One Year After Colostomy: Dealing with Obstructions and Scar Tissue

So right after I posted my one-year check-in, I ended up in the ER with an obstruction that night. I was in excruciating pain and vomiting. Again, I escaped the NG tube, thank goodness, but the treating physician said that my CT scan showed that the obstruction was in the small intestine and most likely due to scar tissue. The location of the obstruction was where the small intestine got sucked into the large intestine when my colon perforated. There was so much tissue damage that it had to be cut out, so that's where all of my blockages have been this far. After my last blockage, about two months ago, my primary care doc who specializes in internal medicine stated two things: 1) he was surprised that I had not gone to the hospital with more blockages because of all the previous surgeries I've had; and 2) that after about five years, the scar tissue starts to weaken, lessening the amount of blockages I would endure in the future. He said scar tissue was like a rubber band, and over time it would weaken. I'm hoping there is some truth to this and I don't have to go through too many more blockages as I age. They are painful and discouraging, but I have come to the realization that I'm probably gonna have to deal with this for the rest of my life. Right now, I am experiencing lower abdominal pain, which the doctor said was normal because of the blockage and that the pain would lessen over the next few days. I do not regret my decision to have a reversal, but I can see there are definitely positives and negatives to both sides. This journey has left me with PTSD, scared to eat, and has left me terrified to eat the foods I used to love. In time, maybe I'll get the courage to add them to my diet, but right now, I'm still too cautious. This journey has also taught me that just because we look good and healthy on the outside doesn't necessarily mean we are good and healthy on the inside. This was the most difficult thing I've had to endure as an adult and the most challenging, but with sites and forums like this, I was able to connect with a welcoming and caring community that helped me through this when I couldn't help myself. Truly, to each of you, a huge thank you sincerely from my heart for helping me through my journey. Thank you for sharing your experiences, your troubles, your knowledge, and your frustrations; you all have helped so many. I will continue to check in, promise. Until next time, take care!

I'm sorry for your struggles.

It's so true that looking good and healthy on the outside doesn't mean good and healthy on the inside. I learned that lesson when I was diagnosed with cancer. From healthy and traveling internationally (I was in Wales 4 months prior to diagnosis) to homebound and unable to work in a few weeks' time. It is not a lesson you forget.

Hello Moe

Damn, that's not how it's meant to go.

I hope it sorts itself out and you get all that you deserve very soon.

G-Day MoeMoe,

I know you have been through a lot, but would you be better off going back to a stoma? This is just a thought, but I did the same, and my reversal was a disaster. But now I have this 100% better for life stoma. Think about it.

Regards and best wishes, IGGIE

Sorry to hear the trouble you're having. Seems being "healthy" is really a fragile condition. Stable good health is elusive for many of us with an ostomy.

I have a loop of small intestine pushing into the space where my colostomy is. It's pushed my stoma sideways. Hoping to prevent trouble, I wear a hernia support belt all the time. I only take it off to shower or change the wafer.

Like IGGIE mentioned, in many cases, reverting back to a stoma... offers a good quality of life.

I hope you and your doctors find a path forward for you.

My Ostomy Journey: Kimberly | Hollister

Oh no, that is not what I wanted to hear, my friend! I am so sorry you are having struggles, and I understand the PTSD. Praying the worst is now behind you!

MoeMoe, Sorry to hear about your stay in the hospital. Wishing you well and a fast recovery. There are better days ahead. I know it's easy to say, but try not to let it get you down. Take care.

It's so sad to hear what you are enduring. I understand the PTSD with eating and have worked through that not too long ago myself. Unfortunately, we can teach ourselves to starve out of fear of issues. But there is help, and the people here are a great connection. I wish you the best and encourage you to eat and build up slowly if you have to.

Yes, so true! I'd rather starve than eat because of fear. It's discouraging, but time heals all! Thank you for your positivity!