Proctocolectomy With Ileoanal Anastomosis

i am having a Proctocolectomy With Ileoanal Anastomosis, and need to hear from others as what to expect, will be talking to a surgeon soon, and want to make sure of what to ask him, im scared of having this surgery, but the alternative is worse, please help me understand what things will be like for me post surgery.

thanks

[Morecambe]

My experience may only be of partial relevance to you - almost seven years ago I underwent a total colectomy (ileorectal anastomosis) for torrential diverticular bleeding.  In response to another Medhelp patient's question, I shared my experiences on:-

http://www.medhelp.org/posts/show/523166

You may want to print this off and show it to your surgeon and ask for his/her comments bearing in mind that there may well be significant differences between your ileoanal anastomosis and my ileorectal anastomosis.

In addition I would suggest that you engage a specialist gastrointestinal surgeon rather than a general surgeon - i.e. someone who performs total colectomies all day/every day at a specialist G.I. hospital department rather than a surgeon who also turns their hand to ingrowing toenails, hernias etc etc and has less experience in total colectomy surgery.

Do come back if you have any questions.

regards
Morecambe

[mammo]

With the advancements in the surgical procedure, and surgeon knowledge this surgery has become highly advanced, with very successful results for the patient. The biggest problem after this type of surgery is the many BM's in the beginning.  These can be controlled with diet, as you learn which foods make it worse and with anti-diarrhea medications.  Always keep yourself well hydrated as the many loose BM's can cause dehydration.  It's an adjustment,  I had two sons have complete colectomies with the J-Pouch at 12 & 16, and a grandson at 10.  Keep a positive attitude it will take you far.  I wish you all the best and do take care.

[darlene38]

after this surgery , is weight lose an issue, just wandering with having many bm's in a day?  i know dehydration is.

[mammo]

You won't lose much, my boys and grandson didn't.