5 Months Post-Colostomy Reversal - Facing My First Colonoscopy

Hi all!! So here I am, 5 months post-colostomy reversal… Well, it's almost 6 months by now, but this past month I've been trying to keep myself overly busy because tomorrow is the appointment for my colonoscopy, and I'm dreading it. I do have a small amount of pain at the stoma site when I apply pressure or rub my belly. I do feel rectal pain every now and then if I sit for too long, but I stand/walk around, and it's gone. The only thing that bothers me, physically, is that I get this weird pain on the sides of my pubic area. I'm guessing that would probably be pelvic floor-related pain, but I will need to ask the doc at my next visit. When I have to poop now, it's a different feeling from pre-ostomy. I get this sensation that feels like pressure in my lower abdomen, and my stomach feels like a cross between nausea and discomfort, and when I go, it goes away. I've also noticed that when I have a bowel movement, I tend to spend more time in the restroom than before trying to fully empty, and I have to wipe a lot. This was not the case pre-ostomy, but if it's like this forever and never goes away, eh, oh well. I still have not returned to my normal vegetarian diet; I'm still too scared to venture out and eat outside of my “safe foods.” I'm continuing with therapy to try to get over this huge hurdle, and I'm sure with time it will get better. In the meantime, ugh, as I mentioned, the colonoscopy is tomorrow, and truly I am terrified. I wanted several times to reschedule it, but it's something I need to do for my health. My doc gave me a pill to take before I go in tomorrow, so hopefully, that will bring my anxiety down. I'm so scared thinking about the doc poking and prodding through my intestines with a camera and all the things that could go wrong. I hope and pray that the results give me a clean bill of health and no more polyps or infected diverticula. My faith tells me it will go well, but my brain is hesitant 😕 We shall see what tomorrow brings! Keep you posted! In the meantime, be well, take care.

Nice to hear from you. I know how you feel about the colonoscopy. I'm supposed to get one too, my first with a stoma. I'm not looking forward to it. Hope you continue to feel better.

MoeMoe,

Congrats on almost 6 months post-reversal! I have a permanent colostomy, so I have no knowledge of what to expect for post-reversal timelines, but it sounds like you're doing great!

I will keep you in my thoughts & prayers for a clean scope & clean bill of health!

Hey Beach Boy!

I am the queen of colonoscopies - I have one every 3 months. Through the stoma is no different, you're out and then you're not.

For prep with the ostomy, make sure you get a high output bag or two (I can send some of mine if the size is right - pm me) and you'll need a urine bag, like they use for night urostomy folks and Foley catheters. Your doc can write an RX and you can probably even get them on eBay/Amazon. Then you're not awake every 10 minutes emptying your bag.

Kim

Hi Moe

We are usually our own worst enemy in these situations. It's very easy to beat yourself up and fear the worst, but as you know, it's usually the opposite 😀

Avoiding Ostomy Bag Leaking | Managing Ostomy Leaks with LeeAnne Hayden

I wish people would say that more.  Thank you.

No big deal. Once it starts, it’ll feel like someone pours a hot cup of water into your bag every 15-30 minutes and then it’ll slow down. Take a change of equipment to your appointment in case they have to take yours off, they didn’t have to for mine. You go to sleep, wake up 15 minutes later and go home. 

Hi Moe. I understand your concerns, but it will put your mind at ease once it's all over with. I'm just doing an update on my own reversal, having spent almost the entire month of August in the hospital as I got an infection and was re-admitted as an emergency. I'm sure all will be fine with your colonoscopy. Keep strong, you will get there x

Thanks for the info. I'm going to consult with the head of colorectal surgery at my hospital. My regular gastroenterologist prefers to have him do it. I'm not really looking forward to it.

Thanks for the info, AlexT!

Hey MoeMoe, good to hear things are good. Six months out is still early days in the scheme of things. I know it's easier said than done, but try not to overthink the colonoscopy. Take care and wishing you well.

Hi MoeMoe - sorry I am just seeing this! I hope it went well. I was terrified to have a colonoscopy in April - 3 months after my reversal - but it went fine. I hope yours did as well?