Ileostomy vs colostomy

[Ccurielli99]

Hello,

I have Crohn's disease and my colorectal surgeon was at first thinking I needed to have my colon removed and then have a permanent ileostomy. However, since my colonscopy showed some areas of my colon did not have active disease so now my surgeon is thinking I can have a colostomy instead of an ileostomy. I don't know enough about each one to know if one is preferred over the other and am looking for some insight from others. Has anyone had both and have a preference?

Thank you for your help!

Carolyn

[ron in mich.]

Hi Carolyn I,ve had an ileostomy for 34yrs. and if I had the option I would have picked a colostomy that usually are easier to maintain as sometimes a colostomate can irrigate and not even wear a bag, but it would all depend on your situation, how often you have flare ups and such. good luck with what ever your decision maybe.

[Ccurielli99]

Thanks so much Ron for your reply! I have an appt tomorrow with my colorectal surgeon to discuss surgery so I’ll ask if irrigation is an option. She has also talked about removing my rectum. After reading a lot of posts on here, to say I’m anxious and scared is an understatement. I’m scared to death but I know it has to happen so trying to get used to the idea.

Thank you again!

Carolyn

[ot dave]

Hi Carolyn,

Ron is correct that ileostomies have different struggles than colostomies. The colon is where a lot of water is absorbed. When the colon is removed, initially, water isn't absorbed like it was before, leading to very loose and watery stools. Over time, the body realizes that water isn't being absorbed, and the small intestine starts to pick up the slack, but still loose and watery stools can persist. Irrigating with a colostomy is a nice way of being able to control your output. I irrigate each morning, and typically don't have to worry about the colostomy for the rest of the day. However, irrigation isn't always successful for everyone. There are a lot of variables that come into play in order for it to be successful. Just like every individual, each ostomy is going to be unique and different. What works for one person may not work for the next, and vice versa. But, that is the beauty of these boards. You're going to get a lot of tips from many who have gone before you.
The colon does more than just remove waste. So, For me, I would always choose to keep as much of my original plumbing as possible...Even if I couldn't irrigate, I would hang on to as much colon as possible.
Hope that helps some.

David

[Ccurielli99]

Thanks ot dave, yes, it helps a lot and I appreciate it. I’m leaning more towards a colostomy now but I’ll see what she says tomorrow and then make a final decision. She also wants to remove my rectum and I’m more nervous about that than anything. I have some questions about that.

Thank you again,
Carolyn