So I'm still pretty new to terminology and such. Back in March of 2024, after a year of my ileostomy, I saw a surgeon at Emory. The original doctor wasn't able to create a J pouch during my surgery in January 2023. After talking with the surgeon at Emory, we both decided not to try again since my quality of life already was leaps and bounds better than when I had UC. He ended up removing the rectal stump and performing a mucosectomy. I keep seeing people getting the Barbie Butt surgery and was wondering the difference between that and what I had done. I'm thrilled with what I had and not looking at the Barbie Butt surgery, just curious. They removed the mucosa, but I still have my sphincter. The hole is completely sewn off. The recovery wasn't too rough, but for a couple of weeks, it was just uncomfortable and I couldn't sit, so I laid on the sofa or in bed. Now that it's been over a year, I'd say I feel like I did before I ever had UC.
Kudos to your doctors for not pushing a j-pouch, especially if you're happy with your ostomy. Fewer surgeries, less scar tissue, and less time away from work. I wish I hadn't been “encouraged” to get one, but I wound up with a permanent ileo and got my life and health back. I have a Barbie butt, was also sore for a month or two, and then healed well. I'm glad you healed easily, too.
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Well, I hit the two year mark. I went back and read my posts from when I first found this site. I was very fortunate in that I stumbled upon it only 4 weeks post op. I have said many times that this community really saved me. The first 2 weeks after my surgery I shut down completely. It wasn't until about the 3rd week that my son came in to my room, flicked on the light and told me I was going to have to get back to living because I was scaring him. I had fallen into such a depression. He ticked me off, but it also made me stop and think- what was I going to do? Feel sorry for myself and sulk, or be grateful I was alive.
I've re-read my journals from that time and it was after my son kicked my butt, so to speak, I took an honest inventory and had to dig deeper than I've ever had to. I mean, I had survived a pretty nasty divorce, after a pretty crappy marriage and that was tough. But this was different. I felt like I was now a handicapped person who would be limited in their life and be looked at as a freak. My mental state was precarious, at best.
But then I found this site. I just lurked a bit before posting. I read so many of the other stories and I started to see just how full my life can be, I was not handicapped, and certainly not a freak! The stories of survival, the sense of humor, the support and compassion was inspiring. It was then I made myself get out of the dark, and get my sh*t together.
Not all rainbows and sunshine at first, hardly! But with grace from myself - to myself, and the kindness and willingness of the folks here to be supportive, non judgemental and openly share intimate details about their life circumstances, l not only survived but thrived.
I think of all the years I had suffered with such extreme pain, barely functioning, and the many hospital stays and how that is all behind me now. (All fingers, toes, and legs crossed that I never have to go near a hospital for myself ever again. I think I'd rather have a fork stuck in my eye. I loathe every about them.)
So, to everyone who has been a part of this journey with me, to say thank you is not enough. I'm forever grateful to know you all. My Angels, each one of you.
And as the Grateful Dead famously said,
"what a long strange trip it's been!"
Im so happy I'm tripping with you all.
Glad to hear you're doing well! My doctor at Emory was phenomenal. I did a lot of research on whom I wanted to see, so when the VA sent the referral, I knew I would be in good hands. I haven't had a doctor like him in a long time, who truly has their patient's best interest in mind. Question about the Barbie butt, does it affect you when you squat down or during normal day-to-day activities?
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G-Day SA,
I have a KEN Butt, and there is no problem bending or doing anything.
Regards, IGGIE
Emory is one of the best places. I am glad you are doing so well. Welcome to the site.
How to Manage Emotions with LeeAnne Hayden | Hollister
Nope, I squat during yoga and have no problem. I'm ten years out, but I was really okay within the first year. Great surgeon; stitches healed well.
Regarding the difference between Barbie butt and Mico removal, it is essentially whether the sphincter is still intact.
In Barbie butt surgery, there is no sphincter. It is completely removed; therefore, one cannot have a take-down surgery or reconnect.
With the sphincter, there is always a possibility that you could have a reconnection in the future. That's probably what your doctor was trying to explain to you.
I had anal Crohn's colitis; therefore, I had to have the entire sigmoid rectum and sphincter removed, giving me Barbie butt.
I’m not sure I understand. My rectum and anus were removed and anal opening was permanently closed during my BB surgery. There’s no possibility of reversal for me.
Yes, I do have my sphincter, but there is no possibility of reconnecting. Everything is stitched up. No opening. The doctor wasn't able to reconnect and knew there was no possibility in the future, and still went this route. I'm perfectly fine with it, just curious what the difference is.
Thanks for your question and answers since I am curious about both. I’m a-okay with my colostomy (8/25) and, though possible, I have no plans for reconnection since my QOL is much improved. I’m still having a lot of rectal pain that was going on before surgery. When I asked my doctor if he was referring to the BB surgery he said there is a different procedure that has an easier recovery. May I ask if rectal pain was part of your decision making and if so has your surgery helped? I’m not sure he was referring to the same type of surgery you’ve had or something different but now that I have a reference point I’ll be researching it and talking to my surgeon next visit. So happy you are doing well!
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I was not having rectal pain. I was still having mucus like discharge. I was originally referred to this doc as a possibility to form a J-Pouch. When he, my wife, and I sat down to talk, we were all thrilled with my quality of life and he said he couldn’t guarantee the pouch would be successful or for how long, so he recommended we do this so I wouldn’t have to worry about rectal cancer coming back and no more mucus. The recovery wasn’t too terrible. The first 2-3 weeks were a little rough with laying and sitting, but after 6 weeks, I returned to work and haven’t slowed down since!
Thank you for your reply. I’m very fortunate that cancer was not a concern for me and I pray your surgery makes all the difference in your future health. My surgeon actually mentioned there being an alternative procedure that might help. Given the overlap of intestinal and spinal damage it’s a toss up as to the source. Be well 🙏🏼