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: Primeboy
Hi Mike and all. I am not sure how panoramic my perspective really is as my peripheral vision shrinks with each passing year. I can tell you that when I came to this website six years ago I was truly ;impressed by the positive attitudes of so many members, especially the younger folks who refused to let their ostomies define who they were or what they would become. I also came to appreciate that having an ostomy is not the same thing as having a disease. Pardon ;my pun now, but ostomies and cancer don't belong in the same bag. One is a solution, the other is a problem. Celebrating National Ostomy Day ;is also well outside my comfort zone. That's like celebrating National Wheel Chair Day. Come on!
I think there is a ;need for improved ;public awareness of ostomies, but I am not sure how that's best done. There ;remains ;some social stigma attached to our situation, and it's acutely felt among our young. We need to get out of the dark ages on this issue, but not by going 'in your face' to everyone else. I think Bill and NDY are 'spot-on' when it comes to telegraphing the right message to friends and family. People will know how to react when they ;see ;how we accept the cards we were dealt. I also appreciate the contribution some people here are making to this effort through their publications.
On a personal note, my son has been suffering from ulcerative colitis for years just like I did. I am very concerned because people with UC are at a higher risk for colon cancer. Years ago my GI told me to get annual colonoscopies to be on the safe side. I am glad I did because he eventually found pre-cancerous cells which led to several surgeries and my becoming an ostomate. Since then I have always ;conveyed a positive attitude to ;my son about wearing a bag because it has kept me alive to enjoy many more years with my loved ones. I think he got the message. We both go to the same gastroenterologist in NYC and get scoped on the same day. Father and Son moments!
Someone once wrote that our children are the letters we write to the future.
PB
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!