Tagged As: Ulcerative Colitis Surgery
Question:
I was diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis approximately 5 years ago. During my last visit with my dr., he advised that at this point in time, I am maxed out with my medications at some point in the future, I should consider having surgery to remove my colon. He was talking about the procedure to remove the colon and attaching the small intestine to the rectum. I'm looking for someone who has had this procedure done and can tell me about their experience before and after the surgery. How long has it been since the surgery and how long was the recovery process?
Answer:
I had the surgery when I was 14, back in 1996. My surgery involved the removal of the rectum as well, with the ileum being modified to become a 'new' rectum. This was because UC is present in the rectum as well, so the surgery pretty much eliminated my need for UC related meds ever again. My UC was out of control, unlike yours (had surgery within a year of diagnosis), so actually had to have emergency surgery. In the end, I had 3 operations. Operation 1: The emergency. I had only my colon removed, and wore a colostomy bag. ileostomy) Operation 2: About 5 months later (due to long waiting-lists). Had my rectum removed, the 'new' rectum, known as a 'pouch ileal-anal anastamosis' formed, and a part of small intestine higher up was used for the colostomy since the ileum was now the 'new' rectum. Operation 3: 8 weeks later. Very simple. Surgery was not even an hour I think. They just close the ostomy (no more external bag!), and that's it. They watch you for 3 days to make sure the 'new' rectum is functioning fine, then you're back home! Recovery after surgery is quick if you're fit. My 2nd operation was the major one, and I was in top-form within 4 days! No real pain, thanks to morphine, just a little discomfort now and then. Honestly Marty, it isn't a very big deal at all. Sounds and seems a little daunting, but with technology etc these days - a walk in the park! :) Heck, even the 6 months with an ostomy was fine - I'll miss the little guy. *lol* Hope this helped. E-mail me if you have anymore questions, and hope everything goes fantastic for you! I just got home from the hospital today from having a temp ileo ostomy w/J pouch. I had...wow...had UC. Once I catch up on sleep I'll fill you in on the surgery. I had a few set backs which made my hospital stay over 2 weeks, but am slowly on the mend now. One day at a time....I know this was my only option, and once I start to feel better I will realize this more and more. Go to j-pouch.org there are over 3000 people there with pouches, on the discussion boards. Glad to hear you are home again, and are now cured of UC Please let us know how everything went once you are feeling up to it - I have been thinking of you since your surgery on the 2nd. Check the United Ostomy Associatio nwebsite for information http://www.uoa.org or call them at 1-800-826-0826 and ask for info on your procedure
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