Anyone had a loop ileostomy converted to one single end ?

Posted by sansa @sansa, Oct 21 4:56am

In 2012 I had cervical cancer with a mass so large, it could not be surgically removed. Instead, ureteral stents were placed for backed up kidneys, which I wore for a year. Then chemo and radiation was administered for about six weeks. After that treatment was completed, I went to a hospital in a different county for a three day stay for brachy therapy, another radiation treatment. I was grateful that my life was saved, but my colon was never the same after cancer treatment. A few months later, I began having chronic bloody diarrhea. The only help offered to me was a course of sulfasalazine. I was diagnosed with proctitis, colitis, enteritis, and large oozing ulcers. Rectal bleeding continued. Two years later I developed severe anemia. I ended up in the hospital for a three day stay with three 450 cc bags of blood and one bag of iron. So again, my life was saved, and I will always be grateful to my internist for rushing me to the hospital. So seven years later, Fall 2022 a recto/vaginal fistula developed. My guess is that my largest rectal ulcer ate its way into my vagina. The result of that is too terrible to describe. Needless to say, I was very happy to have an ileostomy. So now you know my story. Living with an ileostomy is a breeze compared to what I have been through. Now I replace my base and bag every three days. I have deep red irritation and red bumps from leakage. Stoma nurses have been of no help. I believe that I have this issue because my lower small stoma is almost flat. Cutting out the base to the correct size for a good fitting is challenging. I would love very much to have one single stoma. So I have a question for someone out there. Has anyone had this procedure done? To convert a loop ileostomy to one single end ileostomy? I have been to two proctologists who stated that they could not do it. I keep thinking that it’s just a matter of a surgeon with more experience. Am I wrong? Has anyone had this particular surgery done?

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Sorry...no answers from me...loop colostomy...but an admiration for your incredible courage and all best wishes for your future.

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Sansa, a few questions if I may. Are you using convex barriers? When your skin is angry do you put a little stoma powder on the area. Lightly wipe off any residue. Then spray on a no-sting barrier spray. It will dry quickly. Are you cutting holes in the barriers? Pre-cut barriers are a lot more convenient. I know how vexing it can be when your skin doesn't want to cooperate. I change mine every three days too. I'm not knowledgeable about single-end vs loop ileostomies. You've been through enough, I hope this gets resolved quickly.

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I do all of the above. I recently started applying Coloplast Brava Moldable Ring to my base. This has helped more than everything I have tried. I do indeed use powder, Coloplast Brava Powder followed by Cavilon No Sting Barrier Film, the best there is I feel. When I cut my base it’s hit or miss on the fit. I am actually cutting for two stomas, a large one on top, and a small almost flat one on the bottom. I just wish I had one stoma. I think that would be easier to manage.

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I also use pre-cut barriers and they come in various sizes. I only have a single stoma but I use closed end disposable convex pouches after much trial and error. My skin is much better since i no longer have to deal with leakage sitting on skin. I use 3 or 4 bags a day depending on my diet and i thoroughly clean and wash the area each time It takes me 5 to 7 minutes to change my pouch so it is not really time consuming at all. My prayers are with you for all your suffering and I hope you find an answer

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@sansa

I do all of the above. I recently started applying Coloplast Brava Moldable Ring to my base. This has helped more than everything I have tried. I do indeed use powder, Coloplast Brava Powder followed by Cavilon No Sting Barrier Film, the best there is I feel. When I cut my base it’s hit or miss on the fit. I am actually cutting for two stomas, a large one on top, and a small almost flat one on the bottom. I just wish I had one stoma. I think that would be easier to manage.

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yes- those moldable rings were a positive game-changer for me too. After reading the description of your stoma (stomi?) I can see how you are getting into trouble. Keep knocking on doors. Wishing you success in your search!

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