Newby Caregiver.....with rectal question.

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ddpekks
ddpekks Member Posts: 162
in Colorectal Cancer #1
Husband was dx w/colorectal cancer 12/2010, received chemo/rad then surgery 6/23/11. They removed his rectum and he sports a colostomy that is healing nicely. He is currently going through his first week of chemo since surgery. Though it has been a short time since all this rained down on us, it already feels like we've spent a lifetime fighting. We've learned so much, yet feel like we know absolutely nothing.

I found this board and have been reading for hours on end and before I ramble on further or ask questions, please let me say thank you for being here.

When they removed his rectum, they left it to heal naturally. I have been packing it 2x daily since he came home from hospital (something I never thought I'd be doing when I said those vows 30 years ago)(yes, I'm laughing). My question is, shouldn't this be healed by now? It has come a long way, but still needs packing. We go back to surgeon next week, but I wanted to know what the norm from those who experienced this is.

Deb

Comments

  • tommycat
    tommycat Member Posts: 790 Member
    #2
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    I had a temporary ilestomy
    I had a temporary ilestomy and part of my rectum removed. The ilestomy could not be reversed until my rectum had healed, and that was a yr---sorry, but that was my experience.
    I will share something sort of odd sounding with you. When the ilestomy was reversed, I ahd to have a transanal flap made so I could once again poop out of my rear. The flap healed quicker when I exposed it to fresh air, meaning every now and then I would sunbathe in my BD suit :) Now that is alternative medicine (laughing).
    Strongly believe it helped with the healing of the incisions.
    The stuff you find out!
    Good luck with all of this. I'm giving you a cyber hug :)
  • dianelynn41
    dianelynn41 Member Posts: 71
    #3
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    tommycat said:

    I had a temporary ilestomy
    I had a temporary ilestomy and part of my rectum removed. The ilestomy could not be reversed until my rectum had healed, and that was a yr---sorry, but that was my experience.
    I will share something sort of odd sounding with you. When the ilestomy was reversed, I ahd to have a transanal flap made so I could once again poop out of my rear. The flap healed quicker when I exposed it to fresh air, meaning every now and then I would sunbathe in my BD suit :) Now that is alternative medicine (laughing).
    Strongly believe it helped with the healing of the incisions.
    The stuff you find out!
    Good luck with all of this. I'm giving you a cyber hug :)

    same boat
    My husband was dx 12/2010 also stage 3 rectal cancer. He had his surgery 5/16/11, permanant colostomy.

    He still has drainage, he's wears a pad and keeps it as clean as possible and puts in a piece of polymem in at night to help it along. It seems to be slowing down a little but the surgeon says it might not stop till he's off chemo, which will be in Dec. He sure is tired of having to deal with this on top of everything else.
    All I can is be patient.

    Good Luck.
    Diane
  • ddpekks
    ddpekks Member Posts: 162
    #4
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    tommycat said:

    I had a temporary ilestomy
    I had a temporary ilestomy and part of my rectum removed. The ilestomy could not be reversed until my rectum had healed, and that was a yr---sorry, but that was my experience.
    I will share something sort of odd sounding with you. When the ilestomy was reversed, I ahd to have a transanal flap made so I could once again poop out of my rear. The flap healed quicker when I exposed it to fresh air, meaning every now and then I would sunbathe in my BD suit :) Now that is alternative medicine (laughing).
    Strongly believe it helped with the healing of the incisions.
    The stuff you find out!
    Good luck with all of this. I'm giving you a cyber hug :)

    Thanks for your reply
    He and I discussed last night that I not pack it (w/1/2" sterile strip & solution) but I guess I will wait till we see Dr on Monday. I order minimal supplies thinking any day now we will be done with this, but I'm running out again. He was worried that the chemo he started this week might hinder the healing. Guess we will just wait & see.
  • Patti1
    Patti1 Member Posts: 109 Member
    #5
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    ddpekks said:

    Thanks for your reply
    He and I discussed last night that I not pack it (w/1/2" sterile strip & solution) but I guess I will wait till we see Dr on Monday. I order minimal supplies thinking any day now we will be done with this, but I'm running out again. He was worried that the chemo he started this week might hinder the healing. Guess we will just wait & see.

    SUpplies
    Good Evening and thank you for the post. my husband had his rectum removed also in 7/06 and it took about 6 month for the area to close, after that it was fine, we even managed to get back on the motorcycle and bicycles. I thought I would offer if you need any colostomy supplies or packingsupplies let me know. I lost my husband and best friend on 9/2/11 and if someone can benefit from all the extra supplies I have, please let me know.

    Patti
  • karguy
    karguy Member Posts: 1,020 Member
    #6
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    I have
    I have a permanent colostomy,since 7/16/08,and after the surgery I had to wear sanitary pads untill it healed.It healed completly by the holidays,december of 08.But after I got my energy back it was no problem.I just had to change the pads about every 5 hours.And a nurse came every day to do the packing.It will heal faster with a wound vac,but that is pain that I wouldn't wish on anyone,it's very painful in that area.Good luck,and I hope this helps.
  • djm_2010
    djm_2010 Member Posts: 52
    #7
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    Hello I had my APR last nov
    Hello I had my APR last nov 2010 but it healed after 2 weeks and I went back to work 6 weeks after my OR. Maybe the chemo has something to do with it and it might have slowed the healing process. I remember when I had my chemo last week of December 2010, it was already healed and I didn't do any packing. Bit the soreness I think lasted for almost 8 weeks. Now I can do almost anything, have finished my chemo last may 23, 2011. Take care and Godbless you!
  • John23
    John23 Member Posts: 2,122 Member
    #8
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    Deb - -

    Check out the UOAA Forum. The guys there can offer a ton of tips
    regarding rectal surgery, ostomies, intestinal problems, etc...

    The group there is just like here (with slightly less fighting), but they
    all have experiences to share!

    Be well; stay sane, etc...

    John

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