Need advice about surgery, and reconnection

NYVET said:

I didn't think of that, I'll

I didn't think of that, I'll start kegels now. I understand that after surgery sit-ups are a no-no because of the hernia risk. I'm curious if its better to do them now to build abdominal muscles while I can or if abdominal muscles just get in the way of the operation. That's another question for my surgeon.

I have a saying, "exercise helps with everything."  I trained for surgery like it was a marathon, and I think I am the better for it.  The healthier you are going into surgery, in my opinion, the better you come out.  Best of luck with your decisions.  And be sure to ask the surgeon about the catheter, and if you should take a course of prostate meds before surgery.  A catheter sure could get in the way of your dating experiences.

Hello George (and everyone!)

First, I've never posted anything here, but I have read a lot over the past 2+ years and it has been very helpful to hear frist hand experiences from folks.

I had stage 3B colorectal cancer, super close to the verge. I did chemo, then radiation and finally surgery. I had several discussions with the surgeon and she was very up front about the possibiliy that the reversal, while possible and doable, might leave me with what others have described: 20 trips, urgency, leakage etc. I thought about my lifestyle and decided that a permanent ostomy was the way to go. I've been living with it for the past 2 years and I do EVERYTHING I did before the surgery. I go to work in the office, I have a fixer-upper I work on constantly, I ride my motorcycle (imagine having to go suddenly on that!), I participate in 5 and 10Ks, ride my bike, go camping, etc. EVERYTHING. I can't imagine what my life would be like if I had to stop and run to a toilet, or even just worry if one was nearby. I eat and drink whatever I want (although a low carb, very low sugar diet helps with quantity/consistancy of stool). I have my life back. 100%. I don't regret this decision. 

Once I healed from the surgery and my stoma settled into it's final position and shape and the stitches were gone, life went back to normal. My WOC nurse contacted the big 3 (coloplast, convatec, hollister) and had them send me sample kits and I eventually figured out which products worked best for me and I have almost no issues related to the colostomy. 

I hope this helps. Ultimately it's about what quality of life you want after cancer and surgery. I didn't want to heal, have the reversal, heal again, and then end up miserable because I couldn't go back to doing the things I enjoy on my terms. 

If you decide on the permanent ostomy - now or later - I'm happy to share some of my tips and tricks for making it 'smooth sailing'.

All the best

Deb 

       Have you considered the mental aspect of a colstomy bag ? My dad struggles alot with depression and body image issues he is very embarressed by it . However he does have both bags and neuropathy so me and my step mom help him manage the bag so it's not the same case as yours . I just thought it was worth mentioning good luck with whatever you choose . 

Hi I to have stage 3 in my decending colon and prostate cancer 3+4 =7 Im 65 and feel great I have a appt at MSK with DR Iris Wei At the West Harison location ,White Planes . Was wondering how long it takes for the radiation and do you have to stay in the hopital for it ? Also where do they do there surgury ? Any info would be appriciated Im From Rochester Ny area and will be staying with my daughter in Newtown CT and just wondering if it will be a long prosess