Premium Content

Well hello 👋 everyone  needs your prayers just saw my surgeon today and they decided to remove my rectum.... has anyone had this done? How long was hospital stay and recovery?

Can you ride roller-coasters and lift weights after ostemy surgery 

Hiya everyone. I am soon to have surgery for ulcerative colitis. I'm just very confused which surgical option to choose.  - I can either choose to have a total colectomy with removal of rectum and anus and have a permanent bag. - I can have a j-pouch formed and have a temporary ileostomy while it heals and then have it reconnected later on.  - or if undecided they said they can leave the rec...

I had my urostomy some 20 months ago, and all is going well - except:- I have quite a large hernia, not just "behind" the stoma, but another to one side and lower down on the belly. There is no pain and very little discomfort, but it is becoming slowly larger and without wearing my stoma belt, it would be very unsightly. At my last meeting with the surgeon, he said that he might need to oper...

I have to have one last surgery to take out the rectum (can't leave it due to cancer risk) as I've decided not to re-attach.  Haven't had any issues since my ileostomy 4 years ago and don't really want to go through the recovery and possible complications of re-attachment. The main problem is that I am healthy and have to go in for surgery which will make me feel crappy.  It's easy to go in if ...

Hello, I have my dreaded operation next week after a failed hemicolectomy last year which has resulted in an abdominal fistula. I wondered a few things:   - is the stoma itself sore? The fistula and the skin around it is, and I am worried that the op will heal this problem and create another - can you have a bath with the bag on? I haven't dared with the bag on the fistula as I can't change ...

Yes, my subject line is correct.  Although I am quite depressed about my new situation (ileostomy), what has happened has been that my husband has had a terrible time dealing with it all.  Leading up to the surgery he was "the strong one" constantly reminding me "we can handle this together".  I don't think he truly understood what a huge change in our life this would be and he is definitely st...

Good afternoon all.  First I'd like to say how much I appreciate this forum that you are all a part of.  It's a tough subject to talk about, yet alone, find others who may be able to help.  I'm scheduled for a ileoscopy/proctolectomy??? in early March.  I know it will be life changing for a 58 year old set in his ways.  However, after 16 years dealing with UC I think I'm ready to try anything. ...

Hi Gang,   Each time I read the replies to the topics on here I better understand what folks are going thru, ie, can't sleep, leaks, skin issues, etc, etc, etc, and I keep thinking back to the days before I was given my ostomy.  My docs really didn't say much at all about what an ostomy would be like, and I wasn't asking.  They mentioned it was always a possibility if they ran into issues duri...

anyone have trouble with obstructions?  seems like this is going to be a part of my great new quility of sucky life. Had ilio in march..1st I had a partial obstruction a week and a half later..I was lucky that after 10hrs in hosp. and after drinking the ct prep it opened and released on its own..not realizing that this was just the beginging of the end..may 18 was rush by ambulance a 3:00am aft...

Does any one out there actually have a positive thought, story or reflection about living with a colostomy?  I am scheduled to have a colostomy with anus and rectum removal on Jan. 16th 2014.  Was diagnosed with stage 3 anal cancer in August.  Have completed radiation and one round of chemo.  I am a 59 year old large woman (250 lbs.). Both my husband and I are retired jr. high teachers.  Thank ...

Hi.  Has anyone had surgery to their hernia which involved them putting the mesh in and then allowing it to close itself as tissue grow over it?? I believe this is one technique they use .... how long does it take and  is it as successful as closure when in surgery? Rach xx

I posted a while ago trying to decide whether I should consider an ileostomy. While I had scheduled the surgery earlier this month, I ended up postponing it until July 21. I'm still undecided as I try to weigh the alternatives. This may sound a little crazy, but one thing that would help would be to get a rough idea of what it feels like to be wearing a pouch since the closest thing I know is ...

My rectum scar tissue has started to itch and feel strange recently, though there are no outward signs of any infection, it all looks as usual. It first started about 4 weeks ago, justy before I had a groin hernia op, and I was wearing a support belt. My GP put it down to the belt pushing the hernia back in, and a piece of gut pushing down onto the scar tissue. So I had thehernia op, all went...

Am wondering if anyone can share what to expect after reversal surgery? I've read too many horror stories about the pain from gas and severe and frequent bowel movements up to 20 times a day!!! Had ruptured appendix that almost killed me 4 months ago and came out of surgery with a bag. Am so grateful it can be reversed in a couple months    please any stories will help me understand what to e...

Hello, Are there any things I need to be advocating for with my surgeon that will make life better with a bag? Don't really know what is possible so Im asking what you have already found out. If you are wearing one, you know what you wish you knew before you got it.  Thank you for sharing whatever info you can. Full of doubts and fears, but I have accepted that its happening. I am currently ...

Hi I am checking if there is anyone who drinks alochol after having a stoma... before my Ostomy I used to drink alochol all the time geting drunk every weekend... after my operation I stopped drinking all together, but on the odd occasion I have a wiskey or 2 and it doesnot effort me, but I am just worryed if I should be or not.....thanks

Sry this is so long but yall are the only ones i have to talk about this too. I've had my Loop sigmoid Colostomy since 642018. I had a bit of mucus with my Ileostomy 6 years ago, so i understand with a loop some stuff can pass to the rectum. Had a scare earlier, & i hope not TMI, but im worried! I had a "lot" of mucus & stool along with undigested food pass 2 times and both times it was a LOT!!...

