From Reversal to Permanent Ostomy: A Personal Journey

Hi, I had my lg intestine removed in Feb. of 2013 was given an ileostomy in May it was reversed. I had major problems with the reversal, it should have never been reversed and I think my surgeon knew that. Now I am headed back for a permanent ileostomy Jan. 22, 2014. Never thought I would be relieved to have my ostomy back again, I have been through six months of torture!

May I ask... why did it not work? I have an ileo right now and am thinking about making it permanent... I hear too many issues with complications... I was very ill prior to surgery... 35+ BMs per day... so the sphincter is probably not too good... so thinking that ileo might be best for life
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Wow, and I thought I had it bad! Honey, if you are having 35 plus BMs per day, plan on keeping the ileo; you will be so grateful. I was severely constipated and lived on laxatives in order to have a BM; that is why they had to remove my large intestine. Since the reversal, I have lived on the toilet because of nothing but diarrhea, and now I wish I lived on laxatives again! I was up to, at one time, 8 laxatives every other day. Now I can barely leave the house. So yes, I am going back to the ileo; big mistake doing the reversal. Should have had way more info before letting my surgeon perform it. I not only had the reversal but had major complications having it. I was in the hospital for two weeks!

The medical establishment still thinks pooping out your ass is the only way to be happy with poop problems, and little do they know, unless pooping out one's ass has a good bowel movement, the answer is it can never be good. Give me a good bowel movement and I will sign up tomorrow, but once we have problems in that area, it seems to me we can never have a good bowel movement again from the ass, and therefore permanency for me was the only answer, and while I fought it tooth and nail the whole way, let me say it out loud and for everyone to hear... It was the best decision of my chronically ill life. I'm so happy to be permanent, and it's been 7 years. I still can't believe how good my life has become with the pouch. Yahoo!

Hi all, yes, having an ileo is the best thing that ever happened. Yeah, I've had my problems with it, but I had worse problems before it due to UC. I hated all the doctor appointments and meds I was on, especially prednisone. I've had my ileo now for 29 years, and it doesn't hold me back for one second.

Living with Your Ostomy | Hollister

Had op 20th Feb 2013 due to cancer, had bowel reconstruction and now have a permanent colostomy. I have been very blessed as everything is going fine. I have just recently taken the huge step to replace my base plate myself, as I felt it was unfair on my man to have to wipe my "bum." He has been absolutely supportive and loving. Hope your op goes well and you have a wonderful life. God bless.

Thank you, Virgo, and God bless you as well. You gave me a lot of insight and hope! And Ron in Mich, thank you also. It gives me assurance as I read a post from someone who has had an ileo for 29 years that life goes on, and it doesn't hold you back. Thank you for the support.
And beyondpar, you just have issues!

I don't know PetalMakr or beyondpar, but I'm happy PetalMakr is feeling supported by many contributors. Unless I completely misunderstand, I thought beyondpar's reply was very supportive and offers real-life experience that could help with PetalMakr's expectations down the road. Perhaps the language might be offensive to some, but the communication is way more important. As I've stated before, the medical profession needs to stop considering a permanent ostomy a failure. It's not, and I agree with beyondpar, with different language perhaps, it's not the end of the world but the beginning of a somewhat different lifestyle that saves our lives. I'm not sure what issues he has, if any, but I respect and appreciate beyondpar's contribution.
Lots to be happy about and look forward to.
Mike

I did not mean to seem condescending regarding my comment about beyondpar. If he had simplified his statement without throwing in all the garbage, yes, I would have totally understood what he was saying! I myself feel like one of those lab rats that was experimented on. I should have never had a reversal. After having your large intestine removed and talking to many people in my situation, my doctor should have never done a reversal on me. I also should have researched my situation more so as not to become one of their lab rats. But you are definitely right, a permanent ostomy is not a failure, and my surgeon, after apologizing over and over, was willing to do whatever I wanted, which was giving me my ostomy back. It's pretty sad that I had to go through four surgeries in less than a year to get where I am. But I am just looking forward to a better future! Thank you.

I thank you, PetalMakr, and I'm sorry you had to go through all this.  From here on I'm betting it's all good.  I like to think we help each other get there.

Sincerely,

Mike

If you go to Beyonpar's profile page and look at his pictures, you will readily understand his attitude. I'm by no means trying to defend him; he doesn't need it. He went through hell, and you can see his metamorphosis, and he has been an inspiration to many on this forum, including this poster. If he seems overjoyed with his situation today, he can easily get carried away with his enthusiasm and is always trying to help others, Ed.