UOAA Discussion Board

This is my first post and I actually do not have an ostomy but my 62 year old mother does and she doesn't even own a computer. Anyway, about 6 months ago, my mother went into the hospital in Kidney failure. Well, it turned out that she was completely impacted with stool which caused an overall motility problem(kidney failure). The doctors believed that her bowel was asleep and gave it some time to wake up. A month later, it had not woken up. The doctor did surgery and removed part of her colon which was dead and we weren't sure why. At that time, she got a colostomy. She acually did really well with that physically but the vanity part was killer for her.
She went into the hospital about two weeks ago to have the colostomy reversed. There were complications with this surgery and the doctor removed more of her colon which he said was still alive but unhealthy and in a state of inertia. The docotr now believes it was scar tissue from a previous hysterectomy which caused her colon be stricted and a back of stool and eventual death of that part of the colon. He then gave her an ileostomy. She had some internal bleeding, had two surgeries to repair that, and was in ICU for several days. She is currently in the hospital. Her doctor stated that he had actaully hooked up her small intestine to her rectum and made the stoma to let that hook up heal but she may have some continence issues if they reverse the iliestomy. My mother does not want to have any more surgeries. She almost died after both of her surgeries. Does any of this sound normal? I do believe that she has a good and competent doctor. Should she have this ileostomy reversed and if so what does that procedure entail? If she has it reversed, will she be able to go anywhere without having to go to the bathroom or have accidents? This has been such a harrowing experience and I don't want her to have to go through any more than she has to.
Any response would be greatly appreciated.

i,too have had continent ille. surgery, this surgery allows for normal bathroom priveleges-i,too am afraid of it not working--i have leakage of mucus almost daily-MD says its a good sign that i will not have problems with leaks after let down surgery. course im scared and have been checking into alternative--just in case. GOOD NEWS--and BLESS her heart-shes done so well im SURE she will cope well with this surgery. best of luck to her and God Bless

i had an ileostomy and had it reversed 6 years later. i had complications due to scar tissue. anyone that has had a lot of surgeries has an increased risk of complications due to scar tissue. however, everyone is different. if she does have the reversal she should be able to have a basically normal life. she can do kegel exercises and take anti-diarrhea medicines such as immodium, lomotil (prescription strength), or even shots. even with my complications, i have NEVER regretted my reversal and frequently i am able to go 12 hours without having to use the bathroom. i hope that helps some. she should also as her doctor about a kock pouch.

What exactly is a koch pouch? Also, the doctor explained that he has already recconnected the small intestine to my mother's rectum but somehow made the stoma so that hook up can heal. He said the next surgery would be much easier and less invasive. Does anyone know how that works, exactly?
Thanks

The doctor-check this with him- probably gave her a loop ileostomy (temporary, I had this 7 years ago) to allow the area where he connected the rectum to the small intestines a chance to heal properly before it is used for the first time since this surgery. The loop is still connected to the portion of the intestines that she is utilizing, as well as the area below that is resting up. The next surgery basically sews up the stoma and she should have full use of all of her intestines.
Ask the doctor more questions! Ask for more information, about the teminology he uses, and anything else (with worries, any confusions that you or your mother may have)-he is there to help you and shouldn't let you leave the office with any unanswered questions. If he does-look for a doctor who will take the time for your mom.
Good luck to both of you.
Eliza

Portland,

A Kock Pouch is an internal pouch made from small intestine. It is emptied using a small catheter through the stoma.

Lynne

Well, I am 42 years old and I have had an ileostomy(result of Cancer-Rhabdomyosarcoma)- since the age of 2. Since I have had it for so long, it has become a part of me. I learned the in and outs, what products work, which does not for me, but your mom is up in age, so I guess you really have to sit down and weigh the pros and cons of it all. I do wish the best.
Mrsjt
Maryland