Does anyone had this surgery done? Please let me know of your experience such as recovery days, healing of your the perineal wound, use of the ostomy pouch, etc. Thanks for your replies 

I'm having my second and hopefully last surgery this coming thursday (2/4). I had surgery Oct 2008 where I got my colostomy. I have had Crohn's disease for 16 years and it just got to the point nothing was working and surgery had to be done if I wanted any kind of a life. This second surgery they are going to remove the severed diseased intestine, remove the anus and sew up my bum. I have a few...

I'm not sure what to do about losing weight.  I'm 2 months post surgery (colostomy) and would like to start exercising.  Besides walking I can't seem to do a lot of twisting and turning.  My skin is very sensitive to the adhesive and if I do too much it seems to pull at my skin and I get sore.  Suggestions??

I have an ileostomy and have developed a fistula where the skin of my abdomen meets my stoma. I'm going to be having surgery to fix the fistula. I have had two open abdominal surgeries in the last two years (colon cancer patient). My colorectal surgeon is going to try and fix it laparoscopically, but it may have to be open. I was surprised by my doctor feeling it needed to be fixed now and forg...

Hi I'm Derek from Dublin,  Recently had colorectal surgery and I'm on here to try and understand the transition of the outcome of my surgery by hearing the opinions of others that have gone through similar surgery. One thing I've really noticed is that I'm still in a lot of pain, anyone out there have pain almost six weeks after surgery, allow me to elaborate, pain in the wound site, pain in th...

 My smile says it all I'm super happy to be here  Hi everyone :) It has been six months since I have had my original colostomy surgery due to diverticulitis, perforated bowel and septicemia.  Life is good and I'm really doing OK.  I have had my ups and downs with this colostomy that I have named Donald Trump – I think I may have a small hernia but I'm not really sure I have to see my surgeo...

Hello, I began to formulate this very question to my male surgeon and he got so embarrassed he mumbled something incoherently and said he'd send me in a female surgeon to speak to me about it. Well, she never showed up and I am left with no answer. I am 6 weeks post op and can tell my body is not healed enough yet. But my main man and I long for one another. It's been approx 10 months since I ...

hi all!  Thanks so much for the prayers.  I am 12 days post op and finally starting to feel a bit better. They removed the rest of my colon, took down my mucas fistula, and removed part of my rectum. Pathology report came back - NO CANCER!!! Still have my iliostomy & will be tpn dependant forever. God is good!

Hello- I am new to this site. I hope I put this question in the right place.  Anyhow, I have had my Illeostomy for 3 1/2 yrs now due to Rectal Cancer. I was in hospital for about 10 days. Well, when I left the hospital I had a rash around my stoma site/barrier area. I was treated for yeast infection. I had lots of problems with rash like symptoms.  Well I finally went to Dr who finally did a sc...

Has any one out there had a complete pelvic exteneration? Im about to have one in the next few weeks.  Would like to hear what your experience as been.  I know that we are all different, but would still like to speak with someone with experience.

How is it that you gain weight with your rectom and 12inches of colon gone??  I was 200lbs at time of my surgery and 250 three months later when I returned to work, and 3yrs later I still cant lose the weight????

Hi, has anybody had the BCIR procedure done, am thinking of doing this instead of a J Pouch.  Also I have an ileostomy and my output is always very thick, I drink a lot of liquids and don't understand why, anybody have any ideas?  Thanks!

    HI ALL,       Had an attack over this past Christmas- which landed me in the hospital on the 27th.  By the 29th I had surgery due to my Scans showing serveral perfrations that the antibiotics couldnt settle down.  I'm 49 year's old and for the most part a healthy active man.  Granted I drank, smoked more cigars then I should have but that's another story at this point.  Had a great surg...

hi guys, I'm 3 weeks out of hospital for a stoma revision which removed the stenosis, but failed to give me a better stoma cos the 1st op was so bodged. I had small granulomas before the revision, but the stitches aggravated it and it's spo huge now, its doubled in size in the last week and it bloeeds loads,so i cant get on top of anaemia,and it is really painful, plus the blood and the size of...

Good Afternoon, I have had IBSC my whole life and at 47 it finally took it's toll on my colon and had a full open colectomy in July of 2015 but I did not have an ostomy bag after that surgery. After that, things still weren't working right. It was discovered the rectum was damaged as well so in November I had my loop ileostomy surgery. I have done much research (alot of it on this site) and ha...

Hi There I had my emergency surgery in Sept 2017 for my stoma,now im 1 week away from getting a "Barbie Butt" Im super scared. Any thoughts comments helpful tips would be greatly aprreciated. Also wondering the recovery time as far as when I can return to work I have a desk job.

Hi all, Ok, got my date (again - was bumped the first time) for my rectum removal - Oct 25. (had ileo Dec 09). What can I expect when I'm at home, following the operation? I was told that this op will be more involved than my ileo (which was done laparoscopically). Wondering ... will I lay on my side on the couch during the day most of the time? Can I sit for extended periods? How active...

Hi guys, I'm confused by my body - the background is: I've known a guy for about seven years, I used to see him standing very quietly with his mates at a night club I used to go to, and he'd occasionaly be looking at me, to cut a long story short, it took five years for me to be the one to approach him and say 'hi'. I was married at the time (getting divorced now), and there was no way I would ...

I am having the colon, rectum and anus removed.  After the surgery what is the best way to start on your food.  Maybe did you start out slowly and then add foods to it.  Did some foods bother you so you waited and tried the foods later after healing.  I know we are all different but just wondering!

Had ileostomy surgery in July, tho I had fatigue before surgery I always thought it was just nutrition and illness related. I'm doing much better nutrition wise but my fatigue is far worse. I'm severely exhausted, I am dizzy, I black out and have fainting spells from pressure changes such as entering another room or standing to fast. I often wake in the middle of the night my heart racing, dizz...

