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OK so a fairly rare procedure but anyone else had their arse torn out? I had a colectomy 6 years ago or so due to chronic ulcerative colitis and unfortunately the UC is still there in the rectal stump.
I could opt for a lifetime of enemas and endoscopies but I get on just fine with the ileostomy and don't fancy the reversal (stats are not at all good on it turning out well) so seriously considering the proctectomy. Trying to get in to see the surgeon but would appreciate any feedback from anyone if they've had one- recover times, side effects etc.
sorry DBG, no idea
best of luck with it all though
Thanks SP. Not hugely looking forward to it must be said but I think it’s the least bad option ultimately.
Hopefully will have the same surgeon who did my colectomy as he was a thoroughly nice chap and I know I’d be in good hands.
Had perm Ileostomy for more than twenty years now, though not for the more usual UC/Crohns reasons.
I was out of hospital (St Marks) within two weeks, and back at work after a further 6-8 weeks - I had a 65mile each driving commute so had to wait until the everything had properly healed even though I was mainly desk based. Main surgery took a bit longer to heal for me due to complication with my initial surgery three years prior. The original plan was temp Ileostomy, followed by reversal after 6-9 months, but in the end, was getting on fine with it so took the decision to go permanent with the Ileostomy as the orIginal complications meant increased reversal failure.
Recovery wise, was off the bike for about three months, and started very gently (none that new fangled suspension for me back then) following surgeons/doctors advice.
So twenty years on...
Positives, I can eat pretty much anything I want, don’t have to constantly think where is the nearest loo. I can do pretty much anything I want. Whilst others talk crap in meetings, you can express your views (best if only to yourself), in a more literal way. Hasn’t stopped me riding, done Ride London twice, Velo Birmingham with no issues (with the Ileostomy anyway).
Negatives, managing fluid balance can be harder - your colon normally helps to balance fluid levels so you can end up drinking more to keep you on the right side of things. I’ve had a couple of very bad stomach bugs (fluids exiting at both ends) that have put me in hospital, couple of days on a drip to get fluid levels back to normal. After a crash, you need to check that you haven’t burst a bag (never happened to me, burst that is, crashed more than enough times).
Overall, positives for me massively outweigh the negatives. Having a bag hasn’t stopped me from doing anything I’ve wanted to.
Happy to try and answer any specific questions if you have them.
Thanks Ted. I’ve had the ileostomy for about 6 years and get on just fine with it. Recovery was a bit tough but not horrific.
This will be to remove the rest of the colon / rectum and possibly anus. The thought of sitting on a saddle even months later isn’t entertaining me right now!
That bit was nothing like what I expected. Like you, I suspect, I was very concerned that sitting on a saddle would somehow now be an issue, and would risk reopening wounds etc. The actual closure point, well mine anyway, doesn’t get stressed by sitting on a saddle.