Support and encouragement

[NMMel]

My friend had her entire colon removed 10 days ago and is going through some depression. Is there anyone out there who has been through this who can give her some encouragement? I willl check this message board from time to time and forward it to her.


This discussion is related to 90% of my colon removed.

[Morecambe]

Hi - I hope that my experience may be able to help your friend.

Four years ago I suffered torrential diverticular bleeding and, after numerous tests, it was decided that I should undergo a total colectomy (also called an ileorectal anastomosis).

briefly my experiences can be summarised as follows:-

- the operation took abour four hours
- the open surgery (rather than laparoscopic) procedure involved a 10-11 inch incision from the pubic area to just below the sternum
- after the operation pain was reasonably well controlled via a spinal epidural drip
- I felt pretty beaten up after the operation but gradually recovered my strength and left hospital after 12 days
- my period in hospital was lengthened from the normal ~ 7 days due to an ileus.  This is a condition where the remaining intestines are slow to restart following the "trauma" of being manilulated by the surgeon
- I was given loads of drugs for pain relief, anti-biotics (in case of any leakage of intestinal fluid from the "join") and various other tablets and I.V. drips etc
- after leaving hospital one has to take things easy for several months - this is a big operation.
- however I felt normal again after about 6-8 weeks but did not start playing tennis again for ~4 months.
- one consequence of this operation is the number of toilet visits - in my case it was ~ 8 during the day and ~4 per night with my motions being "muddy/slidgy" in texture.
- However, over time this decreases and today it has decreased to ~4 per day and ~0-1 during the night
- this does represent a change to previous experience however, the number of toilet visits can be decreased by eating planty of fibre/roughage.  Organic bran, added to home made muesli, yoghurt and other foods "bulks up" your stools and reduces the watery texture as well as reducing the corrosive effect on the anus.  To protect the anus, I suggest that the last wipe with the toilet paper is made with the paper soaked in soapy water.
- several patients who have posted on Medhelp have felt dismayed at the increased number of toilet visits.  However, I say the following :-"think if how many times you urinate every day and sit on the loo - well every time you do a "number one" you will be doing a "number two" at the same time!!  Also I find that I do some of my most profound thinking when sitting on the loo and the extra time your friend spends there might eventually be seen as a bonus!!

However, having said all this, are there any other specific reasons why you feel your friend is depressed?  There may be other causes inconnected with the opertaion.

Do come back with further questions if you feel that I can elaborate.

Good luck
Morecambe

[NMMel]

My friend had her rectum removed as well and her anus is stitched shut.  I think having a permanent colostomy bag is what she is having trouble dealing with. She doesn't seem to be in a lot of post operative pain.  The bag leaks and she thinks she is smelly because of this.  Her husband cannot deal with helping her change or bag or bed linens. I think this is what is depressing her because she thinks she is a burden to him. It is nice to know you recuperated enough to play tennis eventually. I will pass your information along to her and encourage her to join an online support group.

[Morecambe]

Thanks for your response.  The obvious question to ask is whether, in time, the anal closure can be reversed.

On a medical website you may find a description of ileoanal anastomosis or similar which may give your freind some hope.  Try the word "procolectomy" or similar as well because I think (but I'm not sure) whether this also refers to your friend's prodecure.

Good luck
Morecambe