Hi All, let me begin by saying thank you for this community and the welcoming, supportive energy it provides. I suffered for years with ulcerative colitis (UC)..mostly sigmoid but sometimes pan. It finally came to surgery, or should I say, I finally had come to admit surgery was the only option. I have a supportive husband and after 3 weeks in the hospital, we are home. I had never had surge...

hi i just had  my pouch surgery done and am looking for tips to control the diarohea and diet before they join my bowel back.  have read some horror stories and am getting worried that i may have made the wrong decision.  please some one give me some hope that all will be ok

I recently had colon resection surgery where they removed some 14 inches. The surgery was about 7 hours and I couldn't get out of bed for 8 days. Come to find out I have 2 bulging disks that I didn't have before. The surgeon believes that the damage was caused by the hydraulic operating table they used. Has anyone ever seen these things they're medieval.

Would like to chat with anyone who has had a continent ileostomy.< >

I just had a colostomy bag placed on the first of July, 2017. Before surgery I was at a healthy 125 lbs for my 5'5" frame. Now I weigh a little over 110 lbs. I am curious as to how long it will take before I gain weight and people stop asking me whether or not I am anorexic. It's absolutely embarrassing and I'm eating tons of protein bars, as well as protein shakes to maintain a healthy weight....

Good evening to all,    Hope all is well, I am just asking what should I expect on my reversal??? Its been a tough year for me but finding the right clothes to feel comfortable with myself. My family and my fiance have been by my side all along. I have been strong and have not let this get me down. Im just nervous on the reversal since I had a lot of things go wrong during my 2 surgeries done...

I get my barbie butt surgery Wednesday. The top half of my recrum was removed abdominally last year but now I get the lower, more painful part out. I also get an endoscopy and an exploratory vaginal surgery (due to stenosis). I'm nervous even though I already had the too part of my rectum, entire colon, and llendix removed, ileostomy put in.

Hello everyone, I hope you all are doing well! I had my colon removed in 2009, but they left my rectum and a very small portion of colon in hopes to maybe reconnect. Unfortunately that’s not going to be possible and I’ve had a bad Crohn’s flare the last year in that section. I have one more medication to try before my doctor says I will need to have it removed. I’m trying to avoid another surge...

Thought i would let you guys kow i am having the op on monday and they are going to move the stoma  so after tom it off line for me am on morphine as have my husbands brothers wedding on sat i dont wont to miss it as all relatives from around country will be in new zealand

I have several fistulas but they also found a "mass". It's either scar tissue or mets to my colon. Won't know for sure unless he does surgery. Another stem to sternum, 4-6 hr surgery followed by chemo if it's malignant. He will take out the remainder of my colon, remove my mucas fistula and I'll just have the ilio & tpn. OR - I can do nothing & risk infection followed by sepsis, or bowel conten...

Hi lovely people, I have a problem with my stoma that needs surgical intervention,in essence it needs resiting as have fistulae which cause leakage and soreness. That in itself is possible to deal with, it's just the anaesthetic I am a bit nervous of. In December I had a perforated duodenal ulcer which decided to perf when I was on night duty! Caused a bit of a kerfuffle I stopped breathing ...

I had ileostomy surgery with a closure to the rectum at the end of October 2012.  It is now six months later and the rectal wound has not closed and I still have pain and drainage associated with it.  I used a wound vac for 6 weeks and it sped up the process but it was too shallow to continue with the vac.  Home health and my doctor agreed it would take several more months before it closed comp...

     Going in for hernia surgery, its going to be the "stem to stern" incision again, the hernia is the size of a football above my belly button, they will do mesh and probably a reversal while I am open, I have no colon so my small intestine will be reattached to my rectum. If anyone has had this done could you give me an Idea of what to expect after surgery and your recovery time, I may lose...

It is November 1,2013 and my surgery is on the 14th. I'm trying so hard to be positive, but my fear is intense. I do not know yet if i will need a temporary or permanent ostomy. I go to the stoma nurse for markings and have final consult on November 6th. My cancer is very very low in my rectum just about 1.5 mm from sphincter muscle, so the surgeon is not sure if she can protect the integrity ...

I have never suffered from back pain until now.  I am now 4 weeks post op and find the littlest amount of walking and/or standing causes me terrible back pain. Even when I'm sitting down I must prop pillows behind my back to avoid the pain and discomfort. I'm wondering if anyone else had this problem post-op.  I'm hoping this is maybe because I had a large incision cut down my belly.  Any input...

hi everyone,  i am new here. I have had UC for 12 years now though 6 of them have been in remission. On a routine colonoscopy low grade dysplasia was found. After 6 months it was decided I needed to have an ' laparoscopic ileostomy pouch form + proctectomy/panproctocolectomy' (quoted from letter). If anyone can shed any light on what that actually means I will be very grateful. I'm under the i...

I'm having surgery in two weeks.  I'm not sure if they will be able to perform anastomosis - I'm hoping so.  Two years since they removed my sigmoid colon.   I have a lot of damage inside from where I walked around for so many days with a ruptured bowel.  I'm hoping somebody explains it to me more what they will do.  I haven't talked with the surgeon since my ct scan, so I'm not sure what they ...

Hey, I have posted before, but have not received any response.  I will be having surgery to remove my large intestines.  I already have a colostomy, but they will be converting it to an illeostomy. Due to the fact I have no motility along with a stricture and part of my bowel has a right angle, they said I have been on TPN long enough and have every test and conservative measure possible.  I am...

