Cut off distance from verge for bag

Well, I am probably not the person you want to respond to your question because of my outcome, but hear me out.  Just like you the "bag" was the nemisis for me.  Paralysis or even death from the surgery never caused a single concern - it was the bag.

During all post surgery consults my surgeon said that my tumor was high and that he could get it out without the need for an ostemy.  Consequently. I put it out of my mind.  THEN while I was laying on the bed getting prepped for surgery he walked in and told me that there was a possibility of the need to perform an open procedure and if he could not get a good closure on my rectum (tight seal) then I would need an ileostomy.  Thanks for sharing at this moment, Doc.

When I awoke from surgery (in debilating pain for a good while) my first question was about the bag.  My wife did not want to answer me and I had to ask twice.  The answer did not affect me at the moment, as I had greater issues with pain control.  It wasn't until I got home that it hit me.  After 48 hours of self-induced pity I regained control of myself and snapped out of that weak spot.  The members on this list are responsible for my acceptance of this new normal and for that I am so grateful.

Why did I need an ileostomy?  Two reasons.  My surgeon said that I had lots of scar tissue which complicated the effort.  This scar tissue resulted from a previous radical prostectomy and a bilateral inguinal hernia repair.  And, the radiation had reduced the quality of the rectal tissue.  So all those previous activities that were beneficial to me were also detrimental to me. 

My ostomy is temporary and for that I am thankful.  But if it weren't or if conditions change and it becomes permanent then I will deal with it.  I am fully convinced that you will do the same.

Hang tough my friend as this too shall pass.  For me it is not passing fast enough.

Jim

I too had the same concerns as you when starting this journey.  As Mikenh said, as the journey continued my main concern was survival and dealing with come what may after the fact. 

My original tumor was 5 cm and was 5-8 cm from the anal verge, which is very low and I was originally told I would have a permanent bag.  My surgeon told me that a permanent colostomy or a temporary ileostomy would be decided during surgery and I was marked for both at my preop meeting with the stoma nurse.  I awoke to a temporary ileostomy, and while there is a big learning curve, it became "normal".  We are all much more resilient than we think.  I have since had my reversal and that has it challenges as well, but I am alive and living life.

Wishing you all the best.

When I had my LAR surgery my surgeon and I talked about the possibility of a temporary bag vs colostomy. He indicated if he could get clear margins he would do the ileostomy.

 I went in for the three hour surgery which turned into six hours. They found cancer had spread to my abdominal wall.

 I woke up with a colostomy. I'm pretty used to it, no problems.

Ask your surgeon what the plan is.

Good Luck

My tumor was 5 cm about 9 cm from anal verge.  Resection cut out fom 5 to 20 cm from verge, thus requiring temporary ileostomy.  Reversal 6 weeks later resulted in fistula at ostomy cite.  Bag required additional 6 weeks.  Fistula healed itself. Lucky me!!! Been NED(no evedence of disease)last 7 years, confirmed by two different  colonoscopies.  It was a bumpy road, but now living normal life.  Good luck to you.