Recent surgery

[Andrew k]

Hi all. I've been diagnosed withcrohns diseasefor about 6 years now. I've been through all thr normal barrage of tests and unfortunately had to have acolostomydone back in 2010. Twice herniated. I recently had a major op 14th December which was a proctectomy, and a bowel removal. I ended up having to have half of my small bowel removed. I know my severe pain was near the breast bone so gathering it was first to middle removal. Anyone had this? What sort of things will change for me? Bowel habits, weight loss ect. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks

 

[2thFairy]

Hi Andrew! Welcome to the forum. There is a section here specially created for us ostomates. Definitely have a look around there: http://www.crohnsforum.com/forumdisplay.php?f=46

You are not alone. There are a few other members on this board who have also had surgery similar to yours who can help you out. You might consider posting your question there.

 

[Andrew k]

Ok sry

 

[2thFairy]

Noooo....you did nothing wrong, it's just that you will get more exposure in the stoma subforum and therefore a quicker response. Misty-Eyed has also had panproctocolectomy and is a GREAT help with questions. I tagged her in this response so she will know you are asking.

 

[Susan2]

Hi Andrew. :welcome:

I also have had a proctocolectomy and about one third of my small bowel removed as well.

How are you recovering from the surgery? It took me a long time to recover because I had left it so long that the area around the rectum and anus was very badly damaged.

I gained weight once things had settled down and I had worked out what things I could safely eat (I had lost a large amount of weight before the op.). Some people find that they can eat almost anything but I still have to be a bit careful.

I am fortunate that I get enough iron and B12 from what I eat, but you will neeed to have these and Vit D checked. In fact I have thorough blood tests every 12 months to keep a check all of this stuff.

You will also need to keep a careful watch on your hydration as our bodies rehydrate from the large intestine and yours will no longer be able to do this. My belief, from personal experience, is that other parts of the digestive system learn to perform some of this function, but certainly not all. My big problems, in this regard, come if I am vomitting and also have diarrhoea. Then I have to be very careful to make the decision to go to ER before my brain stops making rational decisions.

Please ask any questions that you want - someone will usually be able to answer them or, at least, give you some some ideas. :hug:

 

[2thFairy]

Thanks Susan!! I couldn't think fast enough on who to tag in this thread.

 

[Susan2]

That's OK, 2thFairy. I have great difficulty remembering who to tag for what. :thumright:

 

[Andrew k]

Thanks for the advice. Recovery wise is going ok I think. Tummy is a bit sore where the bowel was removed. My bottom end is still rather painful. Mine was left late too as both sphincter muscles where ruined aswell. Just taking it day by day at the moment really