Tomorrow I have to go to hospital  and they are going to use super glue to hopefully close my hole in fistula but I wont know for about 4 weeks after if this worked or not I am hoping that if somebody knows anything about this procedure if they could let me know how it is doctor said its not pain full and they let me go home that day but I will be sadated if i spelled it right well hope everyon...

My reversal surgery is set for December 4. You would think I'd be celebrating but I am really scared. My last surgery almost killed me. Plus I do not hear a lot of great things about reversals. Are there any happy stories out there about reversals that went well? It is only about 5 weeks since I got my ostomy and it is about 5 weeks til surgery is scheduled. I have not had time to "get used" ...

Hello, I am new to this site. I would love any advice. I have had ulcerative colitis since 2009. I have not been in remission since April and I am on several medications. I have an appointment with a surgeon in a few weeks. I know that removing my colon is the drastic last resort move. My life is so miserable now being tied to the toilet.Will surgery improve my quality of life? Or should I keep...

Is there anyone who can tell me about ileostomy.  I have colonoscopy (stoma from my Large Intestine) Now the Surgeon is taking out the rest of my Large Intestine and portions of the Small Intestine.  He said that the STOMA will be on the other side of my body and higher up.  Do you know if this surgery will be painful and what is the recovery time?  I am having the surgery done in Rochester, MN...

Me again!   i was just wondering what kind of pain is normal after 7 weeks from surgery?   My scar is still very itchy to start with. I get sharp pains at times in my sides, abdomen and chest, especially when I am trying to get to sleep. I get pain in my back too. Nothing unbearable, just uncomfortable most of the time. I also get burning pains in my abdomen too. I only take paracetamol, I ...

There are several posts here about sex, so, I'm just adding another one. I've had my permanent ileostomy since 2015. I do not like it. I know that is surprising lol! But, it is what it is, and life goes on. After the surgery, I knew sex might be an issue. Maybe a bit physically, but, mostly mentally.  To be honest, we were never one of those couples that had sex everyday. But, we still had a go...

I'm not sure where to post this question on the website.  Has anyone  undergone an actual colon transplant ( I don't mean a reversal). I recently came across information that there were 109 intestine transplants in 2017, from 113 available donors in 2017, and 251 patients currently on the waiting list with the cost exceeding a million dollars. When I inquired about this in 2016 after my ileosto...

Hi new to the forum trying to find advice as searching for months and not found an answer or someone similar  Back story, I'm 6'6" and don't excersize much and have a desk job. I was 362 pounds i started calorie counting by dropping to 1900 calories, this worked and I dropped 2 pounds a week for roughly 1.5 years then i stopped losing weight. So after 3 months of not losing any I dropped to ...

hi everone can anyone give some real advise about scar tissue pain??? I have had 8 abdominal surgery's the last being 2008 i have got unbearable abdominal pain i have been on high pain reief but have had enough i am going to pain management they are going to try muscle stimulation with electrodes i have no feeling on my scars the first few layers skin .I have been told i have refered pain as i...

I have a big decision to make soon. I have almost no bowel control.There are two surgeries that I can have - a colostomy which Iunderstand isn't a really major surgery or a muscle transplanted frommy leg which is a serious surgery. Any information would be appreciated.

Will be offline for awhile.  Hopefully the mass is just scar tissue and not more cancer.  They're taking the rest of my colon and taking down my mucas fistula.  Will just be left with the iliostomy & tpn.

I had emergency surgery a week ago. Had a portion of colon removed due to rupture from diverticulitis. Released from the hosp on Friday with only a small amount of liquid output from stoma. Since I've been home, I have been eating more solid foods but there has been absolutely no output, besides a small amount of gas. No liquids or other output. My appetite is terrible because I feel too full t...

I will be having my colon, rectum, and anus removed soon.  I am scared but excited to get it over with.  I know it will be tough using the bag but I will learn through trial and error.  I do have a sense of humor.  I even have been trying to think of a good name for my stoma.  I have had ulcerative colitus for 7 years and it was time to do something.  Pills were not working and I had no hope le...

I am 9 days after surgery. Nothing could have prepared me for this. The pain, not feeling well, the constant trips to bathroom. Its hard work. I have had leaks and dont know why. Not being able to do much for myself. They kept telling me in the hospital "your doing great, your doing great". When I got home totally did not feel like Im doing great. My ostomy nurse ordered me supplies and now I h...

My 11 year old daughter has been suffering from gastrointestinal issues for several years now, and recently went in for another test. From the results of this test, the doctor came out and told me that he wanted her to be admitted into the hospital to clean out her system, do a test that would show the contractions of her intestines,  and also do a surgery that would be an ostomy that would pla...

Hello, I am 9 weeks post op from getting an ileostomy and everyone says to slowly increase your diet. I tolerate carbs. with no problem, but I also do not to gain too many pounds. Any suggestions on proteins, receipes? Thanks, looking forward to hearing back. One "mate" to another

I just had a Ileostmy due to a failed jpouch. I'm 2 weeks out. Sorry, I have no patience but I'm just so tired. Beyond tired, I just want to get back to life again. How long is a recovery? And what can I do to speed things up? 

Hi Everybody I am new to this page and I have some questions regarding the weight gain/loss after an ileostomy surgery. I have crohn's since 2009 and my first ileostomy surgery will be within 3 months. The idea is that it will be for 6 months but i have been warned that it might be permanent. Never had an issue with flare ups that i lost alot of weight. Maybe 1 or 2 kg at most. I I do have ...

