Colonic Inertia and Reversal Experiences

Hello, my ostomy family,

I have colonic inertia. In September, I had a loop ileostomy and then an emergency surgery on October 12 for sepsis, renal failure, hernia, and intestines knotted beyond the ability to untangle without some cutting, along with a new ostomy site. The plan was to do the ileostomy and allow the intestines to calm down and stop being irritated, then do a reversal. Now I am being told that this is not possible with colonic inertia. Is there anyone else who has colonic inertia that has had a successful reversal? Thank you for any and all comments.

Hi Seashore Girl, I had colonic inertia, but I wasn't diagnosed properly until after decades of what I was told was just chronic constipation, which eventually ended in my colon perforating and an emergency colostomy. The colostomy was not successful because my colon was the problem. It did not function properly, and getting an ileostomy, thereby bypassing my colon, was what finally worked for me. I then had my colon removed and the original ostomy site closed up. There is no way that a reversal would work for me with my colon not functioning. It was never going to function properly. I'm not sure if you are asking about having a reversal done with only your ileum because if you do have colonic inertia, that is really the only option that could work for you. Having your ileum hooked up directly to your rectum does not have as good of a success rate as someone with a healthy colon. Your output with just your small bowel is very caustic and can cause terrible skin issues with constant contact with the skin around the anus. Many also say that they have to 'go' so often, they feel tied to their bathrooms. I had the option of having my ileostomy reversed, but after doing my research, I decided not to. I would think long and hard and have a good conversation with my surgeon before making a decision like that. I function well with my ileo and am happy with my decision. I wish you luck with yours. There are a few others on this site with colonic inertia who I'm sure will weigh in.

Terry

Terry

G-Day Seashore Girl,

I totally agree with Terry. I did have my colon removed and got my small bowel (ileum) connected to my rectum with a J-Pouch. I was tied to the bathroom for 18 years and had accidents at night when I had no control. So I finally got my J-Pouch removed, and I now have a fantastic ileostomy that causes me no trouble, and life has been great for the last 4 years.

Good luck and keep us up to date.

Regards, IGGIE

Hi, what tests have been done to determine you have colonic inertia?

Is every part of the colon paralyzed or partial?

I had a Seitz marker test and an intense 1 hour in an MRI machine doing many tasks. I had a long list of therapy and meds I had to take before my insurance company would pay for those tests. I am told the colon is not working anymore and that it does not contract.

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I answered below, but I know I would not hook up the small intestine to the rectum. Thank you for writing. I am headed to the surgeon tomorrow.

I answered below; sorry, I'm not savvy with the correct area to answer.

All good 🙂

How did the appointment with the surgeon go?

You have my empathy. My wife had all of the same problems, including sepsis. What I can recommend is what a very good surgeon recommends: the Cleveland Clinic in Weston, Florida. They have an amazing team there that does these types of procedures almost daily. Dr. Werner and his team are amazing. Dr. Salama, his right-hand man, is great to work with. The team is very knowledgeable and leaves nothing to chance. My wife and I spent almost a month there last May and got really good results. I am convinced they saved my wife's life. Good luck. Mike

What surgery did your wife end up getting? How is she doing currently? Any complications?

So I went back to the doctor on April 24th. She did give me the option of hooking up the small intestine to the rectum, and I had explained to her that I have been on different forums. I've been on Facebook groups, and anybody that I've seen who has had that procedure done has always gone back having the colon removed and just having the ileostomy. As much as I would love to not have the ileostomy, I told her that is not the way I want to live my life either, so come fall, I will be having the colon removed, lower pelvic floor reconstruction, and rectocele repair. I have had my ileostomy for eight months, and I'm still not comfortable with it. It gives me problems, and I have found that when I'm out working in the yard and take a dip in the pool, when I come in to take a shower at night, the membrane around my appliance will not pull away from my skin. It is literally like pulling bubble gum off a hot sidewalk; it causes me so much pain. I don't know how long my skin is going to hold up to this. I have also recently found out I have a parastomal hernia. The report reads small, but neither of my doctors have called me to explain it. Whenever I pick something up that is too heavy, I am in extreme pain for 10 days to over 2 weeks. So now I have just been doing things but not trying to lift things or pull things or push things.