Ileostomy Reversal

That’s Net 

I will keep trying. 
have a lovely weekend x

Hi Net77

Thanks for posting this update.  It's really good to know that you've improved so much and, hopefully, that will continue and you'll go from strength to strength.  You've made me think a bit more positively about my own reversal, although I still haven't reached a final decision on whether to go for it or not.  Op was originally pencilled in for late Feb/early March by the surgeon, although the cancer nurse thought that was wildly overoptimistic and suggested a 2 year wait.  The first pre-op assessment has timed out but I have an appointment for an up to date one on Tuesday so will see what they say then.

I hope that your hip is improving too.  Poor you, having all that to deal with at once.

best wishes

Hi BlueBlue 

I feel the same although I’m only six months since my LAR so I’ve got a very long wait. 
Im going for it. They’ve said they will support me and I think my surgeon wouldnt have done the op if he didn’t think I could be reversed he would of done a permanent job. 
I am in no rush though 

Keep us updated with your appointment on Tuesday 

Hi Ann

It sounds as though you have a really lovely team around you.  We're very lucky with the NHS, aren't we?

My LAR was in June last year and he said at the time that there was only a 50/50 chance of reversal. I think that's what's added to my uncertainty going forward as I just persuaded myself that it wouldn't happen so got myself very settled with the stoma, which I'm very relaxed with now.  When the surgeon said in December that a reversal was possible I wasn't expecting it so was a bit gobsmacked and flustered and couldn't think of anything sensible to ask.  He's an ex-army surgeon, excellent at his job, but a bit scary at the same time.  

My sister has significant continence problems due to other health issues so I've seen first-hand the difficulties she has on a daily basis.  That's why I'm so risk averse.

I also know that I'm very lucky to be given the chance of a reversal though.  My Dad's colostomy was permanent and he just never accepted it at all - even although it gave him a few more years with us.

Ah well, we'll see what Tuesday brings.

best wishes

Hi BlueBlue

Ill be thinking of you Tuesday. I am really lucky with my team. When I went to my consultation I had lots of questions in my head and Mr Randall talked for thirty minutes explaining in detail my whole journey. When he finished he kindly asked is there anything you would like to ask me. 

I said. What would happen if I didn’t have it done.  
How ridiculous.  What a stupid question. He was so lovely.
Then my hubby asked if he was removing the cancer via the anus. No was the answer and he went into great detail of how he was getting it out I sat there in the middle of a plumber and builder talking about a job.  Funny now but not so much then 

It must be confusing for you now to have come to terms with having a permanent stoma. I’m not sure how I’d feel. Mine told me my reversal would be challenging so he has warned me. 
Good luck on Tuesday 

1. Hi Karen,Can you let me know the names of the creams you used.I have leakage,and going to toilet so much,that I am so sore.I've only had 3 treatments of Radiotherapy so far but its messing my bowels up awful.and I have a terrible pain low in my pelvis ,where a lump is.I will be starting my next week's treatment tomorrow,and I'm Terrified I won't be able to control my bowel,whilst having the treatment.I get very little warning or sometimes none.I,m afraid to eat anything ,before treatment.I'm feeling really down about it all.x

Hi Belzy. Please talk to the radiographers about this and see if they can arrange for a nurse to have a chat with you? I was given loperamide to take if I was having bowel problems which thickens up your output and slows down the transit of your stools through the bowel which allows more liquid to be absorbed from if. I was also given diarolyte to make into a drink to replace lost electrolytes. It’s important to only use the creams that the hospital gives you as some of the over counter nappy rash creams can contain zinc oxide. 
The pain in your pelvis may be from the radiotherapy aggravating the tumour but mention this as well and see what they suggest 

Let me know how you get on?

Take care

Karen x

HI Karen thanks for your reply,I did mention it on Friday,but they didn't seem too concernd,said I should mention it at my review, which is tomorrow, I asked what I could buy for my Nausea but told not to buy over the counter medication.That they would prescribe something there but  worried if I have to wait till my weekly review,.I will have to ask the Chemist for something. I don't even know who will do my  weekly review..I  feel embarrassed about talking to someone face to face about such personal stuff.I am in my 80's and it's not easy.Thanks again Karan.xx

Hi Belzy. Did they not give you any antisickness to start with? I think my reviews were with a nurse at the hospital where I was having the radiotherapy. It is embarrassing but it’s all stuff they’ve dealt with before and you need to be honest so they can provide you with the best solution. In the meantime could you nibble on some ginger biscuits or there is a sweet called Gin gins which I think you can buy in the health food shops which may help?

Hang on in there

Karen x

Hi Karan No they didn't give me any sickness pills,but will have to wait till tomorrow,when I have my 1st review..Won't eat today till after my treatment,then I ll eat when I get home..Thank you so much for all your help I'll try not to keep winging to you.You've

Been a  great help.Godbless.xx