Is it 3, I guess so as it is 2am. My ileostomy is gurgling embarasingly loud but I'm alone so only I hear it. My surgery went well but longer than expected...the 3 hour time slot ended up up being 7 hours. They scraped part of my rectum and it's lymph nodes. And then obviously removed my whole colon. What's weird is in FAP you get clusters of polyps. I had just little polyps all around. And my...

Hi everyone.  It has been awhile since my last post.    I am at home recovering from hernia surgery.  I had 4 repaired.  one parastoma under my stoma,  and 3 incisional   I still have 2  one in each groin,  but because I was under for 5 1/2 hrs.   My surgeon saved those for another time.    He repaired the one  under my stoma and also made my stoma smaller   ( which is good )  It has been over ...

Hey-I had my Ostomy surgery on 7/28/21. My colostomy is permanent due to cancer. My stoma is an innie and flush to my skin, this has made things difficult for me (leaking, blow outs, consistently stool on skin, burning/painful skin). Has anyone had a Ostomy revision surgery and can share their experience? Time in the hospital? Recovery time? And just generally what to expect. Thank you 

Just wanted to report that I have just completed the first of two surgeries needed to complete my reversal/reconnection. Actually I had considered it for years & had already decided not to undergo the surgeries. I had a good system & had learned to live quite comfortably w/ my ostomy, plus at my age I just didn't want to go thru all the time, pain & discomfort. Then the peristomal hernia I had ...

Well, I got a call today with the surgery date. Why am I suddenly not feeling so brave?? The rectal stump has been nothing but problems and I know it has to go (had ileo Dec 09). Looking at the positives ... and please send good thoughts my way. Thanks all!

Hi everybody! It's been ages since I last posted but I finally have a new computer that I can actually use... So in 2 weeks I'm going in for more surgery, a reversal if possible and for sure a hernia repair with mesh. I had my colostomy 3 years ago and since then have had 3 emerg. surgeries for strangulated hernia. My new surgeon, my 5th! is going to do all he possibly can to reverse me but he ...

Nervous but excited about tomorrow. I have been reading some of the threads here and am brand new to the site. I am grateful to have had the ileostomy so my body had a chance to heal but am truly hoping all goes well with the operation and future. I have a collapsed disk in my back and sleeping on it for the past 7 months because of the bag has caused m e constant daily excruciating pain. I h...

Hi, Im just wondering if anyone else has had there rectal stump removed?  I’m due to have this surgery done on Monday 14th and I’m starting to feel pretty anxious about it! What is the recovery like? How long did you need to take off work? Did you have keyhole surgery? My surgeon seems to think it’s unlikely I’ll be able to have it done keyhole 😔 Any info would be greatly appreciated!  ...

Hi. I am going to have my anus and rectum removal on 12/8 due to anal cancer. The surgery along terrifies me and I wondering how the recovery it is going to look alike. I know that the pain ad recovery varies from person to person. Sometimes i will get anxious about the surgery.

I have crohns and had a colostomy 2 years ago.  Since then the crohns has spread to the remaining tranverse colon and is not responding to medication. One option is to reverse the colostomy, remove the remaining colon and have a permanent ilieostomy. The surgery would require cutting through existing scar tissue from my previous surgery.  What are the chances of the wounds healing properley whe...

They moved my surgery to next Wednesday (Apr 13th). Looking forward to only having ONE ostomy!

I have an ileostomy and need to have shoulder surgery.  Has anyone else out there experienced having use of one arm with their ostomy (for a limited time of course). I have had my ileo since 1972, but I'm stumped over the after care on this one!  How will I empty my bag???  I don't like anyone else to mess with it.  Plus, I live alone now.   Thanks to anyone who has some experience....

Hiya I had a emergancy colectomy last year due to UC, I decided to go for a jpouch and had my rectum removed & jpouch formed 3 weeks ago (ill have take down surgery in afew months) I'm recovering very well no problems at all apart from really awful pain in my bladder when I go to the toilet. I've been on anti biotics incase I had a water infection from the catheter but still no better! Did anyo...

Hi everyone, ive joined this forum hopefully to get advice for my dad.  I would like to know if it is common to recieve a colostomy pouch after surgery to remove one of his kidneys?  He had the operation through keyhole surgery,  they told him after the first surgery  that everything went well and he was really happy. Then he started to suffer with severe pains etc and went back in hospital thi...

I have just last week had the final part of my reversal surgery and am now fully connected, (which am I very glad about) I was unaware till after the surgery that this meant I would have an small open incision/hole left where my stoma used to be. I am aware this is to allow the wound to heal from the inside out to prevent any type of infection which makes sense. It has to be re-packed and re-dr...

Good morning Ostomates, Today quite girl is having her surgery.  Let's wish her a successful operation  and a speedy recovery. We as  Ostomates have been there. Let's Pray that all goes well for her.

I'm having debulking surgery for ovarian cancer in a few weeks and need to prepare for a very likely ileostomy. I don't think the one-time visit with a stoma nurse pre-op is going to cut it. I want to be prepared before I go under the knife so I know what kind of food and supplies and incidentals to have on hand when I return from the hospital. From what I gather, I'll get some "lessons" in th...

Hi I am 8 weeks post surgery for Panproctocolectomy with permanent ileostomy and just wondering if anyone can tell me when I could start back at the gym ? I am currently walking a lot each day and feeling fine. I was hoping to start cycling/cross trainer/swimming with maybe some light weights. The last thing I want to do is cause any damage and end up back in hospital so would appreciate any...

