AHHHHHHHSTOMY

MandiePandie
MandiePandie Member Posts: 109 Member
in Colorectal Cancer #1

Well, my dad did have a leak. Some type of special contrast confirmed it. Why they didn't do that contrast before as he sat in the hospital for days I don't know. 

Can anyone share their experience with ostomy and reversal. I searched a little on here but all I see are problems that people posted. Maybe it's just not that common, I don't know. 

We can't rely on his surgeon for info. She's dissmissive and rude. I badly wanted dad to go to another hospital, maybe another surgeon could have avoided the ostomy, but dad is just so tired of it all already and wants to come home. 

Comments

  • Annabelle41415
    Annabelle41415 Member Posts: 6,742 Member
    edited January 2021 #2
    Ileostomy and Reversal

    My ileostomy was performed in March and then a reversal in November.  There are people that have no problems with a reversal, however there are people that have constant bowel issues.  Mine has been an issue with several trips to the bathroom everyday, and most of them not planned.  I'm still able to go out shopping, to my kids or grandkids as long as I've not eaten or I'm around a bathroom.  I'm alive 12 years later and to me that is the most important part.  I've seen several grandchildren born, two of my kids married, and still loving life.  Your dad will get through this one day at a time.

     

  • RudiTuesday
    RudiTuesday Member Posts: 15
    #3
    Mandie, an ostomy isn't so bad.

    I've had a temporary ostomy twice. It will take your dad a while to get used to it and there will be some trial and error along the way. I'm so sorry that you're dealing with a surgeon that you don't like. Compassion for the patient is so important but not something that can be taught. Your dad will have an ostomy nurse, hopefully the ostomy nurse will be compassionate. In my experience at two different hospitals the ostomy nurse was an angel on earth. My first ostomy lasted for about one year and I sailed through the reversal. After the surgery recovery period I was pretty much back to normal. I had my second ostomy for only 4 months. It was reversed in August 2020. I still have some urgency and control issues where I have to quickly run to the bathroom. Honestly, I don't always make it in time. For me, it usually happens first thing in the morning and after my evening meal. During most of the day I'm fine. When I do have a bowel movement, I have clustering. If I go once, I'll go 3 or 4 times in 30 minutes or so. I can pretty much eat whatever I want although spicy food and fried foods will send me running to the bathroom so I generally avoid them unless I'm having a real craving. Sometimes I just want to eat what I want to eat even though I know I will pay the price later. Please continue to ask questions, your dad is lucky that you care so much.

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