Hi, just thought I'd join in this conversation as I had a near total colectomy and resection many years ago due to Crohn's disease.
I had 40 years like this and it became a way of life. I worked and studied over those years with no real problems as my health was generally good. I had to empty my bowels about 5 times a day and always very loose. I sometimes needed the loo with urgency, but almost never had 'accudents' as I had enough muscle control, thankfully.
There were a few foods I knew I needed to avoid and some, like curries and bolognaise that I knew would make me need the loo more quickly but I ate them nevertheless!
I've got a stoma again now, permanent this time due to cancer cells found. But hey ho, cos I'm told I'm cancer free now!I
I think you'll find your new bowel function becomes something you adjust to and can manage over time. It's a big change, do give yourself time and compassion!
I'm very interested to hear how you are coping as I note you posted this over one year ago. I have been advised to have this procedure, well this is one I may choose as the first option they put forward to me was total removal of bowel, anus, rectum and having a permanent stoma. Ileorectal anastomosis is the option they suggested without having a stoma. You can read my history but basically I had surgery 6 years ago, had the op to remove the cancer, had chemo and since been free of cancer for 6 years. I have recently had 3 polyps removed, one was cancerous and because the cancer was only 0.4 of a millimetre away from the colon they want to remove the colon to prevent it returning for a third time.
