I had a colectomy due to a malignant major blockage causing my colon to be in such bad shape that it started leaking gas and fecal matter into my body cavity 3 years ago, Aug. 2008. I was diagnosed with stage 3 b colorectal cancer.
I have a permanent very high output ileostomy. I have been contemplating having the barnett continent intestinal reservoir done as I have so much irritation from the ostomy and leaking around the stoma and having to replace the entire device 4 plus times a week, sometimes. I am so tired of messing with it.
I have alot of trouble with dehydration and emailed Dr. Shiller who does the surgery in LA at the BCIR center, who told me that I would have to wait to have the surgery til I have the dehydration under control and it has been 5 years since surgery for colectomy and cancer diagnosis. He also told me that the high output would not improve til I got the dehydration under control even with his BCIR. I have tried about everything, currently taking metamucil fiber 2-3 TB. up to 3X aday with a prescription of Welchol- 2 tablets 3X a day, for the side effect of constipation. It slows it down may be for 2 emptyings and then it is back to "hot water." My question is "Do You have any suggestions?"
Sincerely, Barbara PS. I have been considering a colon transplant, but my doctor says that I couldnt handle the drugs they put you on. PSS. I am not a candidate for the Jpouch-didnt leave enough of the sigmoid to reconnect; just have a stump of a rectum left. Would there have been any possibility of the surgeon taking out some of the small intestine during the colectomy causing short bowel syndrome? Any possible need to? This was a question they asked me at the BCIR hospital as they need at least 2 feet of bowel to make the internal reservoir with, and couldnt do it otherwise.