Ileostomy Reversal

 Artsie,Ileus is when the bowel goes to sleep after an operation.it doesnt like being messed with and basically goes on strike.I had it in my small bowel for 9 days after having my colon removed.

Hope that explains it a bit

Kath

Thank you Kath

I was bombarded with science on the net and as my name suggests I find it hard to compute! 

i have been called Arty Farty in the past which I wasn’t keen on then but for  years I actually haven’t done  

It’s something impossible for me to do  

Hello to everyone reading this.

Just thought I'd update you all.

Last Friday to Monday was pretty grim.  Lost count of number of times to loo, leakage, soiling, VERY sore bottom!  As an aside I damaged my thigh/hip joint by over rotating it, a few days before my operation and have been living on painkillers for that since home.  Have been eating very small amounts of food and on a beige diet.

Tuesday didn't open my bowels at all (probably due to meds) and this helped my poor bottom recover.  Since then things regarding my reversal have really improved.  I don't have much urgency and seem to have a cluster of 2-4 toilet visits in the evening only!  This is so much better than I expected, albeit early days yet.

Today the incontinence pants have gone!  I've next to no pain from my wound and it's closing nicely.  Just need to get this thigh/hip problems sorted now .

It was absolutely worth doing the sphincter exercises and would recommend persevering with them to anyone having a reversal, even though it's a bit of a chore at the time.

Hope you're enjoying this amazing weather.

Best wishes,

Net 

Hi Net77 and it’s good to hear that things sounds to be improving. Codeine is renown for havung a constipation effect so that could be slowing things down a bit. I found haemorrhoid cream to be good for a sore bottom as it has a slightly anaesthetising effect - I remember being close to tears with mine once so using this cream and wet wipes instead of toilet paper really helped

Thanks for the update - Im sure it will be of help to others in the future too

Take care

Karen x

Hi Karen. Thanks.

Yes, I took all your advice re creams, wipes etc.  I even found the water wipes were too painful to use initially but luckily we have a douch next to the loo.

How are you doing after your hip op?  Hope your recovering well and able to enjoy the lovely weather.

Best Wishes

Net x

Thanks Nett77

Your progress sounds really encouraging.
I hope that things carry on improving with this lovely weather you can go out in the sunshine

When it comes to the sphincter exercises I’m not sure what I’m doing. I’ve read all the literature on it. Im not sure I know where my bottom is anymore. It’s really funny when I think about it. I spent so long with a massive pressure there. It’s now asleep. 
I will keep trying to find it though I’m six more months until I’m on the top of the list 

Thanks so much for the update

Hope your progress continues 

Hi Net77. I’m improving slowly thanks. Managing on 1 crutch now but operated leg is still pretty swollen. I’ve had to wear those horrible socks for 6 weeks and I’m sure they don’t help. Did a few laps of the patio in the sunshine this morning and gonna ask hubby to set me a chair up outside the summerhouse so I can get some fresh air x

That’s really good news Karen. The weather should be fine tomorrow may even need some suntan lotion 

Hi Karen.

Good to hear you're improving and 1 crutch sounds good.  Is it compression stocking/socks you have to wear?

The weather looks really good for the next week or so - so get your chair set up outside your summerhouse, little table, sunglasses, sun cream, drinks and a good book!

That's my plan too (except we don't have a summerhouse). Will be thinking of you.

Take Care

Net x

Hi Artsie,

Thank you for your good wishes.  I will definitely be outside enjoying the good weather, hope you and your husband can too.

I'm sorry you have an unresponsive bottom at the moment I do hope things improve for you.

Best wishes

Net x