• Welcome to Crohn's Forum, a support group for people with all forms of IBD. While this community is not a substitute for doctor's advice and we cannot treat or diagnose, we find being able to communicate with others who have IBD is invaluable as we navigate our struggles and celebrate our successes. We invite you to join us.

Had rectum removed

So I'm in the hospital, a few days out from having my rectum removed following my ileostomy in August. I have a VAC attached to my bum and I'm actually surprised that it doesn't hurt at all. Only my incisions on my abdomen are sore.

Has anyone else used a vac system (negative pressure wound therapy) following their rectum removal?
 

Nyx

Moderator
I see that you're in Oshawa...where did you have your surgery? I had a consult at Mount Sinai in Toronto, but haven't booked the procedure yet.
 
I see that you're in Oshawa...where did you have your surgery? I had a consult at Mount Sinai in Toronto, but haven't booked the procedure yet.
I'm at Mount Sinai right now. Lol. Dr. Robin McLeod did my procedure. Amazing surgeon.
 
Curious why they needed to remove it after you were diverted? They couldn't control new abscesses or fistula?
I had quite severe perianal disease with abscesses, fistulas and a useless rectum. They had to open me up to remove it because it was still inflamed. My Crohn's disease was unrelenting so there was no way I'd be keeping it.

It was part of the plan to remove it after my ileostomy anyways, but we gave it a few months to calm down.
 

nogutsnoglory

Moderator
I'm sorry to hear that. I have perianal disease but the goal is my ostomy will let it cool down and we can reverse it.
 
I was able to see what my bottom looks like today and I'm super amazed.

Had a vac unit in the hospital and i'm now waiting for home care to get one... it's a lot easier to manage such a large wound with a vac as the drainage from that area is annoyingly high.

The upshot of having so much of that area removed is that the damaged caused by my parianal disease won't be noticed. I'm looking forward to my new Ken Doll Butt. :rof:
 
Last edited:
I am assuming that you are talking about a wound vac? Yes I had one following my rectum removal. I had some infection that started up, which apparently happens in the majority of cases given the location. It was annoying, but it cleared everything up quite quickly. I had it on for about a week or so. Did you have a question or were you just curious if other people had had this used on them. I am in Ottawa btw, so we're practically neighbour's! Good luck, I hope all heals well. Oh I should mention that the actual wound usually takes quite a while to completely heal as they try to keep it open so that it heals from the inside out... For me it was about 6 weeks, for some they had issues and it took months. Not to scare you, just want to inform you.

Kat~
 
I am assuming that you are talking about a wound vac? Yes I had one following my rectum removal. I had some infection that started up, which apparently happens in the majority of cases given the location. It was annoying, but it cleared everything up quite quickly. I had it on for about a week or so. Did you have a question or were you just curious if other people had had this used on them. I am in Ottawa btw, so we're practically neighbour's! Good luck, I hope all heals well. Oh I should mention that the actual wound usually takes quite a while to completely heal as they try to keep it open so that it heals from the inside out... For me it was about 6 weeks, for some they had issues and it took months. Not to scare you, just want to inform you.

Kat~
Yes, a wound vac! I got it set up at home yesterday. It's a nice little unit - not loud when it's working 100%. To be honest, my ass hurts like hell right now and I can't even sit on it without being really uncomfortable. I'm also pretty sure that my body and morphine aren't in agreement. I've been taking a lot less than prescribed because I don't want to become dependant on them, and I've had a crazy headache, "hot flashes", night sweats and pressure in my face. :( I'm going to have to speak with a pharmacist or call the hospital to see if that's the problem.

And as long as I'm patched up by new years, I'm good. =-)
 
Top