thing is no big deal, it just takes time. And probably more time than you think it should or that you feel you need. Take the extra time and let it heal properly.
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About seven years ago, just about every aspect of my life was ostomy related. From the moment I was told an ostomy might be needed until some months down the road I existed as a person afflicted with a colostomy. I feared someone other than my immediate family might find out I had a bag. Ugh! What could be worse? Suppose it filled real fast when I was out with no place to hide and take care of myself. God forbid should it leak in church! Suppose I roll over on it in bed. I was a lesser creature, destined to a life of emotional anguish and physical routines different from most of the rest of the world. I felt like a freak. Then I found folks like you guys here, read your stuff, really “listened” to what you had to say and I began looking at things differently. We know perception is everything and I began to understand how good things were relative to what they could’ve been. So many folks had it so much worse than I did. That didn’t make my discomfort go away but it exposed how fortunate I was to be dealing with my stuff and not their’s. I felt a little guilt, maybe selfishness but quickly forgave myself by understanding I just wasn’t smart enough to fix my feelings. Then, I wonder what smarts have to do with feelings. My perception was warped so my perspective toward my existence was warped.
I learned over the last few years with the help of lots of folks right here at MAO that I could be better at living just by accepting some facts. It is what it is and so what? It’s not the worst thing to happen to a person.
I think everything is, in some way, related to everything else. I just put the ostomy thing in the back seat and drive forward.
Respectfully,
Mike
Hi Lowkey, I echo what Alex said. I actually had my j-pouch cut out, permanent ostomy created and butt sewn closed all in the same surgery so yours sounds easier. You will be leaning to one side for awhile. I advise against a donut pillow because that pulls your cheeks apart and would suggest simply a soft one. I bought several cheap microbead pillows and sat on those for several weeks. Hopefully you'll get some pain meds for early on and then switch over to Tylenol until the pain is gone. I teach fitness classes and returned after about two months. Good luck!
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Well, I can't ride my bike anymore, that contact area with the seat...just no. Pickleball works though. I still feel all of my previous surgeries but extreme pain is a thing of the past. your physical job will help in recovery I think-I was a lazy turd post surgery and it cost me. Onward and upward!
I had the same surgery as eefyjig. The first few weeks after surgery were rough down there. I sat on something soft and alternated butt cheeks while sitting. I also like to ride bikes and was determined to be able to do that eventually. My surgeon told me not to try it till the following year which was 5 months away so 6 weeks post surgery I started sitting on the toilet very carefully to empty my bag to try to stretch skin some down there before it was too late to make a difference. It hurt like hell at first and can still be uncomfortable if I get too careless about it but riding my bikes, I have 4 is pain free now. I also put a suspension seatpost on the bike I ride the most on and that has helped also.
How to Adjust to Life with an Ostomy with Bruce | Hollister
Hi Lowkey, I had my butt removed when I had my original ileo. surgery and was pretty sick at the time, but I took it easy for 8 weeks. I was allowed off work. I also like riding bikes and ATV but that was not possible for almost a year, but I do it now no problem. Good luck.