Colostomy Reversal: Dealing with Post-Surgery Staining Issues

Hi... Sorry for this question, as it is embarrassing, but I wondered if anyone else has experienced this...

I had a colostomy for about 1 year, and about 8 weeks ago, I had a reversal. Everything seems to be healing properly, and I really have had no serious issues.

Prior to going into reversal surgery, I was given instructions and paperwork on doing exercises to target my anal sphincter called 'anal winks'... tightening things up and releasing for a few hours each day. All for obvious reasons. I have had no real incontinence issues per se, but I seem to have developed a staining problem (not severe) in my underwear now and then.

(I have not had a cigarette for 40 years or so... so not nicotine stains..!! :)

Has anyone else experienced this? Should I go back to the anal wink exercises...? Will this slowly go away on its own over time..??

Thanks in advance.

Steve

I haven't had a reversal, but it sounds like you have some leakage. I had that problem after radiation on my rectum weakened my pelvic floor muscles.

I'd try doing more of the anal wink exercises and see if it improves. If not, talk to your surgeon; you might need physical therapy. I know they have some fancy stuff to help with pelvic floor dysfunction.

PS: No need to be embarrassed here. We've been there. That's the beauty of this site.

Thanks, SusanT... I appreciate it...

Do not be embarrassed. Many of us have had shit in our underpants.

Good luck.

G-Day Bajan,

Remember, you're only 8 weeks out from your reversal, and it takes time for things to tighten up. Keep doing your butt exercises and use a pad until you get it working correctly. Good luck.

Regards, IGGIE

My Ostomy Journey: Keyla | Hollister

Hi B,

Your sphincter muscle isn't designed to be a watertight seal; it's simply a muscle that closes the rectum to prevent solid stool from exiting until you're ready. If you had any part of your colon removed with your colostomy, then what's left of your colon might not be able to remove enough water to make your stool solid enough for your sphincter to handle it. And all the exercise in the world won't fix it. In that case, you'll have to manage it with diet and hydration modification.

;O)

Give your body some time to heal. It took way more than 6-8 weeks for me to heal and have my insides functioning pre-colostomy. I too had some “staining,” not much, and I passed it off as part of healing, so I didn't think much of it. I think it started around 6 weeks post-surgery, lasted for a month or so, then went away. It wasn't bloody, so I wasn't alarmed, and it was mostly clear.

Hi, I had a colostomy (8 months ago) that is reversible. I am anxious about getting it reversed, as I had complications during surgery and spent 5 months in the hospital. I am out and making the most of life.

Any advice as to what happens during the reversal and any tips?

Hi Bajan (are you from Barbados?)

I am considering getting my colostomy reversed but am a bit skeptical about going under the knife again after four operations.

How are you coping now? What did the operation entail, if you don't mind me asking? Any tips?

Hi... To answer your question... I am Canadian but consider myself at least 50% Bajan... :)

We traveled to Bds for about ten years as tourists and rented a beach house on the east coast of the island away from the tourist hustle of the west coast. We were there for a month and ended up buying the house next door. I had it for about ten years. My eldest daughter stayed on and worked there for 6 years, came home to Ontario and... long story short... went out to a bar with two other girlfriends to dance, met a guy on the dance floor... who she found out was a Bajan. They are now married with two kids!

Anyway, sorry for the ramble.

I had about 1 year between getting the colostomy and having the reversal done. I had great mental issues with coping with it all, and to me, a reversal had to be done. I went through the 'Google' phase of the reversal operation and read about the few horror stories, so I decided to not go down that rabbit hole. I had/have great faith in my surgeon... we talked and scheduled the date. Everything went well with no real issues. Just healing... it took a while for the wound to heal over. It was a bit of a pain re: showering as you can't get it wet until properly healed. Sneezing or coughing or laughing was challenging. Recovery from the operation was 4 or 5 days in the hospital with basically a liquid diet, and I was there until I had a few bowel movements which, after a year of not having one, was a bit scary... but all went well. I was sent home and told to eat and drink what I want to but be smart about it. I see my surgeon in a year for a follow-up.

One of the best things I have been able to do since the reversal, other than the obvious, is having a normal shower... it's a highlight in my day!

I am pro-reversal, however... everyone is different and had different reasons for the colostomy in the first place. Some people (most) handle having the pouch without any issues. I am ecstatic to have had it done...

Good luck with your choice. Please feel free to ask me anything about the reversal... I am very happy to help if I can.