I got the great news yesterday that my ostomy reversal surgery is scheduled for March 10th!  Doctor said that I should be good as new in about 2 months after the surgery and my scar on my stomach will fade.  I said "That's ok.  I'm excited to get my life back.  And you know what Evel Knievel says about scars?   "Bones heal, pain is temporary, and chicks dig scars!"

Hello all.  41 year old male with rectal cancer surgery.  The surgery was a huge success and I'm doing preventative chemotherapy this week for four and a half months.   I just have a question about output.  I've been doing a stool softener every day, a little miralax every day (as recommended) and my output is still very irregular.  I may go two or two and a half days and then have quite a bi...

Hi everyone dont know if im doing this in the right place but here goes, got some news and a few question's, let me explain first....I have a loop colostomy (since may 2010) recently i have had lots of problems with it. Leaking lots and often from my bottom, going to the toilet in the "normal" way, pain etc etc. From the start i kind of knew to expect some mucous from the back passage because...

Hi, I would like to know if anyone has had surgery on their stoma? My stoma keeps retracting into my stomach which is very painful. I had my ileostomy 2 years ago (Crohn's). My surgeon is operating on 31.10.2011, but I don't really know what she is going to do! Angie  

At age 37, Linda Brashier battled Stage 4 cervical cancer, undergoing grueling rounds of chemo and radiation. Slowly, she beat back the cancer and recovered, but realized she would probably never have sexual intercourse again. The scar tissue inside her vagina (caused by radiation), made intercourse too painful and made it impossible for her to have intercourse without pain. Doctors prescribed ...

hello just need some answers about having bowel movements I have had my Ilostomy for 2 years with only some bloody mucus coming out, But on feb 1st my doctor went in and scraped the walls of my rectum. But know i am having bowel movement what i am eating is coming out there and not so much in my Ilostomy have only had to empty bag 2 times with only a bit in each time.... should i go to the hosp...

well, finally saw my new specialist and he's fantastic. It's been decided that my stoma is too malformed to fix with any appliances on the market currently....I've tried absolutely everything.  He said the stoma will need revision and maybe resite too.  What is the difference, any recommendations? If so, did they have to access the midline incision? what was recovery like? scared to think it wi...

Had an ileostomy nearly 6 years, at the time of the operation, the internal pouch (20 years in place) was not removed, but no longer used. It has now started to show signs of deteriorating, and the big question is,- do I risk another risky operation or carry on as I am, for as long as possible, I am not in any pain. There is also a hernia trapped between the pouch and the stoma. I have M.S. i...

Hi there guys, my name is sadie im 31 years old and have had chrons for 14vyears and a illeostomy for 5 years, I was told at some point that this could be reversed , I have been going round circles of consultations and colonoscopies over the last 5 years to no avail, my consultant tells me there is inflammation, and says they wont touch it until the infflamation isgone, yet the dr that did my l...

I had surgery 4 weeks ago and now have temporary ileostomy. My question is has anyone suffered from super sensitive skin across abdomen after surgery. I can't bear to put clothes on. Lying flat gives me some relief but I wondered if anyone had ever experience this and if so how long did it last? 

Hello, I had my emergency colectomy on 17 March this year and I was in quite a state for a few weeks leading up to that and so I was warned that my recovery would take some time. I was extremely malnourished, weighing just over 50kg but being around 6ft tall. I was also very anaemic and was diagnosed with toxic megacolon on the morning of my surgery, hence the emergency. It has been just over ...

I currently have an ileo-anal anastomosis and will be having elective permanent ileostomy on Oct 26.  I had a temporary ileostomy back when i had my first surgery 30 years ago.  I remember how liberating it was after 3 years of full-flaring UC.  I look forward to the full liberation again as i've suffered a very painful fistula for 29 of the 30 years.  I've just bore the pain but now that the n...

Hi 👋 everyone well it’s been a month since my surgery and Pain is still pretty intense and I still can’t sit. Still have some drainage. I feel like I should be much further than I am . I walked to mailbox and started bleeding. If I try to sit more than a few minutes I bleed. At night it REALLY hurts.😔😔 Anyone else had this problem? Really could use some encouragement 😔😔

Tomorrow a.m. I am scheduled for a surgery to re-attach my retina and...well I should know the name but a mild macular detachment. The dr. Scheduled it Friday right at closing for Monday at opening due to it being an emergency surgery, so I did not get to ask questions.   So...asking "doctor Google" says I must lay face/stomach down for sleep. Ummm....how to do that with an ostomy? Other goog...

Has anyone ever had to have a total proctocolectomy with revised Colostomy Surgery?

i am 2 weeks post surgery with a temporary colostomy.  the first 2 weeks bowel movements not very firm and required bag 'dumps' 2 to 3 times a day.  all of a sudden slowed down to 1 a day.  Normal?  not experiencing any pain or discomfort.  could it be change in diet?  not really sure what is best. doctor says follow normal diet.

Hello everyone, I'm having my stoma relocated from my right side to my left. I've had 3 revisions on my current stoma and now developed a hernia that is causing me a lot of pain. I was wondering if anyone has had this surgery before? My doctor said he doesn't use a big incision on my stomach but rather just creates the new hole and pulls the intestines out and creates a new stoma. Will the old ...

Am curious.  Have you ever heard of anyone performing a bowel replacement surgery??

Well last month I was on here asking about complications associated with the Hartmann's procedure...I had my surgery last week. The takedown of the transverse loop went fine and they created an end sigmoid colostomy...but it's not emptying. At first I thought it was swollen shut and having a hard time for that reason (it was passing some gas and a little stool but not much). Now though, I haven...

