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Ostomy: Adapting to life after colostomy, ileostomy or urostomy

Ostomy | Last Active: Mar 24 1:09pm | Replies (419)

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@greg68

I have been to 4 different gastrointestinal doctors between Texas and now Tennessee. None can tell me why I have had chronic diarrhea for 21 years now. I was stage 3 rectal cancer in 2003, but they have seen nothing since in many colonoscopies. I have tried diet, pelvic floor specialist, Vibrezi, steroids, etc. Nothing stops it controls it. I mix 4 different prescriptions now to provide a modicum of relief. The last specialist didn’t look at any MRI, or anything. He simply said , “ Nothing else anyone can do. You must have a colostomy.
Is there no one out there who can at least try and identify what is going on with me? I worry as I age, it is only going to keep getting worse. I am now on disability for this and for diabetic complications.
Any advice would be gladly accepted. Dark , bleak thoughts are seeping in , more and more!

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Replies to "I have been to 4 different gastrointestinal doctors between Texas and now Tennessee. None can tell..."

Have your doctors done biopsies? That would give your doctors an idea of the status of your colon? You will still have the diarrhea with an ostomy but at least you won't have to rush to the bathroom or wear adult diapers. We have a great ostomy group here in Tucson. The members are so supportive. Hope you find out some answers soon. Take care, Annie

@greg68, this chronic diarrhea is obviously affecting your quality of life, both practically and emotionally. If you'd like to consider a second opinion at Mayo Clinic, you can submit a request here: http://mayocl.in/1mtmR63

I can understand why you're additionally concerned about the potential health complications that can develop as you age too. Have you considered a colostomy or discussed the potential health benefits of having one over your current situation?