Colonic Inertia added to Pelvic Floor Prolapse

I have just been diagnosed with colonic inertia and pelvic floor prolapse (including large sigmoidocele, large rectocele, large cystocele, and vaginal vault prolapse).  I am 44 years old and in good shape.  I am told that I need my colon removed and all the rest repaired.  I am pretty freaked out by the notion of all this!  Mostly, the removal of my colon...   I have read a lot of the posts regarding a temporary colostomy bag and was not told I will need this.  Is this still a common procedure?  or is it more common now to not use it?  I do not want this and hope perhaps it is old fashioned or something.

Also, is there anyone out there who has had their colon removed along with the extensive repairs to their pelvic floor, bladder and vaginal vault?  I think I will be very sore after all that!  Any input would be greatly appreciated.

~Paige


This discussion is related to colostomy surgery.

[toosick13]

Did the doctor not explain what removing the colon means?  The colon goes from the end of the small intestines to the rectum.  After food is digested and goes through the small intestines, what's left is dumped into the colon and manufactured into waste product (stool).  If the Dr. is talking about removing the entire colon, then you have no way to get rid of your waste other than a colostomy (or ileostomy).  A temporary colostomy is when part of the colon is removed, repairs can be made later, and the colostomy is "taken down".

[PaigeMarie]

Thank you for your question.  My Dr said that she  would attach my smal bowel to my rectum, but no mention of a temp colostomy bag.

[CalGal]

PageMarie, look for posts by Morecambe who has had the entire large intestine removed. Those posts will give you a good idea of what to expect and how to handle the changes that will result because that portion of the intestine is gone. In many cases such as the one you're describing, the end of the small intestine is attached to the rectum without the use of a temporary bag.

[savannahsignmom]

I am also getting ready to have my whole large intestine taken out due to non-function, from Ehlers-Danlose(a connective tissue disease)  and for some of the same reasons that Page marie spoke of ...the same surgery infact! How do i go about finding older post here (for Morecabe) so that i can see what i am in for? If anyone has ant other information that would be helpfull, it is greatly appriciated! My surgery will be done in alanta,at emery university. thanks for the help
allysen

[CalGal]

Savanah, go to the box over on the right that says 'search this community' and type in Morecambe. That will bring up a lot of posts. In addition, over on the right you'll see a box with a check mark and the Top Digestive Answerers. Look in that box for Morecambe. Click on the name and it will bring up a way you can post a note to Morecambe.