Total Colectomy Experiences and Outcomes

Hi

I have had a eilostomy for the past 10 years and now have the option for a total colectomy and to attach my upper bowel to my anus. My surgeon has imformed me that I will be going to the toilet about 15 times a day until my bowel learns how to work again then it should level out to 3-5 times a day.

I would love to hear from people who has had the procedure to advise me what they have thought when they had it done and what other fun I should be aware of.

Any response would be appreciated

thank you

Tibbles001

I had a J Pouch for ten years, if it worked properly I would still have it.   I am part of a very small group that it didn't work for.   The connection between the tissue at the rectum and the pouch was always getting inflamed, I took tons of different steroids, no fun either so I finally had an iliostomy.   The bag is ok but a reconnect would he the best option.

At first you willnot have any control, so it's back to a diaper for a little bit.   The enzymes in your stool will burn the tissues near the rectum that's not much different than a leaking flange burn.  Calmoseptine helps a lot, it will make a soothing protective barrier.  Use uncented baby wipes when you clean your self untill things settle down.

The worst that can happen is that you will have to go back to an iliostomy, but there's a lot of good ground between that and a working reconnect.

Hi Tibbles,

Make sure that what the surgeon wants to do is to create a J-Pouch - not just a straight connection!  I've had a J-Pouch for just over 2 years now.  I wrote a bit about it, a few weeks ago, on another post.  Search my posts (there are only a half-dozen or so) and you'll find a few paragraphs about my experiences.

Cheers,
Tim.