Reversals of Ileostomies and Managing Fecal Incontinence

Would like to discuss reversals of ileostomies. A little over two years ago I had a reversal of an ileostomy due to rectal cancer.  The surgeon remover my rectum and some of the sphincter muscles associated with the rectum. After the reversal I have had nothing but leaks and bouts of constipation. I was ill-informed that doing Kegal exercises would help but alas they did not help. I even had the problem of a slipped disc in my spine due to over straining to have a BM. I was informed last year that there is a new procedure that uses a pace-maker type of appliance that keeps the anus closed until you have to have a BM thus eliminating fecal incontinence. Has anyone had this type of surgery (appliance) implanted in them and was it successful? If you have any information on this or any other method to eliminate fecal incontinence, seepage, I would greatly appreciate it.

I also had rectal cancer (two years ago)and had my rectum removed with a replacement sac.  I had an ileostomy and was on a bag for about six months, then a reversal.  It has been quite a journey trying to figure out what I can and cannot eat.  There are definite things I cannot eat/drink; chocolate, milk, etc.  I cannot eat meat two days in a row; sometimes I take antidiahrreal every day, but then I get bound up.  I can go for days with no problem, then all of a sudden everything sets me off.  If I don't take anything, almost everything gets to me.  Any ideas?

lucky13sue:

I don' know what triggers your "flair-up" due to food but anything is possible. I usually eat everything thus probably causing some problems. I just had the transdural electric pacemaker put into my anus for control of the leakage. So far it isn/t doing much good but they tell me to wait for a few days. The surgeon wants to due a permanent pacemaker now even though I see no long term benefits. Will update u.