Re: Hysterectomy and Adhesions....for Karen M.

From: Robyne Hinks (rhinks@eisa.net.au)
Mon Jan 15 01:27:36 2001

Dear KAren I have had a total colectomy and a partial ileoectomy and believe me it is not a picnic. I had four specialists opinions before I went ahead with it They found out that the large bowel was not working at all and there was a part of the small bowel as well.I had a temprary ileostomy for the time before it came out to see if rest helped the large bowel(eight weeks and was fed only intravenously in that time) and then a special x-ray called a defecagram(this shows whether the large bowel is contracting and pushing).It is a very disgusting and embarassing x-ray where there are rolled oats and barium meal forced up through the rectum and then you have to sit on a make believe toilet and push as if you wante to go to the tolet.After all this I went ahead as I had no choice although I asked for the small bowel to be sutured to the rectum so I wouldnt need a bag and that is what they did.I had to have another stoma put in on the other side while the bowel at the rectum end healed as I kept getting abcesses around the firststoma site.Now I can go to the toilet normally except that I suffer from continual diarreaha and stay on lots of anti-diarrohea medicines and always find out where the nearest toilets are when I go out.Love always Robyne

> ----- Original Message -----
From: Kate Murphy To: Multiple recipients of list ADHESIONS Sent: Monday, January 15, 2001 1:40 AM Subject: Re: Hysterectomy and Adhesions....for Karen M.

On 13 Jan 2001, at 11:53, Helen Dynda wrote:

Dear Karen,  Kate Murphy said that a colectomy is "serious stuff." I would take her word for it; because Kate has posted many times; and from the content of her message, she is very knowledgeable about medical information.

I assumed that Karen's doctor was talking about total colectomy which is the removal of the entire colon. This involves either making an opening in the abdomen for feces -- a colostomy -- or, if possible, creating an interior pouch if parts large intestine can be saved.

I have had two "hemi" or partial colectomies for cancer which haven't affected my bowel functioning nor required a colostomy. I have had lots of adhesions after the surgery which has led to this "not fatal but pretty uncomfortable" situation.

Again, I urge a second opinion on the best way to manage this situation along with the very best colo-rectal surgeon you can find. Be sure to ask about his or her experience and an honest opinion about the outcome.

Also, if you decide to go ahead with a total colectomy that will involve an ostomy (opening) insist on a pre-surgery consultation with an ostomy nurse. They can tell your surgeon the best placement for the opening to avoid difficulties later.

Kate

Kate Murphy katemm@mindspring.com

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