Rectal stump removal.

Hi I'm due to have my stoma moved to my left side as it didn't form properly this was last October I was in hospital for 4 months . The consultant has suggested that I have the stump removed as reversal is not an option . Are they pros and cons on having this done as the thought terrifys me . When I was in hospital I got C Diff a blood clot and sepsis so I'm very scared of this happening again any advice please . Xx

The pros's you will never need scopes pushed in your anus to check for anal cancer, no mucus even if your not having a problem with mucus now further down the line it can happen a be a big problem. There are never any guarantees with surgery but fingers crossed next one goes as planned. I one surgergy when everything that could go wrong did then I went in for next major surgery my recovery was unbelievable I could barely feel any pain and trust me I'm no macho man I'm a wimp and proud of it lol I even asked a nurse if I was dead they said becuase I had been so ill after the last surgery it made it feel like nothing. 

Did they remove your bottom parts .

They had to take out the rectum Sigma colon and the anus. Beginning to wonder if I am ever going to be able to sit right.thank you..

My Ostomy Journey: Kimberly | Hollister

4 months? No wonder you are hesitant. 

I spent 2 months in the hospital post surgery and I thought that was long! I can easily picture myself being given a similar choice one day.

On the one hand, you have potential problems with the rectal stump as clearly explained by BB. On the other hand, there is the prospect of another major surgery... for me, I would want to avoid that at all costs. However, I got my ostomies as a result of rectal cancer, that means I am at substantially increased risk for a recurrence of rectal cancer so having the rectal stump removed and eliminating that risk would be worth alot to me and still I would hesitate.  

Your situation with another surgery being unavoidable is one that would have me thinking carefully. You are already facing all the risks of surgery... and if you don't get it done now, there is a risk you will need a 3rd surgery in the future. If it were me, I would probably do it but I could understand why you would choose differently. 

It needs to be said that recovery from this surgery is not easy. Hopefully someone who has had the surgery will chime in with details. From reading this board and a colorectal cancer board, I know it can take a long time to get comfortable sitting normally. When I had my tumor removed, my surgeon prepared me for the possibility of having my anus removed too. He told me it was a very difficult recovery and that wound infections were common. 

I'd still do it if it could be added onto another, unavoidable surgery. I don't see myself signing up for a major surgery just for that. 

I have had my ileostomy for about 14 years. And I am doing really good with it . But when they took the rectum and anus out Friday that was a whole different story . But did not tell me how to take care of it . And then after surgery i came home that night. Go back the 18.th of September…

While true that nearly everyone with a rectal stump will develop some inflammation in the area (diversion proctitis), only about 1/3rd become symptomatic. Many never know they have any inflammation.