UOAA Discussion Board

Hello everyone, I've participated on Irrigation board and received so much great help there over the 17 years I have had a colostomy. Now, I'm turning to this board seeking your experience.

I'm going to have surgery for an early cervical cancer, and due to previous colorectal treatment, there is a chance I may lose my bladder. My question is: does anyone have both a colostomy that they irrigate AND a continent cutaneous diversion? My surgeon suggested that with the intestine used to form the reservoir, the stool could become softer and looser. (It sped by me a bit, but I believe he said mostly small bowel but some colon -- you might be able to shed light on this too.)

For an irrigator who can get by with patches and even a small bandaid versus appliances, this is red alert. It would prevent me from successfully irrigating, as I've done since 3 months after my original surgery.

My gyn surgeon said that medication could slow/thicken stool in the short term, and the colon would adapt. The WO nurse had never had a patient ask this question or desire to irrigate after a continent urinary diversion. And we're talking Memorial Sloan Kettering here. I'm hoping someone here can shed light, and I can also relay any insight MSKCC.

Thanks!!

Hi, I am a WOCN ... sorry no one got back to you ... did you have your surgery? An Indiana Pouch as they call it or a NeoBladder are huge surgeries ... I don't imagine that you would even be a candidate for this type of surgery being that you have a colostomy too.... There are many people living good lives with a 2 stomas - "Double Baggers" is a sort of coined term - said with affection ...

Fast forward, Nita - all went perfectly. Cancer gone, no additional treatment, bladder intact, life as a non-bagger is good. Interesting to be in a hospital at the start of the pandemic and recuperate in lockdown. Eliminated all FOMO!