My Path To Reversal!

My Path to Reversal!

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Danno

Nov 02, 2023 3:46 pm

Hey hey! Long time no post.

I'm almost a year past my first surgery. For those who want backstory, I had colitis and chose to have an ileostomy to pave a path for a better life.

Things have been great! Went on 4 vacations this year while doing some crazy adventure tours, eating whatever I want without fear, and back to my pre-surgery muscular physique. (Yes, lifting heavy weights)

I've officially got my 2nd surgery of 3 scheduled for December, with the third and final likely 4-6 months following that.

When I started this journey I wasn't sure what I wanted. In my case, the bag has basically been problem-free. To be honest, I don't even chew my food properly and I consistently push myself more and more to test my limits. Almost “normal.”

Hoping this success finds its way to my final surgery and recovery. I'm going to be optimistic and hope for 2-4 bm a day. LET'S GOO!!!

I live in Toronto, Canada, so I'm sure things are done differently here. Apparently, my second surgery (pouch creation and loop ileostomy) will be done by “trans-anal surgery arm” entering from the anus with no openings made. So I'm hoping there's almost no recovery time.

Crazy shit.

I'll keep everyone updated as time passes, I'm sure.

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DexieB

Nov 02, 2023 3:57 pm

That is great news, Danno! Reading your posts has always inspired me - thank you! I will be having a colostomy reversal on January 30th - hopefully, it will be a walk in the park compared to my last surgery. Sincerely wishing you all the best, and thank you again for your positivity!

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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

Beachboy

Nov 02, 2023 10:04 pm

Great news, Danno!

Through the old anus... what will they think of next?

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gentlejohn

Nov 03, 2023 8:43 pm

Colon surgery is pretty uniform in both the US and Canada. Good luck with your pouch-anal procedure. At your age, you are a candidate. I hope you have talked to others who have had the procedure and have had both good and not so good experiences. And your surgeon hopefully has discussed both the good and the bad of having the procedure.

Be cautious with what exercises you do. Significant increased abdominal pressure increases the probability of developing a hernia.