flexible sigmoidoscopy

Hi Double G 

Just wanted to see how you’re getting on after your surgery? 

I don’t know about the timings for the flexible sigmoidoscopy but assume they will want things to have settled after your op, and will want to check the part of your lower bowel where everything was done.

Hope you’re slowly getting on with your recovery and feeling well in yourself.

Sarah xx

Hi Sarah thanks for asking, still adjusting to the ileostomy bag and life on the outside, still feels sore down below but hopefully that will pass in the coming weeks. Giles x

Hi Giles

It takes a bit of time to get used to having a stoma, but things do get better as you get used to the routine of dealing with it and start to feel better physically. It’s early days yet, so just look after yourself and take things easy.

Sarah xx

Hi Double G 

Good to hear that the op is over and you're back home recovering.

Yes, I had a flexible sigmoidoscopy at my follow up after LAR. It was meant to take place around the 6 week mark but, because it was covid times, it was 6 months later. Carried out to check the handiwork prior to a discussion regarding reversal.

Hope you continue to heal well and fingers crossed for good results from histology.

Take care.

Thanks for the well wishes, the dressing is coming off where they did the keyhole so got a replacement today, i didn’t fancy soap getting into the wound may smart a bit.

They should’ve pre-warned me, at first i was quite concerned but after thinking about it, it makes sense, then two days after that i meet with the consultant.

Assumably to chat about a plan of action i’m hoping it’s the same for me as you, reversal planned in the new year. I’d like to ask about the reversal if you’ve had it done, that’s part two of the journey, nice to know what to expect in advance.

And also the prep for the sigmoid, kind of confused how that works with the ileostomy in the throw..

Hi Double G 

I don't remember having any prep for the post op sigmoidoscopy - the pre-op one needed an enema that I did myself at home. The discussion regarding the reversal was brief and left me with more questions than answers tbh. First step was a Gastrogafin Enema - another up the bum procedure to check for leaks, storage capacity and muscle control. Not as bad as it sounds (nervous wreck beforehand!) and painless.

In the end, I decided against the reversal. There was a likely 2 year wait (covid backlog) and a degree of uncertainty regarding a successful outcome (frequency issues). Not really what I wanted to hear, but I'm happy with my decision. If you click on my name you can see my profile.

We're all different though and your outcome could well be different.  Lots of folks have had really successful reversals and you'll be able to get lots of helpful information on this forum. I will tag in Artsie as she has first hand experience.

Keep asking questions and take care.

Thanks for being so informative, this sites been good for that, and people have been at different stages, and like you said different outcomes.

Unfortunate time for you to go through that during covid which was bad enough in itself, i know they talk about it a week in advance as like you i have questions.

Enema was mentioned on the phone but as i said i was just left confused what with the bag in place, also felt like i needed a poo from the rear since the op.

Wonder if that will go away, such a weird feeling especially as i’m now wired differently almost scared to go, and what will happen.

Ill add you once i’ve gone to your profile, it’s good to share stories and be in touch 

 Double G  The urge to go is a strange feeling and, again, it seems we're all different. For some it's rare but for others more frequent - but all normal. It does fade in time, or maybe it's just that you get so used to it that you don't notice as much. You're on a steep learning curve at the moment but, don't worry, there's always someone on here to help. That's the beauty of us all being at different stages and having individual experiences.

Thanks BlueBlue 

Hello Double G 

I can answer any of your questions about the reversal. Please click on my name and you can read my experience. 

I was tempted to keep my Whoopi (Stoma) too but my surgeon said I had a good chance of a positive outcome so I went for it. 

Hope things are settling down. It took me a little while to get into a routine. I had lots of support from here 

best wishes 

If you have any problems, go to the STOMA nurses Giles