Reconnection After Colonectomy: Is It Possible?

I had a colonectomy done in April. I am in the process of trying to get reconnected. My rectum is still good but I think my Dr. removed too much colon. How can I find out if reconnection is possible?

Hi Art.  I can't advise or direct you but I suggest you ask all the questions you can.  Lots of folks here are experts because they went through the same thing you're going through.  Additionally, your surgeon, ostomy nurse, PC physician and anyone else involved should be consulted.

I will, however, offer an opinion.  From the time I was diagnosed with two cancers I was encouraged to do everything possible to avoid an ostomy.  I was led to believe a stoma was the absolute worst thing to happen to a human.  My wonderful surgeons removed the tumors and reconnected everything and, with chemo and radiation I became cancer free.  Then I spent a couple years in the bathroom in tremendous pain swallowing Tramadols or some kind of pain killers that made it difficult to know what day it was and/or who I was.  About seven years ago I got an end colostomy.  I do almost everything now that I did before my diagnosis.  What I can't do now is because I'm too freaken old and has almost nothing to do with the ostomy. Please understand these are only my opinions but I'm convinced my colostomy was far from the worst thing that could have happened to me.

I wish you the very best and, please, do all the research you can.

Respectfully,

Mike

Mike, Art, 

I hate the stigma of having an Ostomy! If people only knew that most of us are alive solely due to having the Ostomy! Of course, if I had an option to go back to the old Norm, I would but that is not an option. Years ago, the appliances were much more unreliable than they are today. Being in the Oncology field, having patients come to my office with a leaky pouch was not pleasant for either of us! So, contrary to NonOstomate beliefs, having an ostomy is not the worst possible solution!

Puppyluv

Most successful reversals are dependent on the reason for having an ostomy. I've been reversed for 6 years now. Mine was due to cancer removal surgery. I lost a lot of large intestine and colon during subsequent surgeries. I've had minor issues mostly related to radiation. The best advice is to ask your surgeon their thoughts on successful reversal. Hope you find the answers you need!