My colon is healing but my rectum is very inflammed and refractory. My surgeon and I talked about a surgery where I would have a temporary illeostomy to give the colon and rectum a break and hopefully it would heal. Has anyone tried this or heard of this done? Do you think it would work?
Temporary Illeostomy for healing
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nogutsnoglory
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That's what I currently have. I had many fistulas and abscesses that wouldn't heal. We are hoping they will respond to meds and the lack of use and heal with the ileostomy.
It's a major surgery and life change so definitely seek other opinions. I tried everything to avoid it but I couldn't function without one.
It's a major surgery and life change so definitely seek other opinions. I tried everything to avoid it but I couldn't function without one.
Is it working so far? It's a big surgery but it's not a major life altering one is it? I mean its like a temporary diversion which can just be reconnected at a later date, right? You just have to deal with the bag temporarily.
nogutsnoglory
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Well I'm still too early to really know the impact.
It's a MAJOR life change. You need to learn a new vocabulary and you face a whole new set of issues ie: which appliances and accessories work best, will I have a leak, will my bag burst, diet may change especially early on, body image issues etc.
It's not always reversible. It depends on your condition.
It might be the best decision you can make with your surgeon but it's not to be taken lightly.
It's a MAJOR life change. You need to learn a new vocabulary and you face a whole new set of issues ie: which appliances and accessories work best, will I have a leak, will my bag burst, diet may change especially early on, body image issues etc.
It's not always reversible. It depends on your condition.
It might be the best decision you can make with your surgeon but it's not to be taken lightly.
So basically your colon is still in place, correct? There is just a temporary disconnect of the small intestine and the large intestine with a bag? Why would that not be reversible in some cases? I thought all they have to do is re-attach it
nogutsnoglory
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My colon, anus, and part of small intestine is bypassed. If the disease heals ulceration and my fistulas it can likely be reversed. If it can't be healed it can't be reversed because I will keep developing abscesses and fistulas.
Ok gotcha - so what does your doc/surgeon/gi think? Does this usually work? What meds are you taking during the temp diversion? Also, are you at least feeling better while it is temporarily diverted? Or still having problems?
nogutsnoglory
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I'm having a lot of pain and irritation. I am going to take Remicade and methotrexate.
