colectomy after hemi-colectomy

my wife had a hemi colectomy in 2004, following a routine colonoscopy and discovery of stage I colon cancer. Genetic tests showed that she does have HNPCC, a genetic predisposition towards colon cancer and towards having it more than once. She's been having colonoscopies every 6 mos since that time. A February 08 colonoscopy showed an adenomatous polyp, a pre-cancerous growth. Given her history (uterine cancer 18 yrs ago, common in women with HNPCC) and the HNPCC, our gastroenterologist says we should consider a total colectomy. We're pretty much in agreement, since otherwise it's probably just a matter of time before she would get another colon cancer. One thing we do wonder about, however, is life after the total colectomy. We've read many of the helpful posts from people who have undergone total colectomy themselves, giving details about what is normal for them now. My wife already has 3 or 4 bowel movements per day, with a couple of them being extended visits (20 to 30 minutes in the bathroom) as the stool seems to just keep coming. We're wondering if losing the rest of her colon will mean yet another increase in the frequency and duration of bowel movements. She seems to have an allergic reaction to the cholestyramine but has been trying other preparations the doctor has prescribed.
Thanks.
Michael


This discussion is related to Symptoms / Nutrition, etc. for Post-Op Colonectomy.

[Morecambe]

Hi - perhaps the first thing to check is whether you read my reply to renae241's posting on 20 May in this forum.  This described my own experience of a total colectomy.  Suggest you have a look at it and come back with any questions which I will be very happy to answer.  There is also another more recent reply by CalGal in which she quotes another link to a posting of mine onto which I cannot seem to log on.

Now - this may not be relevant - but just in case:-

when I underwent my total colectomy, I learned that if this procedure is carried out to counteract FAP, then there is a 17% possibility that eventually rectal cancer will result.  I am not a doctor and I do not know whether there is any connection between HNPCC and FAP but it may be worth asking your surgeon whether you are at greater risk from eventual rectal cancer and therefore whether frequent colonoscopies/sigmoidoscopies/ other "oscopies" are advised after your colectomy operation.   Your surgeon will certainly be aware of this connection.

Regarding the visits to the toilet after the operation, I found that "when I had to go, then I had to go".  Each visit generally took no longer than 5 minutes and usually resulted in a complete evacuation of the rectum "at one sitting".

Do please note my comments about avoiding anal soreness by using soapy water dampened toilet paper and mild baby wipes.  I found my motions more corrosive after the operation due, I suppose, to their more liquid nature and possibly some unreacted bile juice passing through.  As mentioned I went to the toilet ~8 times during the day and 2-4 times during the night but, over time, this fell back to ~4 per day and 0-1 at night.  I counteracted this by eating lots of fibre as mentioned in my previous postings.  Organic bran mixed in with puilverised fruit/veg  and yoghurt was especially effective at bulking up my motions.

Hope all goes well - and do revert with any questions.

regards
Morecambe