Four months post Hartmann's procedure, I had an obstruction that necessitated another open surgery. It was a kick in the teeth, as I had just started to feel like I had gotten to a new normal. The obstruction was caused by a parastomal hernia and adhesions/scar tissue, which caused the small bowel to twist to the point of strangulation. The catch-22 is that the surgery to fix it naturally created more scar tissue. Now I am paranoid about another obstruction. I am also worried about my diet because I had just returned to eating fibrous foods when this happened. So I'm staying on the low-fiber/residue diet indefinitely now.
I am supposed to have a reversal, maybe in the summer, but again, more scar tissue.
I don't think I'll ever get to a place where I don't question every tiny pain. Thoughts, anyone?
Unfortunately, I underwent a little over 50 operations in the last 32 years. The more surgery I had, the more adhesions my body made. Some of my bowel obstructions were caused by my adhesions.
I am now between a rock and a hard place, having lost any IV access left. Another operation will be the end of my life, as my specialist says I have only a 2% chance of surviving another operation.
Having been left with only 3.5 meters of small bowel (it is a very long story), eating was causing me so much pain that it was just better, since I didn't absorb anything I ate anyway, to stop eating solid food.
So I urge caution when having too many operations. I never thought I would get to the point where I no longer miss eating. But for me, enjoying eating something for a few minutes and ending up in the most horrid pain for a few hours to a couple of days just didn't make it worth it for me anymore.
Talking to a dietician or your stoma nurse is the best thing I could advise you to do.
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Yeah wow, this site helped so much, I mean really who do you know with this infliction? No one, felt so alone and disgusted by myself every turn.
But it ended up being so damn strengthening, I got fucking moving, really only another choice.
That's
Honesty
Truth
I was damaged by a procedure and ended waking with this, I understand all of you.. perhaps you had to have it, I get it.. doesn't matter either way.
Just wanted to share that
I have a sigmoid colostomy. Inguinal hernia repair mesh stuck to my colon, puncturing it in 2 places. 12 1/2 inches of colon were removed.
I developed a parastomal hernia at 4 months post op. A loop of small intestine is pushing into the colostomy area. CT scan didn't reveal any trouble with this situation.
Skill of a surgeon is very important. My surgery was 7 hours... 5 of that was removing 18 year old embedded hernia repair mesh. My surgeon was experienced in hernia repair and colorectal surgery. Lucky me.
To calm your nerves, ask your doctor about a MRI scan. CT is good. But is limited in what it reveals. All my CT's didn't show the repair mesh stuck to my colon. It did show the infection in my abdomen. My surgeon ruled against trying to drain the infection. Again.... Lucky me.
Doctors knew something was wrong... just didn't know exactly what. I was too sick and near death to waste anymore time on scans. Emergency explorarory surgery was my only real option left.
Get a second opinion if possible. Don't put all your eggs in one basket.
Lucky me... 2 of the top colorectal surgeons at Hoag Hospital advised me when time ran out and I had to choose between the surgery or remain on antibiotics. They both recommended surgery. And that's why I'm here today.
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Honestly, I can't argue against your fear. I would be scared too. Lots of negative stories here to feed your fear.
Be very careful with the low-residue diet. It does not provide sufficient nutrition. I've been on this diet for months and will likely be on it for at least 6 months more, but I am receiving daily IV nutrition.
Low-residue diets can also cause constipation in some people, which is the opposite of what you want.
Your obstruction was not caused by you adding fiber to your diet. So eliminating fiber won't prevent a recurrence.
As for the surgery, you are asking the right questions and considering the risks. It is a very personal decision, but ask yourself if getting rid of the stoma is worth the risk. Only you can make that choice.