Stoma / colorectal reversal op today

Hi Clarey03 and I’m sorry your list wasn’t picked up earlier. Have you had an update on your dad now? The bowel will take a few days to settle down and then it’s a case of introducing plain food gradually. The blood clots will probably be dealt with by blood thinning injections then tablets but he’s in the right place to have that monitored.

Take care

Karen x

Hi Clarey,

My husband had a blood clot in his arm whilst in hospital and they put him on blood thinning tablets for 3 months. He's had no further trouble with that. Just be aware if he injures himself he will bleed a lot more than normal, and might need help stopping it.

Thank you very much for your reply . He’s fed up today . He feels sick and can’t eat . He is drinking . He was coping on paracetamol but had more pain relief today.

I think he was apprehensive about pain relief delaying his bowel working , but couldn’t take the pain, hopefully he will be able to eat soon and his bowel will remember what to do - it’s been a year . I am just feel so sad for him . 
Thank you for your kindness. X

Thank you , he got one when on chemotherapy but developed another .

I just hope his bowel remembers what to do soon . He hated having the stoma which is why he opted for this . X

Hi Clarey03. The bowel is a bit of a diva and can go on strike after being manhandled - it’s called ileus and can also cause vomiting. The fact that he’s drinking is good and they’ll probably introduce foods like soup and jelly over the next couple of days. The bowel will wake up in time but he sounds to be heading in the right direction. I had my stoma for 15 months before having it reversed. I had ileus afterwards and was on nil by mouth for a couple of days, then water, then fluids then plain food. 
He’ll get there in time. Have you seen the new board about reversals? 

https://community.macmillan.org.uk/cancer_experiences/ileostomy-and-colostomy-discussions-forum/f/stoma-reversal-and-lars

Hope he starts to improve soon

Take care

Karen x

Oh yes that’s what it’s called It’s called ileus - he had that when he had the stoma bless him, at least my mum can go in this time around . 
Thank you Karen , I hope all is well with you and your life / bowel etc is healthy . I will check out the new link . Thank you ever so much . 

Do you mind me asking how long you were in hospital for? His surgeon said he would be home in a few days . Because of the jubilee and then the weekend the surgeons aren’t around to ask for advice . I wish I knew how to help him somehow .Thank you 

Hi Clarey03. I was originally in about 5 days I think but then the problems started when I got home and I was readmitted for 10 days. I didn’t think it was possible to go that long without solid food but it sorted things out and I put the weight back on eventually. Are his bloods ok? I had a high CRP indicator and it turned out to be an infection that needed treating. I also had low potassium and had to drink something for that which was vile.

It is tough over bank holidays as the usual consultants aren’t there but he’s in the best place to be taken care of and you can build him back up when he gets home x

Hi Karen,

Thank you so so much . I will ask about bloods and when they were last checked . Mums the only one allowed up , and he’s embarrassed about having to be cleaned up etc. I rang last night and asked if the doctor on rounds would give him IV fluid  and queried wether he may need antibiotics ( I just thought with Bacteria and stoma healing etc) they said they would be round around 9 am and see. My mum was there 9-11.30 and didn’t see anyone , he can’t eat and can only sip water as vomiting . My mum called just now and asked for Iv fluids and they said they will request when sees a doctor . 
I am sure he will be fine , I just worry about the lack of staff at the hospital and if there is anything I could think of / do . 
I have some electrolyte sachets but may make him sick .
I can’t tell you how thankful I am for you taking the time to reply, it means the world to me/ us .

clare x

Hi Clarey03. I had Ileus after both my tumour removal and also after my reversal. I also had an infected fluid collection around the rejoin both times which is why I was wondering if his CRP was ok - it should be under 10 and mine was over 100. I’m surprised they haven’t got him on a drip as a matter of course otherwise he will be in danger of become dehydrated. My husband brought me some of his drinks in that he takes when he goes cycling but I found them a struggle to get down.

Its good that your mum is able to visit and she could maybe check that he’s got a good supply of those cardboard hats to be sick in and that he’s wearing some incontinence pads as once his bowel starts to work then it can be pretty erratic. 
Food wise is tricky but I used to have a lot of jacket potatos but not the skin or soup followed by jelly and ice cream. The surgeon said my potassium was low so my husband brought me the worlds biggest banana in - I was totally over faced. I remember feeling absolutely lousy and just chanting my mantra of ‘this too shall pass’. It’s horrible to go through but I’m sure he’ll get better in time

Feel free to ask anything - I’m happy to help

Take care

Karen x