Ostomy reversal: My story

What is laparascopic

Instead of being cut down the middle again with a large incision, it was done with four tiny little incisions where they use some kind of scope to do everything that needs to be done inside. Within a month, you could barely even tell where the incisions were compared to the original surgery That took a while to recover. The doctor told me if I wanted to have it done much sooner in 2 1/2 to 3 months it would be major surgery again. I opted to wait the six months and it was very well worth it!

Im almost 6 weeks post op. I continue to have issues in rectal itching burning irritated skin. I will the frequency of bath room visits is less; my main issue is staying clean toilet paper is irritating and disposable wipes burn. I find a washcloth is best but not practical all the time. I have leaky stools which can be very frustrating; any help is greatly appreciated

Thanks

I came across this site as I was recovering and researching post ileostomy diet. I'm one week out from surgery. I'm doing better than expected, especially pain control. I expected to have pain like I had with the original surgery. That's great but I don't have an appetite. I can go for hours on hours without taking a bite of food . What amazes me is the amount of poop I have when I'm not taking in food. Thanks for the "tucks" tip. I've gotten pretty sore. I'm open to any suggestions to pique my appetite. I hope the rest of your recovery went uneventful.

Hello @bdarling82 and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. I am sorry to hear about your lack of appetite. This can be common with surgery of the digestive tract. As you are just a week from surgery, you might be expecting too much too soon.

I would suggest that you take a look at another discussion group on Connect, "How Do I Eat After Digestive Tract Surgery." Here is a link to the discussion: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/how-do-i-eat-after-digestive-tract-surgery/

I began this discussion after three surgeries of the digestive tract over a 23-year period of time. It certainly will be helpful to you to eat small, light meals. Foods like yogurt, scrambled eggs, baked potatoes, etc.

If after your follow-up appointment with your surgeon, you are still having an appetite problem, you might ask for a referral to a registered dietitian at the hospital. I have had several consultations and found them very helpful.

For the healing process, it is important to make protein a priority. I still find myself without an appetite, but I make it a point to eat a small, high-protein meal. Would you try to do the same?

@hopeful33250
Yes, I'll try. I've found I do have an appetite for soups. Also, I've experienced some stool incontinence at night, and urgency. I'm having to wear Depends since surgery. I asked my surgeon about this and he said he didn't do anything down below, only reattached my colon. Have you experienced anything like that?

@bdarling82, a couple more weeks have passed. How is recovery continuing? How is the appetite?

@bdarling82 I am surprised the Dr would say such a thing. Everything is connected. Your rectum was inactive for a long time and it has to relearn a normal habit. The signals you feel when you need to go now are different. It may only start out as a tiny urge, more like gas. My urge eventually has gotten stronger, but nothing like it was before surgery. Some incontinence in the beginning is not all that unusual.

@barbwith3cats
That's for replying. My urge ranges from maybe to is on the way.
I'm hopeful that the incontinence will get better after your response.
Thanks a bunch

@colleenyoung
Appetite is better. I'm feeling stronger. Thanks