Considering Illeostomy Reversal with Scar Tissue Concerns

Hello everyone/anyone, i'm due to see my doctor and would really like to try for a reversal of my illeostomy, i have been previously told that the chances are slim because of scar tissue, has anyone got experience with this sort of problem.  I really want the good and the bad news as i would prefer to go at it with a realistic attitude. Thanks

Hi,



My best advice would be to get a second surgical opinion (assuming the advice about the scar tissue did in fact, come from a surgeon).  I had an ileostomy reversal in Feburary, and although the first few months were a bit painful(since the lower 'plumbing' was dormant for 8 months), it was definitely worth it. I'm doing great now.



The best of luck to you,

Sharon

Thank You, I have an apt. for a reversal of an Ostomy in Atlanta in October.  My Doctor said that this is all they do and dont have many failures.  I need upbeat talk as I am scared and I want to have great news and a peaceful rest of my life.  Been rough and most of us can say that on this board.  I am not even a complainer but this was a trip through hell for me, I spent a fortune in my life on perfecting my body with plastic surgery and in an instant it was taken away.  I am not stuck up, just a brat kid who was adopted by a Catholic Priest and every thing had to be perfect including me.  I couldnt leave one thing in the laundry room or he would get mad and tell me were going to get rats.  I think he had OCD worse than I have it now.  But I made it through life and I just want my stomache back and I know my plastic surgeon can find a way to fix what happened.  Most people on here dont think reversals really work often, but in the US they have the highest rate of succseful ones.  I was really glad to hear your good news and I Pray so Much that in October I can write about my own.  God Bless You and Thank You for the Optomism, I really need that, Jenny

FMF"s,  I have missed you and had a feeling the first few months were a bit painful as I hadnt seen or heard from you.........I am glad you are doing well and if I may impose on you if you will allow me...Can you share with us just how painful the first few moths were and and how the pain has gone away  and the bowel movements, how they are, either better or worse or even  their frequency......

I dont want to lose your input as your journey is as valuable to all of us as each of our own journeys.....I want you back in the thick of the conversations with us and I do miss your input,  very much so.........You are a friend who I care about and as you know I want to know about your bowel movements(  please dont think i m a sicko, you just know how i feel about reversals and still want to hear the great stories including your very own)  I do want your truth.........and in whatever way you are comfortable.



Im at peace on this forum and my bowels or lack therof is an open book and i  dont mind the world seeing, but if you are not that way, please send me a message in private......I hope you respond to me.......Michael

FacingmyFears, glad to see you  back and that you had your reversal, like Michael, I really would like to hear how everytrhing went, Bles you, you've always been an inspiratio to all, Ed

Getting Support in the Ostomy Community with LeeAnne Hayden | Hollister

Hyper,



I would suggest not only a second opinion.  However an opinion from a surgeon that does mostly colorectal  surgery's.

When you say reversal do you mean, as re attachment of the of the colon.  Or J pouch creation?



I have scar tissue issue's, however I am making it.  I have some pain from time to time, I am told due to scar tissue.  Flatulence can really gets things stirred up.

My diet is ridiculas, because I eat completely for the ease of my digestive system.

I eat what my digestive system seems to like.



These are my big  4

Protein

Cheese

Yogurt

Soda crackers



I have no idea why the soda crackers work, bread will not.



I go out a  lot and are very social at times.  I dance a lot, what have you.  I don't like gastro intestinal surprises.  I do what I must to try and make the best I can out of it.



It could be said I am a slave to my digestive system.  Just the way it is.



Why do have so much scare tissue?  Are we talking about several operations, infections, what?



I know you will make the right decision, because you are asking the right questions.



Good luck, I hope you are having a 5 star day.



Rick.....

I was not as fortunate as some.  I had my ostomies for 10 months.  In sept. '08 I had a reversal.  I had nothing but pain & bloating & direah for the next 8 months.  My bowel finally ruptured for the 2nd time in May of '09.  I am now back to 2 ostomies again.

For some people they work great but I was not one of them.

I had my final reversal surgery in January, I am now 4 mo post op. How am I doing? Overall, pretty well. As I'd had an ileostomy for several years the initial use of my reconnected bowel was quite remarkable to say the least. I analogized it to breaking in a brand new butt hole. If you've ever eaten a roll of barbed wire & then passed it you'll know what I went through at first. This was exascerbated by having up to 15 bowel movements per day. It was a very uncomfortable period, but thankfully it only lasted  a couple of weeks, with each day getting a little better. After a visit with my surgeon he put me on Lomotil 4X per day & Citrucel twice a day. This slowed my bowel movements & helped thicken the stools. I'm now down to about 8-10 movements per day, sometimes less. The biggest problem I have now is gas. The consistency of the movements are that of thick oatmeal, which I'm told is normal, so I can never be sure what will accompany the gas if I release it. It's a learning process & is supposed to get better with time. So, knowing what I now know would I do it again, you may ask. The answer is absolutely yes I would. I can truly empathize with those who still wear the bag & don't have the option of a reversal, my ladyfriend is in that category. But, if you have the option & you have a good, competent surgical team with a proven successful track record I urge you to have the reversal. It has made a huge positive change in my life.



I hope this report & commentary has been of some benefit to some of you. I will try & give a further update in the future if you'd like.

Larry

I am scheduled for re-attachment in the middle of June. I had an illeostomy a year ago, which led to a herniated abdomen. I won't say it's been easy, because it hasn't. I fear that I will go through one hell of an ordeal. This is my post, but this forum has provided the most information and answered the most questions that I've had.

So pleased we have been able to help! It seems that there is always someone who has been there done that who can give you some advice!

Take care

Rach xx