My reversal and hernia surgery is tomorrow, Feb 3rd!  I've been on the clear liquid diet since yesterday at 4:00 so I'm feeling quite hungry about now.  It's funny how food looks and smells so great when you can't have it.  I'm nervous and anxious for tomorrow to come.  I pray all will go well and all of you on this site have helped me with all of your encouragement and information.  I am truly...

Hi all!    This is my first posting on this forum, and I am brand new member!   I have been a UC sufferer for over five years now, and have had so many bad experiences.  The flare ups are bad and take me months to recover.  Steriods are just awful Sooo, I have decided to undergo surgery to rid me of my disease and the many side effects of my drugs.  I'm posting to look for other people who h...

I am having major shoulder surgery in a few weeks. I have had a continent ostomy for over 30 years. and besides the obvious stress about the surgery, pain, not being able to move or work, I am very concerned about handling my ostomy. It requires two hands to intubate and irrigate and the doctor does not want me moving anything other than my wrist. I have yet to figure out how I am going to mana...

been diagnosed with crohns, three years! I have not taken the meds. asacol, imuran ect, have tried asacol and one other, but got irregular heartbeat and stopped after two/three weeks, have nt yet taken imuran! my new doc prescribed it! read side effects, and really got scared! so I have not been on any meds, but now I feel blocked up, can anybody tell me if it is time for surgery! I know the do...

Hi my name is Shirley.  Looking for reversal surgery experiences.  I had an ileostomy surgery 3/2016 after a failed resection surgery. Planning reversal for August. I have Crohns disease. 

I am going into hospital next week to have my ileostomy made permanent and to get a barbie butt. I was wondering how long before people felt comfortable sitting for long lengths of time. I really love going to the cinema but worry sitting would be painful.

Hi I am new to this site, I had a colostomy last march and have made out great, this was done because of chronic UC, they left the rectum with the idea I could have a reversal.  I had pretty much made up my mind to not have a reversal because I like haveing the control I have now of bathroom breaks etc.  problem a couple of weeks ago I started having bloody mucus and feeling of urgency thinking...

I am a healhy 47 year old that have always excersized and taken pride and care of myself, athletic ..etc. On December 22nd 2017, I went to poop that morning and ended up in excruciating pain. Went to the Emergency room...after 2-3 hours, they told me my colon had ruptured. They removed 9 inches of my sigmoid colon, surgery lasted 3.5 hours because I was so septic and almost died. Spent 11 days ...

Hi, I am going in for surgeryto treat rectal cancer on Dec 27th and have been told by my surgeon that a permanent colostomy is the likely outcome. I have been trying to gather as much information as possible on ostomies and all things colostomy. I see the Ostomy nurse this Tuesday to be marked for the ostomy location and I am sure she will have good information for me, but I want information fr...

Hi  I've just recently had an illeostomy and have only been home 3 days. The output for my stoma seems to change a lot from really thick to quite loose. Yesterday when I got up I felt really dizzy and headaches and  felt absolutely freezing and couldn't get warm at all. I've been trying today to drink lots more fluid as was worried it might have been dehydration. Now my output has gone like di...

Hi everyone, want to thank everyone for their comments before my colostomy surgery on Dec 27th.  I got home 2 days ago, alot of adjustments to go through, but boy am I glad to be home!  

Hi! I have had my ileostomy for 42 years and I just turned 60 last week!  So I was very young with Ulcerative Colitis.  The actual surgery was ON my 18th birthday...long story short, I had 4 C-sections without any complicaitons.  My stoma has always been very small and close to "flush" with my skin.  Although I do have occaisional leakage, for the most part, I've had no problems.  I am having ...

Having ileostomy reversal on Feb 5th. I have no colon. Dr.  said to expect 3-6 bms per day. I don't know what to expect after surgery: fatigue, weight loss/gain, accidents? Anybody?

I just came from the surgeons office. I have 2 hernias,one on my left side near my ostomy and one on my right side. I saw the surgeon in Aug. 2016. He said he would recomend me losing 35lb if I could. Well I lost 41lb. and he said he can fix them now.  I'm scared to death because he may have to move my ostomy site. I asked him where he would move it to, He said a little higher or possibly to th...

I recently had reversal surgery, but this should apply to colostomy patients just as well. How long did you wear the compression bandage after your surgery? I asked the surgeon but all she would say was "You'll know when it's time to come off". My staples are out, and I just have a bunch of steri-strips now. There is no longer any pain, but I will say down at the bottom of this thing it's itchy...

Hello, I am scheduled for my ileostomy september 20.  I was wondering if anyone could share with me their experience of the actual surgery and days after?  I will be going to the university of washington.  I have had a j-pouch for 8 years, and am needing the ileostomy because I started having fistulas two years ago. Thank you!!

Having only started reading the postings on this forum a few days back, forgive me if I am asking a question already raised. I had a urostomy about 18 months ago, and some six months back noticed a swelling to the side and below the stoma. Surgeon said that it may need an operation should it get any larger but they are reluctant to do so as it can result in infection. I have noticed in other p...

I've been reading these posts and trying to find out everything I possibly can before going for my colostomy. I only know now I will have the bag. I have SO MANY questions I didn't think about when the doctor told me the news. And many of them I think I'd be too embarrassed to ask him face-to-face. I only know they are cutting me through the stomach. I've had decades of fighting with adhesions-...

I am due to have my rectal stump removed on the 30th November 2010 I am starting to get very anxious about having surgery again ( I had my ileostomy 8 years ago ) can anyone reasure me how the recovery is after I would appreciate any advice ?

