My first post

hyder -

There are many others here that will comment on the "relationship"
angle, but I'll leave the comments to those that have endured that
pain. I've been a slave since 1963, and having cancer didn't change
much of anything for better or worse; I don't know if I can describe
that as "luck" or "fate", but it takes two to tango...

I -will- comment on the hernia stuff, since I had that tackled last
January 28th through February 23, and Feb 29th through March 9th

Before this surgery, please do yourself a major favor and have them
mark out the spot best for you, for both a Colostomy and Ileostomy.
I said -both-, since strange things can happen where the need for one
or the other may present itself during this major surgical procedure.

Any abdominal surgery manages to produce adhesions and hernias.

Most unfortunately, any surgery to "fix" an adhesion or hernia manages
to produce more adhesions and hernias. That is a well accepted fact
of abdominal surgery, and should have been explained to you on
your first visit with the surgeon. If it hadn't been, perhaps you should
seek another surgeon with a bit more experience regarding abdominal
surgery and procedures. Most colorectal surgeons will advise against
the surgical "repair" of adhesions/hernias, unless the problem is of
great concern (as in "life threatening", or "quality of life diminishing").

During the very invasive surgery, the surgeon could find other problems
that could not be seen with any type of scan, and if that occurs, it may
change the entire scope of the operation.

I insisted that my Ileostomy stoma be left as-is/where-is and re-used
if the removal of an obstruction necessitated the removal of any
small intestine. I was assured repeatedly, that the stoma will be the same
after surgery.

To make a long story short (?), I now have two stomas. One is
the old stoma, that expels so much intestinal fluid that I have to use
a urostomy pouch for it. The other is a brand new stoma that is in
the wrong place, not formed correctly, is on a hernia that obstructs
the proper placement of an ostomy appliance, and appears to be
prolapsed at one side, making it near impossible to fit an ostomy
appliance to it. Oh.... and the surgeon says that there is too, too
much adhesion and hernia damage from the first surgery (and now
this surgery) to ever be abe to correct the situation. It will be for the
balance of my life. The bright side, is that -that- might not be too long.

So for me (and I'm certain, countless others), what was to be a
two hour operation with a week recovery, ended with 4+ operations,
each about three to four hours long, almost a month in ICU, and a
re-visit for the complications. Oh, and I forgot to mention... I now
have only 1/2 of my small intestines, giving me what is called a
"short bowel syndrome".

So my dear... Poop happens, sometimes to those that don't expect
it, and sometimes to those that expected the "worst", but the concept
of what is "worse" had eluded them.

Check again with the surgeon and if possible, locate another colorectal
surgeon that is not of the same group or organization and get another
opinion regarding what you are about to do.

I always give that advice regarding a "second opinion" to others,
but I had neglected to do so for myself, this time. The surgeon was
once the Chief of Staff of the local major hospital, taught Laparoscopic
surgery, and was referred by my Gastro doc as being the best in
the area for any abdominal surgery.

Please, do yourself a favor and get other opinions?

Be well; you have my very best wishes for good health!

John