I'd love some advice from those who have had (or considered) reveral surgery. I was given an unexpected gift of a stoma last November, following bowel surgery. I am mercifully cancer free as a result and am grateful. I have developed a parastomal hernia that is uncomfortable/sometimes painful.
I have been advised that a reversal opereration is feasible, that my muscle/ pelvic floor control appears good and that, as relatively young (early 60s), my surgeon recommends I should go for it. However, I only have some 25% of rectum remaining.
So, what do I do? Its not clear cut and am afraid of becoming faecal incontinent with such a reduced rectum. Am told that body adjusts and the end of the colon would learn to develop as a 'holding area'. But this feels a risk and I like to be active and away from the house/ town as much as possible. It would be hell to be tied to be near a loo all the time. On the other hand, to face having stoma and hernia for rest of my life is also not a great alternative. Has anyone else had such a dilemma. What did you do/ think? I would really appreciate as many responses as possible. Thank you very much in advance.
Hi there ,I had whats called an ultra low anterior resection and was told that my body would be able to cope with a reversal but it would be hard difficult at the start ,but get easier with time ,but would definitely never be the same as before, I decided to keep my illestomy ,I hope I have done the right thing ,that's just my own decision ,they say everyone is different, I wish you well in your decision, it's over 2 years now since my operation and still cancer free ,I can go places & do things, that I wouldn't have been able to do had I went for a reversal