Having an enormous hernia following a urostomy about three years ago, I am due to go back in to hospital in some four to six weeks time to have it "corrected" using the mesh method. However, reading a number of blogs on this forum, I am beginning to wonder if it's worth while, since the majority of reports are negative, it would seem. Although I have genuine sympathy with those who have repor...

Well I have been on a roller coaster! Was going to have a jpouch. Met with many doctors but the 3rd tested one of my 100 polyps and it was a T1 tumor  in my rectum so can't keep any of it with the chance it might come back. So I am off to have the BCIR done , I decided to do an internal resevoir instead. Not sure if anyone is familiar with the BCIR but I prefer this over the ileostomy. Have a f...

Hello Everyone, I just came across this site late last night and am so glad I found it. Husband admitted through the ER on March 31st.  He unexpectedly experienced a perforated colon due to diverticulits which resulted in having surgery after 10 days of antibiotic treatment in the hospital. They removed his sigmoid colon and a portion of his rectum on April 10th. He was given a temporary ileo...

I have bee rubbish on here - only made a few posts and then vanished to 'normal' life but I think that's a good thing.  I am a 33 year old professional single mum of one and I coped pretty well I think with having a stoma for 2 years.  I have just had my final appointment with the nurse (for dressing checking) four weeks after my reversal surgery.   I'd be happy to chat with anyone who's recen...

Not having a good day. Just not feeling well. Kept trying to go in chat room but no one is ever there. I will try to have a rest and hopefully connect with someone soon.

Hi, I'm new to this site and would appreciate some advice from people who have had ileostomy surgery. I would like to know anything that might help me before my operation. Is it extremely painful? Should I stop eating beforehand? How long is the average hospital stay? I would be grateful for any information. Thank you and I appreciate you taking the time to read this and reply.

In a couple of weeks I will have reconnection surgery. Right now I have a temporary stoma. An illiostamy. 

Hello it's me again ... I hope and pray everyone is well. I have a family member my father to be exact that really doesn't understand the highs and lows of day to day function. I when to a barbecue on the forth of July had an accident I was discreet about it ... family had another barbecue today and chose not to go . It's at a park with bathrooms close by. My father thinks I'm making it more th...

Help please awaiting removal of the rectal stump as bleeding continued since permanent colostomy surgery due to severe crohns. Just anxious as been waiting on Urgent list since December 2015 meant to have it yesterday was all gowned up ready then they cancelled me so upset .New date 6/9/17

Hello all.   I am a 60 yr old male who has had a mild form of colitus for about 20 years now.  For 2 years I have been on remicade which has helped but not totally brought me into remission. I work in an office environment and have lived a full active life with travel and activities, mainly running, tennis and I love riding my motorcycle up north on country roads.  Except for this condition, I ...

I have a permanent colostomy for about 10yrs. I had it done because of colorectal cancer. Recently I had a hysterectomy and the doctor removed both ovaries. Uterus cervix and Fallopian tubes because of heavy bleeding and huge fibroids. I’m still experiencing pain in my lower abdomen lower and near the incision. Anybody had to have a hysterectomy with a colostomy???

I had back surgery on feb 16th then 3 weeks later reherniation occurred on same disc so had 2nd surgery March 28 to remove disc fragment sitting on nerve. On April 25 I was rushed into surgery for perforated colon, small intestine blockage and sepsis. I spent 2 weeks in hospital due to the infection. I came home with a picc line and had Home IV antibiotics for 3 more weeks. I am finally getting...

Hi 👋  well it’s been 6wks since my surgery. Really has been a slow recovery. A little disappointed 😔. Dr said a small portion of incision is completely healed the other portion open. I feel like I’m doing everything like I’m supposed to. Keeping it dry, clean, fan on it. Still can’t sit long very tender. Stings sooo bad when I pee . Dr gave me some barrier cream and it makes it sting MOR...

I had surgery two years ago from diverticulitis i have a colostomy now and I  have colitis does anyone have colitis in rectom caused by having colostomy after diverticulitis surgery.

After being diagnosed in March with diverticulitis with a hole in my intestine, I was on antibiotics for several weeks and in April had surgery to remove the damaged portion of my intestines. The doctor used a temporary ileostomy. I am now 8 weeks post surgery and am scheduled to have my ileostomy reversed next week. I guess my biggest concern is how much time I will need off work for this. I h...

I had my ilistomy in 2007.  My wife could not deal with my problems and divorced me in 2010.  I am 66yo.  I had four surgeries because messed up surgery at VA.  Not only do I have the ilisotomy but they cut all the nerves to my bladder and groin so I have to use a catheter to urinate and can no longer get an erection. The desire is there but no action.  It's been 10 years without a mate and I r...

Hello everyone, hope you are all doing well! I know I've posted about this subject in months past, but now have the surgery to remove my rectal stump this monday and am starting to get a little anxious for everything. I’ve had an ostomy since 2009 after a bad flare of my Crohn’s. They left the rectal stump in with hopes of reconnecting one day, but unfortunately that’s not possible and in the l...

  Hello all long story short, I had emergency surgery for ruptured colon about a year ago. I lost a foot of my colon and woke up with a Colostomy for 3 months. I had reversal surgery at the end of June 2020 and have had problems since. The reversal surgery was to take 1.5 hours and it took closer to 4 due to adhesions. I have been hospitalized 5 or 6 tiems since reversal and am currently faci...

I had my colostomy on 07/23/21. I was in the hospital until 08/04. I'm 60 lbs down and had nothing but ice chips for a week before and week plus after surgery. Now that I'm up and moving again, my calves and shins are aches and on fire. I've voluntarily put the compression stocking back on. Did anyone else experience this? Does it go away?