Stoma reversal

Suzi21 21 days ago

7 replies
180 subscribers
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Ten weeks ago I had a stoma revesal, I am struggling with the incontinence. Going through loads of nappies and pads!!! I do understand it can take 6 months to a year ( so my Dr keeps on telling me) Does anyone have any tips to make life easier. I have managed to get to a restaurant, not far from home, incase I had to rush back!! That worked out OK, then two days later, I spent the afternoon on and off the loo, which seems to happen alot, is this normal?? Are there any special excersises to do. To top it all off last week I found I have a rectal prolapse.

Thanks for listening to me.

Kareno62 21 days ago

Hi Suzi21 Yes the first few weeks can be very erratic. It’s worth keeping a food diary to see if there are any trigger foods? There are also some muscle exercises on page 23 of this booklet which are worth practicing as it helps to hold things in when you get a sudden urge until you can get to a toilet

https://bowelcancerorguk.s3.amazonaws.com/Publications/Bowel_Cancer_UK_Regaining_Bowel_Control.pdf

Lots of help and support on this board too

https://community.macmillan.org.uk/cancer_experiences/ileostomy-and-colostomy-discussions-forum/f/stoma-reversal-and-lars

Things do improve over time and you may get used to a new normal but it can be frustrating

Take care

Karen x

Macmillan Support Line - 0808 808 00 00, 7 days a week between 8am-8pm

Katieliz 21 days ago

Hi I totally get where you are coming from. I had surgery Feb last year with temp stoma and had reversal September. I have really struggled since with same symptoms you have mentioned. Have just had 6 monthly bloods and scan Tuesday so hoping all good. I am at point where I want stoma put back. Once get results hoping to have appointment with surgeon to see what my options are. Just feel as if my life is on hold and can't do anything and TBH can't continue like this. Want to live my life and be free to do whatever I want. I really hope things improve fir you take care x

Kareno62 20 days ago in reply to Katieliz

Hi Katieliz There might be some useful information in here for you?

https://community.macmillan.org.uk/cancer_types/bowel-colon-rectum-cancer-forum/f/general/232375/regaining-bowel-control

Macmillan Support Line - 0808 808 00 00, 7 days a week between 8am-8pm

Suzi21 20 days ago in reply to Kareno62

Thank you for your advice, will check out the excises. Suzi x

Suzi21 20 days ago in reply to Katieliz

My surgeon keeps on saying it can take up to a year but like you said want plan things. A girlfriend has just bought me tickets for Santana in July,. Already I am panicking about it, extra large nappy????!!!! She said no pressure if I can't make it., a good friend who's husband going through the same thing. Fortunately he seems to be doing much better than me.

We have to be strong and positive and it will get better. I just want to know what's happening to me is normal and I'm not doing things wrong!!

Hope all goes well with your Dr and results, know what you mean about having the stoma put back in. My doc said that's the last resort.

Our saying is 'Onwards and Upwards '

Take care, Suzi x

Suzi21 20 days ago in reply to Kareno62

Have watched it Karen, thank you, very informative. Suzi x

Katieliz 20 days ago in reply to Suzi21

I know how you feel have wedding in May and panicking. I think that after everything we have been through and having reversal is that finally it's done and you should be back to normal but as we know not always case. As you say onwards and upwards and just trying to be positive. So glad you messaged as I thought I was doing something wrong but feel as if not alone. Take care and will keep you updated on how things going x