Can it be reversed? I've searched and searched for any info on it and I'm coming up with nothing. I'm OK with living with the bag. I just didn't know if maybe sometime down the road I wanted to reverse it, could I? Anyone know anything about that?
BustedColon
May 12, 2013 1:09 am
Past Member
May 12, 2013 1:27 pm
I'm sorry, my friend....to my knowledge (as of today), there's no reversal possible for a total colectomy. But you know the marvels (and nightmares) of modern medicine, there is always hope.
You would think with the invention of computer chips and retina recognition, they would find a way to replace the most basic and personal need of human nature, huh? But as with most procedures that sustain life in its simplest terms.......they rather think that a working ostomy is more of a "cosmetic" deformity, not worth much on the scale of medical necessities.
*Just remember*, you are still the great person you've always been "pre-surgery". The only thing that's changed is hopefully your much healthier and come with attachments, (Oh, and you are in great company....."Just saying", LOL) !!
Hope you're well and "Welcome" to our community. It's very nice to "almost" meet you.
BEG
You would think with the invention of computer chips and retina recognition, they would find a way to replace the most basic and personal need of human nature, huh? But as with most procedures that sustain life in its simplest terms.......they rather think that a working ostomy is more of a "cosmetic" deformity, not worth much on the scale of medical necessities.
*Just remember*, you are still the great person you've always been "pre-surgery". The only thing that's changed is hopefully your much healthier and come with attachments, (Oh, and you are in great company....."Just saying", LOL) !!
Hope you're well and "Welcome" to our community. It's very nice to "almost" meet you.
BEG
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Posted by: freedancer
In both of my cases, I had no choice. It was surgery or be put 6 feet under! I thank God that He has been with me all these times. Without Him, I never would have known what to do and might not have gone to the hospital when I did. I don't know if you have had your surgery or not yet but I hope you will hang out on this website when you are done. I have learned a great deal through the people here and it is so great having others who have had the same thing done and been through what you are about to or have gone through. The only thing I have turned down is a reversal of the ileostomy. When the doctors did the emergency rebuilding of my original ileostomy this last February, I told them I did not want to go through this again. My doctor told me at that time that I was no longer a candidate for the reversal. In a way, I was very relieved. The last three years of my life have been a nightmare for me. I do not want to go through any of it again. If you wish to be rehooked up and they say you are a good choice for that, research it carefully. Every surgery I have ever had except for Old and New Maxine and the emergency surgery on my broken foot, I have spent weeks researching. I recently had my C5 C6 disk in my neck replaced with an artificial one. I went to my pre-op with 2 pages of questions for the doctor. I knew everything that they were going to do and could talk intelligently with them. I always try to research my adversaries! Don't cancel your surgery. It is nice not to have to suffer any longer with horrible pain. We all had to change a few things around when we had our surgeries but in the long run, most of us are glad we did it. I know I am. Good luck to you!
Anoniem18
May 14, 2013 2:56 am
You might want to check the Mayo Clinic. There is a fair bit of information. See:
http://search2.mayoclinic.com/search?q=proctocolectomy&site=mayoclinic-org|mayoclinic-com|mayo-edu|internet-research|clinical-trials&client=unified&proxystylesheet=unified&output=xml_no_dtd
But I don't think reversal is an option.
Ed
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WindyCity
May 14, 2013 3:06 pm
Hello. Colectomies can consist of still leaving in certain parts... such as your anus and rectum. For example, I still have my rectum/anus after my total colectomy. Those that get a J-pouch have their rectum removed in their colectomy, but not their anus. For a proctocolectomy, the anus is removed, thus there isn't anything now that can be done.
From the sound of your post, you're doing well! Best wishes!
brwneyes76
May 15, 2013 10:57 pm
My surgeon made sure that I knew and understood that when I had my total procto-colectomy with ileostomy that it is not reversible. My surgery was 4/23/13.
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vanessavy
May 27, 2013 4:32 am
You can reverse an ostomy.
You can get a K-pouch or BCIR with a total proctocolectomy if there is enough small bowel left. I think you need at least 12 feet. I have a BCIR. No anus, rectum, colon, gallbladder, and 60% of a stomach.
Ewesful
Aug 27, 2013 3:39 am
You can only re-bond the area if there is material that is not involved with the "problem" causing the need for the operation. I have FAP and all is gone. The bag is a very tiny price to pay for a whole new life. I was made very aware and it was my choice before surgery. I am very pleased with the outcome.
BustedColon
Sep 07, 2013 10:52 pm
Thanks, guys! I knew exactly what I was getting into when I made the choice to get the bag. It did give me my life back, and I would not go back and change that for anything! My surgeon did a great job prepping me on what my life would be like from now on. I have not kept up on if there were new medical ideas or procedures out there to reverse what I have! Thanks for everyone's input!!! Wouldn't be as strong as I am today without everybody's support!