Tests for Possible Ileostomy Reversal?

Hi everyone.

I have an ileostomy, no large bowel, and part of the rectal stump removed due to an unknown cause of narcosis. My consultant has told me that there's a chance I might be able to have it reversed, but I will need to get tests done first. Does anyone know what these tests might be? Thanks XX

Interesting. I thought for referrals you'd need to have the large bowel.... you have some of your rectum attached, though sounds like - what is it attached to then?

First off, do you mean "narcrosis" or "necrosis".......big difference! The first one means the bowel in question has kind of spazed out due to use of opioid meds. The latter means the bowel literally died and was removed before the rest of it died as well. If it's the first one, I would guess the tests would be to see if the narcosis has reversed completely, and the part of the rectum that's left is intact and back to its old self. If it's the latter, then they need to know what's left is functionally still alive and not dead like what they removed. They'd also need to know why the necrosis happened in the first place. Otherwise, reconnecting could allow the necrosis to continue........in which case you'd really be screwed. Sorry to be so blunt. But reconnection can only be successful if blood flow through the connection occurs. And if one end is dead (narcrosis), connecting to it will cause your healthy connected bowel to die as well.

If I were you, I'd get multiple opinions on the subject of reconnecting before going through all that. And don't just focus on the advice for the outcome you want........always consider how bad it could be if things don't work out as planned. You don't want the optimistic version of the outcome........you want the most likely. Very interested to hear what they say......and of course, best of luck to you!!!

Regards,

Bob

Hello Caz

You need to confirm this with the specialists as it doesn't make sense, sounds to me like they are talking jpouch.

Axl

Hi Bob

Thanks for your reply, stupid predictive text lol. I meant the second necrosis where the bowel died. I have had a heart scan which came back as no problems with blood supply to the bowel. I am being referred to haematology to see if there is anything wrong. I appreciate your advice. XX

Words of Encouragement from Ostomy Advocates I Hollister

Hi Axl.

Thanks for your reply. I will be back to see him next month, so I will be asking a few questions. xx

To be totally honest, I have not got a clue. All I know is on the 6th December 2020, I had severe abdominal pain, called an ambulance, and that is the last I remember. Nearly 4 weeks in the intensive care unit, and I was told that I had to have my large bowel and part of the rectum removed because it had died. X

One of the functions of the large intestine is to dry out elimination, without the colon bathroom needs may be overwhelming. Look at your output now and get a feel for how often you go. I am lucky enough to be reversed but there are days/weeks that I am not sure I made the right decision. I only lost 1 foot of my colon and did not have any necrosis. I would ask a lot of questions about what to expect realistically about chances for a "normal" life after. I would want to know about what to expect as far as number of times daily I would be in the bathroom, urgency will you have enough rectal stump to be able to hold it until you can get to the toilet and most importantly what to expect if it fails.
I do not have much experience with ileostomy and reversal. I am basing my advice/opinion on my colostomy experience.

Good luck, ask questions, you are your own best advocate! Let us know how you are doing!

Clint

Thank you, Clint. I will be asking lots of questions, and it's all thanks to you guys. If I hadn't come across this site and asked this question, I would have just not known what to ask. Thank you, all my friends. XX