Colectomy without jpouch or ileostomy bag

[Kazann34]

Hello everyone. I recently had surgery to have my colon removed and did not need to have an ileostomy or other surgeries to create a jpouch. The surgeon removed my colon and attached my small intestine to my rectum. That's it. Almost everyon out there has had more than one surgery or has the bag, am I alone? Looking for others to compare outcome of surgery with.

[ng1031]

How is control of your BM's ?? Are they they same as everyone else where you have to wear pads?

[louise56]

Hi There...I was diagnosed with UC in 2000. I went through years of  low and high doses of prednisone and sulfa drugs. Nothing stopped the flareups, cramping, bleeding and urgent bowel movements. I felt totally isolated and didn't like going anywhere. If I did go anywhere, I made sure I knew where every bathroom or porta potty was located. My doctor even suggested that I try IV predisone, but even 5 days in the hospital on IV's did nothing for me. I absolutely hated the stuff...I gained about 50 lbs, my skin was thin and I couldn't sleep some nights because I felt like I was burning up. I was wondering if I was going to get colon cancer or have tons of serious side affects from the prednisone. I agreed to try Imuran but  I was deathly allergic to it and ended up with pancreatitis and a rare diease called Sweet's Syndrome. I was in the hospital 9 days. I finally opted for an illiectomy as a last choice, but was so happy that I would no longer be on the prednisone that I didn't even blink. Then the doctor told me that I could have a pouch restructured in a second surgery. Yippee...what a bonus. The 2 months of having an illiectomy and having to wear the appliance bag was challenging but I just looked at it as having a new knowledge in how things work and what experience I could get. I tended to "empty" about every 1/2 hour. Seemed like whatever I ate went straight to the bag. I also had gas and had to "burb" the bag often. I ended up dehydrating from emptying so often. Spent many, many days in the hospital on IV fluids, sodium, magnesium and calcium to keep me from having all over body cramps. They put in a PIC line so I could just go in and get hooked up...my doctor was wonderful in helping me get everything set up through the hospital. After two months I had my take down surgery in Eugene Oregon and went home 6 days later. Butt Paste is a necessity because the acid from the digestive track is more concentrated and can begin to burn, plus it helps protect and heal irritated anal skin and then  Metamucil helps me from having watery stools. It bulks up and firms the stool. Even Vasilene ointment put on toilet paper before wiping keeps senstive skin from hurting so much and sitz baths work wonders.I have still had to go to the bathroom about every hour or two but with BIG differences from the UC days...No bleeding, no prednisone and now if I have an urge to go, I actually can hold it for 10 to 20 minutes to get to a bathroom. I still do Kegal excercises to keep the anal muscles tight and I keep panty liners on hand just in case. I hope this will help some of you with your concerns. Yes....if I could do it again....I would definately do it all again. I am social and go places again....Email me if you want..Make your subject "UC"
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[7Kitties1Dog]

Hi. I know this is way past your original post date, but I had the EXACT same surgery done in January of 2011. I had severe constipation for almost 30 years and nobody could figure out why, so I finally had an appointment at the Cleveland Clinic. The surgeon there was wonderful. Did the same procedure. Stayed 5 nights and went home. I am doing absolutely WONDERFUL. I would recommend the procedure to ANYONE!

[becky56]

Thank you for listening to me complain and for your encouragement...I just keep hanging in there.  My belly hurts and I want to feel normal.  I am now 4 1/2 weeks into recovery. I wonder if a heating pad would help?  I just had no idea that I wouldn't feel okay by week 4...I just want to stay stooped over and stay perfectly still.  Thank you for your encouragement. Becky

[Kazann34]

Hi. I'm sorry to hear you are having difficulties in your post surgical time. I just wanted to let you know that I too had ups and downs as far as amounts of potty trips when I first had surgery. I still have this problem. Some days are light and some days are just crazy. You are only a few weeks out and I think it is so important for you to give your sefl the time to heal and not rush it. Not to discourage you but it took me the first 3 full months to really start to feel even somewhat normal again. It will take time and evey day you'll get a little stronger and feel better. Then there might be days that you feel 'wow, why do I still feel so horrible' but i think that is normal. I went through that for quite a while. I understand about just wanting to lay down in the fetal position and not move, just like I said take time and be good to yourself. Your body has been through a lot. So I can't be of more help but hope you feel less alone. Take care and hang in there!
~Karen

[becky56]

Had a colon resection on Dec 21/09 and am now 3 1/2 weeks out from my surgery.  It was difficult...very difficult but I had no choice.  Today I am still extremely weak, cannot figure out my new normal in regard to bowels, and my belly hurts.  Sometimes I have 20 bowel movements a day and then other days I have none.  I have a hard ridge underneath my scar...sort of hard knots which are quite tender.  I am slightly discouraged and still can't understand why I feel so bad...I am 56 and in good shape.  But I feel like crap....and just hurt.  I want to stay in the fetal position. I lost tons of weight and I had absolutely no extra weight to spare...I get tired of hearing how bad I look b/c i feel as bad as i look.