Another one bites the dust!

[Misty-Eyed]

Hey guys, I've now had confirmation that I'm having an ileostomy and full proctocolectomy on the 7th October! Eeeeek. As some of you know, it's been on the cards for a while so I was mentally prepared for the news but I've never had major surgery before so I'm rather nervous! Luckily I can get it done laparoscopically and I won't need any prep! Yey!

I have read most of the threads on here for a while to prepare myself but I still have some questions!! It would also be nice to hear from those who also has their ops laparocopically. But how long was it till you were able to drive?

Also for those who have been 'stitched up' down below, after it has all healed, does it just look like a normal bum crack but with no anus? Or does it look and feel weird?

The surgeon also said that I obviously won't have my recto-vaginal fistula anymore, but there's a 30% chance that on the vagina side, the hole may never heal and I'll end up with pain and discharge forever!! Anyone else's experience with having their rectum removed when they have a recto-vaginal fistula would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks everyone!

 

[poolside]

Hi Michelle

I had a recto vaginal fistula that they were going to correct while they did my bowel resection. I had my sigmoid removed due to scar tissue/narrowing.
I may be crazy but I swear air is still escaping from the vag/there's no mistaking it....and yes there is still discharge.
This will be discussed at my next visit to see my surgeon. They told me that during the surgery they had disconnected the bowel from the vagina and it left a tiny hole in the vagina that would heal on it's own.

 

[Misty-Eyed]

Well luckily I know there'll be no air coming out of mine because there'll be no way of air getting to it from that side! Is it possible that your rectum could of reattached itself?

 

[Terriernut]

"Well luckily I know there'll be no air coming out of mine because there'll be no way of air getting to it from that side! Is it possible that your rectum could of reattached itself? "

Yes Michelle, you will find new and inventive ways of making air come out! :ycool:

I'm marking my calendar for your surgery date. I've been known to be on the other end of the phone while someone is doing their prep. You know my number!

:hug:

 

[Misty-Eyed]

Haha that was so smooth, Misty!

Aww thanks lovely!! It's crazy considering everything how much better I'm feeling about it just because I don't have to take prep. That stuff breaks me down mentally like no other! I shall definitely get someone to text you when I get out of the op though to let you know how it went.

Also, I've got to the stage now where I just keep making slightly inappropriate jokes about the whole thing lol. I told my co-worker yesterday that I found it weird that the last thing I'll ever be pooing out my bum would be my own colon. (I had no idea they pulled it out the bum!) It's either laugh or cry about the whole thing. I'm going with the laugh option.

 

[poolside]

the last thing I'll ever be pooing out my bum would be my own colon. (I had no idea they pulled it out the bum!) It's either laugh or cry about the whole thing. I'm going with the laugh option.

I had no idea that is how it's done, wow!

Also, yes, keep laughing girl!

 

[Kris]

Good luck and happy healing!!

 

[ameslouise]

Hi Michelle - October 7 is long way away! But it will fly by, try not to make yourself nuts in the meantime.

I hope for you that you feel as well and happy after your surgery as I have felt after mine. It's like getting a new life!!

Take care of yourself in the meantime and good luck with the surgery!

- Ames

PS My ass now looks like a Barbie butt - a crack but no hole!!!!

 

[Dexky]

Michelle, I had no idea you were headed this route!! When you come on the parent's section, you are always so positive!! Maybe you and Amy are soul sisters in that regard! I hope your outcome is as good as Amy's has been Good luck!!

 

[Astra]

Yes me too Michelle!
Lotsa good luck hun!
xxxxxxx

 

[Misty-Eyed]

Thank you everyone!!! All of your good wishes mean a lot.

Ames- It's the perfect date to be honest! I was planning on going on a beach holiday in September and now I can book it!! Then hopefully I'll be feeling a bit more like myself again by Christmas. And re the barbie butt, I'm soooo glad! I have had these horrible skin tags there for years and I was delighted when he told me that they'd be cut out too or burned off if not. Another added bonus!! I want a pretty bum again!

Dexky- Yes, it's probably because I have been feeling so well!! My strictures are just too wide spread in my colon and causing a few problems in my rectum so it has to come out. Plus having crohn's for 18 years potentially means cancer and they just can't get through the strictures to scope it to check. I still have a few days where I cry.. usually after hospital appointments.. I am only human after all. I usually pick myself up the day after though. Life is too short to mope about.

 

[Mountaingem]

:hug:Sending you hugs and best wishes Misty!

 

[IAmTheWalrus]

Good luck, Michelle. Hope all goes well. : )

 

[Misty-Eyed]

Thanks guys

 

[Tay]

Hi Michelle
I had multiple fistulas onto my butt cheeks and into my bladder. These all healed following the panproctocolectomy but took some time do so. Best wishes.

 

[Misty-Eyed]

Thanks Tay, that's good to know!