Bowel Resection

[Sillygurl21]

I've had inflammation in my colon for years now, and they are starting to suspect endometriosis of the colon. The doctor is sending me to a surgeon for a bowel resection and I have no clue what to expect. Has anyone had this done and what can I expect. What does the prep consist of? How long can I expect to be out of commision? Any and all tips and info will be appreciated.

[Morecambe]

I underwent a total colectomy in 2004 following bouts of torrential diverticular bleeding.  In response to another Medhelp patient's question I posted my experiences within the various responses which can be found at:-

http://www.medhelp.org/posts/show/523166

My surgery was not laparoscopic but fully "open abdomen".  

Please do come back with any questions you may have after reading the above.

regards
Morecambe

[patient915]

Do you have endo in other places, like your uterus?

[Ginger1111]

hello Sillygurl,
did you underwent to a gynaecological visit?
In order to determinate if you suffer of endo or not, you have first to do some other visits.
I suffered of endo, and the only thing I can suggest is to go to a specialised doctor in this issue.
Sorry for my english. Do not hesitate to contact me if you need more information about endometriosis.
Bye

[Sillygurl21]

I've had four surgeries for endo, and have been seeing a specialist for over a decade now. As for endo in the uterus, everyone has endometrium in the uterus. That's where it belongs, it becomes endometriosis when it grows outside the uterus. I have been diagnosed with stage IV endo with bowel and colon evolvement. Its not common for it to penetrate the bowel wall however, usually it is only on the surface. My specialist believed it was in my colon, but had to rely on the GI doctors. And sadly the GI doctors kept telling her there was nothing there. I've since moved and now have a GI doctor that listens, but have to find a endo specialest. Thanks for all the replies.
Morecambe I am sorry to hear what you had to go through, but think you for sharing.

[Sillygurl21]

I've had four surgeries for endo, and have been seeing a specialist for over a decade now. As for endo in the uterus, everyone has endometrium in the uterus. That's where it belongs, it becomes endometriosis when it grows outside the uterus. I have been diagnosed with stage IV endo with bowel and colon evolvement. Its not common for it to penetrate the bowel wall however, usually it is only on the surface. My specialist believed it was in my colon, but had to rely on the GI doctors. And sadly the GI doctors kept telling her there was nothing there. I've since moved and now have a GI doctor that listens, but have to find a endo specialest. Thanks for all the replies.
Morecambe I am sorry to hear what you had to go through, but think you for sharing. Its good to know life can go back to normal. Its kind of scary losing part of yourself in a surgery. I've been through several, but I've only lost stuff that should have never been there.

[Sillygurl21]

Thanks for the info, its nice to know can go back to being normal.

Patient915, endo is suppose to be in the uterus. Its when it grows outside of the uterus that it is an issue.

Ginger111 I've had four surgeries for endo, which is the only way to diagnose endo. I was diagnosed stage IV with colon and bowel involvement. My special believed the endo could have been causing the issues, but had to rely on what the GI doctors were finding as far as the depth goes.