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Dear Sue
I think they do things differently in the US. Over here in England, surgeons are reluctant to carry out a reversal (where there has been a bowel rupture) until at least 9 months after the colostomy. Was told that the long delay was to enable the peritoneum to recover from the effects of the poisoning. Had my reversal after 11 months. Angus (my surgeon) would have liked a longer rectal stump to work with but made do with what he was given! I can honestly say that, after the reversal, I have never felt so unwell. It was not pain but sickness, headaches, runs, generally feeling bad. Two weeks of hell but now all is good. With a few changes to diet and lifestyle I am now fitter than I have been for years.
With the UK health service you are unable to choose your surgeon, you get the one on duty when you are admitted. I was under the care of one Consultant, operated on by another and reversed by yet another. The worst thing about the whole process was the hospital food. Completely inedible. I lost 13lb in 5 days.
Looking back now, having the "bag" was not so bad (all colostomy supplies are free here and I used around 150 bags per month) but being back to normal is even better. When I was "bagged" I still carried on as usual. I went on holidays to France, Belgium, Malta, Spain, Egypt and on safari in Kenya. I think I only had one problem with a leaking bag, unfortunately it was in Kenya and I had to have people standing around me with guns in case a lion, or some other man eating beastie, was attracted to the sight/smell of a middle aged colostomate changing his bag!
Angus told me before my reversal that he could not promise anything until he had me open on the table and had a good look. I turned down the option of a keyhole reversal.
I do hope your surgery goes well but, please, bear in mind that having a colostomy is a lot better than being dead.
I am sure you will face up to the ordeal to come with fortitude but, remember, we are all here. We've all got our tales to tell, all gone through the nasty bits and are still here to tell the tale. I wish you all the luck in the world.
Peter
----- Original Message ----
From: s Dewland <dew4pooh@...>
To: colostomy@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Sunday, 15 April, 2007 1:39:11 AM
Subject: Re: [colostomy] similar
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From: s Dewland <dew4pooh@...>
To: colostomy@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Sunday, 15 April, 2007 1:39:11 AM
Subject: Re: [colostomy] similar
Diane, How long did you have your colostomy. You said sigmoid ?? Does that mean they took your sigmoid out ? I am sorry. I still feel so stupid about all this. It is one year today and it is the worst anniversary of my life. I go back to my doctor in a few weeks and I should know more the about a second try at reconnection . I feel so happy for you that you were able to reconnect. Did you have much trouble after the operation ?? I hope not but please let me know what I will be in for.Sue
diane taylor <gptrport@yahoo. com> wrote:
I am mid 40s female that got sigmoid colo due to perf colon.I had a successful reconnect a year ago today.----- Original Message ----
From: dew4pooh <dew4pooh@yahoo. com>
To: colostomy@yahoogrou ps.com
Sent: Sunday, April 8, 2007 7:47:58 PM
Subject: [colostomy] Re: new member
Hi , I just found this site and hope I have also found some new
friends with the same problems as I have. I have a colostomy since
April 06. They tried once to reconnect a few months latter when they
went back in to remove the blockage . Hope to go back in again soon.
Loves to hear from female with same. Sue
Ahhh...imagining that irresistible "new car" smell?
Check out new cars at Yahoo! Autos.
Ahhh...imagining that irresistible "new car" smell?
Check out new cars at Yahoo! Autos.
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