UOAA Discussion Board

HI EVERYBODY,
I am from the other side. Now after 2 miserable years with my colon
scopy and my failed hernia operation which lasted 31/2 months, they have offered me an option. An artificial rectal sphincter. I have all my parts but due to nerve damage from my great orthopedic surgeon, who decided to cut the nerves that was in his way so he could try this new coflex device that was suppose help me with my back [roblems.Well all I can say neither one worked. My hernia parastomal is now almost as big as it was which was like having a third boob only about the size of a melon, and still growing. And my back is worst then it was before. Nobody wants to go near my back and my hernia dr wants me to just disappear. He did say he would try to fix it again but no guarantees. So I did some research and called the C
Cleveland Clinic in Weston where I had my colonoscopy and they want me to go over for an evaluation. Has anybody had any success? I know I could find out the real truth from my friends. Please help me I feel like I am drowning and don't know how to get to the top. I live 3 1/2 hours away from the Cleveland Clinic. And the ride over thru alligator alley is the most boring ride you ever want to make.

Love Weezie

Hi Weezie,

Oh, THAT other side - the west side of Florida. (Took me a minute to figure that one out lol)

I'm really sorry to hear you are having all the problems you describe. I don't have any personal experience with the branch of Cleveland Clinic in Florida but I've heard others speak of it and I'm sure someone will see your message and chime in soon. Or you could search in the words "Cleveland Clinic" or something like that to see what others have said. Wishing you some good answers!!

Linda

Weezie,
I don't know anything about Cleveland Clinic Florida, but I am familiar with the Acticon ABS. I had mine implanted almost a year ago. There is a lot of room for improvement. The recovery was horrible. I have had two revisions and I still have not had my ileostomy taken down. A barium enema did show that it improved my continence, but I have canceled surgery twice because I fear that I'll be worse off after the takedown and I'm not sure I can live the rest of my life with the pain the implant causes. How bad do you hate your bag?