Stoma reversal

FormerMember
FormerMember
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Hi everyone, so 57 year old hubby had tumor removed last year ,keyhole  no stoma, but then had anastomic leak so emergency open surgery,  followed by perinitius, so 2 days in ITU, 6 weeks in hosp, and came home with a stoma. was told to come back in a year and see about possible reversal. Hated his bag, just couldn't wait to get rid of it.

Saw surgeon this week, removed 2 more polyps during colonoscopy, and whilst in there had a look around, at scarring, stump etc to see if reversal viable.

Apparently, scarring not too bad, and 'just enough' stump left to attempt a reversal. However, apparently once you've had one leak youre at higher risk of having another, and a  'substantial' risk to life. Surgeon is willing to give it a try although in his words it will be 'very difficult', and open surgery again.

Soooo, in my mind, I still have him, he's still able to do most things, he still plays in his Rock band, he's still him, and I honestly don't think the stomas is anywhere near as bad as we was expecting.

However, to hubby, he's always conscious of it, always got his hand on it because it sticks out, he wont get undressed in front of me, has no libido and he just doesn't feel like himself anymore, but he's dreading putting himself thru another op which is a bigger op than the previous 2, and perhaps risking his life. 

What to do, what to do...

He wants my advice, he really wants me to make the decision, but I cant.

Anyone else been thru this?

grateful for any comments

ty

  • FormerMember
    FormerMember in reply to mrs2017

    Hi Chris, that's so good to hear!!! thank you for letting me know. Is it still going well, have u a date for the ileostomy reversal yet?

    Hubby has his meeting with consultant tomorrow and is gonna go for the reversal, so i'll keep u posted. 

    Donna xxx

  • Hi Donna

    Did you see the post that did about stoma reversals a few months ago? 

    https://community.macmillan.org.uk/cancer_experiences/ileostomy_and_colostomy_discussions/f/ileostomy_and_colostomy_discussions-forum/188680/part-2---the-faqs-of-having-a-stoma-reversal

    Hope the meeting tomorrow goes well

    Karen x

    Macmillan Support Line - 0808 808 00 00, 7 days a week between 8am-8pm
  • Just had a reversal on Decemer 5th. Everything now wonderful after a11 day stay in Salford Royal. Brilliant surgeon and staff. Have not felt so well for months.

  • Hi Bagman2019

    I am due to have a reversal next month, fingers crossed! Have you been told not to drive etc like prior to full operation? Hope you don’t mind me asking.

  • No instructions prior to op, but about 6 weeks wait after. Good luck. I have never felt better since coming home. Do not forget to have a supply of loperamide on hand, they are a lifesaver. Before the opportunity I was taking 24 a day but now only take 6 to 8. They really help avoid "accidents"

    Any questions feel free.

    Peter..

  • I really appreciate your response. I’m really nervous and wondering whether to delay my reversal. I’m so glad you’re doing well. 

  • It is up to you but after an initial bout of loose motion for 5 days I have not regretted having it done. It is so good to be free of the bag ! ! Best of luck. Like I said have a good supply of loperamide to hand. Things really do get better.

    Peter

  • I’m worried about needing loperamide. I took one dose when I was having radiotherapy because the hospital was forty miles away and I was having a bit of trouble. The next day I was in a lot of pain from constipation! I really appreciate your response. The other worry is whether I’ll be able to walk my dogs.

  • FormerMember
    FormerMember in reply to FormerMember

    Hi Chris,  hows your hubby doing?  We went to see our consultant on 8th Jan, and he went in on the 20th!! no time to change mind but at least we didnt have months fretting about it.

    He was in for 9 days, bowel 'went to sleep' apparently, so some hairy moments but thank God the surgeon was able to rejoin the bowel up. He's home now and doing well, going to have some dye put thru in few weeks to see if the join has held, but we are believing it has. The new bag fills up very quickly and as you say its liquid so takes some getting used to. Its quite painful for him to pee, like he actually shouts out, and keeps getting really sharp stabby pains in the groin area, does your hubby have this? Prob just part of the healing process. Anyways, keep me posted, sending u both our best wishes xx

  • Hi, good news on the rejoin although the sleeping bowel does not sound good,   husband is doing well,  has not had any pains but was getting a bit a blood in mucus which has worried him but nurses don’t seem to be that worried, we are in the middle of a house sale so he is not going for the last bit of the reversal until we have moved, all the best to you as well and let us know how the final bit of the reversal goes