Can You Reverse a Colostomy If the Rectum and Anus Are Removed?

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3145
AnnaT
Feb 11, 2019 12:26 pm

Good day,

I have a question here. Is it possible to get a colostomy reversal even though the rectum and the anus were removed?

Past Member
Feb 11, 2019 12:51 pm

I don't think so. I don't believe they can re-create an anus. Unless modern medicine has come further than I thought... I guess you never know what they can do these days... But I wouldn't count on it.

Posted by: Nini4

Well,  I  hit the two year mark. I went back and read my posts from when I first found this site. I was very fortunate in that I stumbled upon it only 4 weeks post op. I have said many times that this community really saved me. The first 2 weeks after my surgery I shut down completely. It wasn't until about the 3rd week that my son came in to my room, flicked on the light and told me I was going to have to get back to living because I was scaring him. I had fallen into such a depression.  He  ticked me off,  but it also made me stop and think- what was I going to do? Feel sorry for myself and sulk, or be grateful I was alive. 

I've re-read my journals from that time and it was after my son kicked my butt, so to speak, I took an honest inventory and had to dig deeper than I've ever had to. I mean, I had survived a pretty nasty divorce, after a pretty crappy marriage and that was tough. But this was different. I felt like I was now a handicapped person who would be limited in their life and be looked at as a freak. My mental state was precarious, at best. 

But then I found this site. I just lurked a bit before posting. I read so many of the other stories and I started to see just how full my life can be, I was not handicapped,  and certainly not a freak! The stories of survival, the sense of humor, the support and compassion was inspiring.  It was then I made myself get out of the dark, and get my sh*t together.  

Not all rainbows and sunshine at first, hardly! But with grace from myself - to myself, and the kindness and willingness of the folks here to be supportive, non judgemental and openly share intimate details about their life circumstances,  l not only survived but thrived. 

I think of all the years I had suffered with such extreme pain, barely functioning,  and the many hospital stays and how that is all behind me now.  (All fingers, toes, and legs crossed that I never have to go near a hospital for myself ever again. I think I'd rather have a fork stuck in my eye. I loathe every about them.)  

So, to everyone who has been a part of this journey with me, to say thank you is not enough. I'm forever grateful to know you all.  My Angels, each one of you. 

 And as the Grateful Dead famously said,

"what a long strange trip it's been!"

Im so happy I'm tripping with you all.


xnine
Feb 11, 2019 2:30 pm

I was told no.

Dancingthrough
Feb 11, 2019 3:13 pm

I was told no as well.

Past Member
Feb 11, 2019 4:38 pm

Can't imagine that being done with no rectum

 

How to Get Back to Activity after Ostomy Surgery with Kimberly | Hollister

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Puppyluv56
Feb 12, 2019 1:12 am
Very helpful

I was told no as well. I had a lot of reconstructive surgery, but they could not do that! Not today anyway! I always look for future medical advancements!

Sorry,

Puppyluv

dls
Feb 12, 2019 2:59 pm

I, too, was told no, too much that cannot be reconstructed.

Past Member
Feb 12, 2019 3:04 pm

Question....Would you really want to go through such another major operation?

Puppyluv56
Feb 12, 2019 9:04 pm

If I thought it would make things the way they used to be! Absolutely! I did not have any issues prior to a tumor, so I did not live with IC or IBS or Crohn's! Those that have would probably say, "Oh no!"

Past Member
Feb 13, 2019 8:21 am

I did not have UC before I had an operation and had a good life health-wise, but knowing what I do, I think having a bag is not a big problem as I thought it would be when they told me that would happen. I still do and eat most of the things I did before, just more careful when lifting. I can do without a hernia lol that's just my thoughts ...

luv2golf
Feb 13, 2019 6:40 pm

I was told no, I have had my colostomy for almost 30 years and after I had it for 6 years, I was told by a doctor who was finally honest with me that I could never get it reversed.