Complete Bowel Removal - Seeking Advice and Experiences

I had a subtotal colectomy just over a year ago and I have got to go back to have the rest of it removed in the next couple of months and basically I just wanted to know if the operation was worse, easier or just as bad as the first one.

I've got used to my ileostomy now but my remaining bowell is giving me lots of problems.

Any advice would be useful.

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Hi Malcopone,

Thank you so much for this post! Sorry, I can't give you any answers, because at this time I am in the exact same position as you. I have a consult with my colorectal surgeon on Nov. 5th, and I am hoping to have my surgery ASAP! Currently my UC symptoms are well controlled with mesalamine suppositories. I just want to get this surgery, heal fully, and live life to the fullest! I am also looking for information/advice.....the good, the bad, all the nitty-gritty. All information would be invaluable and greatly appreciated!  

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Melissa

Hi Melissa - thanx for the reply, we are both in the dark

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When we have our surgery we can help each other out. I have to see my surgeon soon and I need to get the rest of this  out.

I can't keep the suppositories in now, its too painful, and its stopping me painting which is annoying. I have read some stuff on the internet and some people have to have a 'Barbie Butt' and some don't, I hope we fall into the latter because it looks less painful. I'm with you on the getting my life back - I can't wait.

I hope everything goes well for you because I know what you have been thru

And thanx once again for replying.

Alan.

Hi Alan,

Wow!! I'm so surprised to see that no one has responded to this post! I just wanted to let you know that there is an amazing ostomy support network at www.inspire.com. You will definitely get the information/advice you are looking for. I highly recommend it!



Melissa

Just a guess on my behalf but the reason no one had jumped in to give an opinion on this is because there is no objective way to know. It will likely take longer to remove the remaining bowel than a section, you already I assume have an ostomy of some type... your surgeon is the only one who can advise on the appropriateness of its application following your next surgery...so I would expect that assuming you might not be as sick as when you had the initial surgery, it may be easier, but there is a lot of variables that will affect the outcome...many in here want to know what to expect re their surgery, given the variability of circumstances person to person its pretty hard to predict, but I will say this, eat VERY lightly prior to surgery, and when released from hospital be very slow to introduce solids. I have had my stomach pumped 3 times because I got a bit to eager to eat solids. And take it easy for several weeks because you do not want your incision to break open...it can take several months to heal if it does...otherwise go with the flow...

Words of Encouragement from Ostomy Advocates I Hollister