UOAA Discussion Board

Hi -

I'm going in for my 2nd colectomy (removing rectum this time - sigmoid colon already taken out 1 1/2 years ago), a j-pouch and temp ileo. Surgeon recommended 6 weeks of recup and then an ileo reversal. That would mean 4 months of chemo soon after the reversal. His goal is to get me to one BM a day with the j-pouch. He suggested the quick reversal so that my colon wouldn't get all shriveled up - said things work better if you do the surgery sooner. He said I would need 2 weeks recup from the reversal and then should be able to go back to work. Not sure when Onc would want to start the chemo - will be based on how I'm feeling but I believe it needs to be within 4 months of colectomy (so 2 weeks - 2 1/2 months after reversal). Note: radiation and chemo made me really sick and required hospitalization - not sure which was the cause but leaning towards it being the radiation.

So...here's my question. Based on what I've been reading on the boards, I'm wondering how I will be able to go back to work while recovering from the reversal and on chemo. Will I be having accidents and running to the bathroom all day? Will I need to be hospitalized and on fluids 24/7 again (happened during recent radiation and chemo but not sure if it was the radiation or chemo that was the problem)? What are the pros and cons of having the reversal before and after the chemo? If I start the chemo 2 months after the reversal should I be ok?

I plan to discuss with my Surgeon after surgery - once I know how well I tolerate the pouch - but would value some opinions to help me know what questions to ask.

Thanks.

Dear tooyoung,

I'm hoping others will respond here for you. The only thing I can say is that I don't know of anyone with a j-pouch that only has 1 BM a day !

Trish, thanks for your message. Sorry to hear about all you are going through. Good luck! Here's where I am:

I had the ileo reversal after 8 weeks. I'm planning to start chemo (FOLFOX) in mid-June, a little less than 2 months after reversal. I've been out of work on disability and plan to see how I do on chemo before going back. So far, I have had more control over BMs than I thought I would. No major accidents (though I do wear a panty liner for the occasion wet fart). At this point, BMs differ every day. On average, I have about 3 rounds a day (but could range from 2 - 8 times). I say "rounds" because when I go I'm usually in there for awhile with a lot of small ones. My body is adapting to going in the morning and evening which allows me to use my own bathroom. I rarely have to go while I'm at stores, taking a walk, at kids' events, etc. I do get some "butt burn" - especially in one area where the doc says I have a staple.

Thanks for your post Lynne. I'll let you know if things improve and I make it down to 1 a day!