Bowel Endometriosis: Seems I have a choice...what would you choose?

Posted by tannerash @tannerash, Mar 15 10:18pm

I have bowel endo and as much as I'd love to get rid of all of the endo, including that attached to the rectum it most likely requires colon re-sectioning of the mid-rectum. Or I leave the endo and it could grow and need colon re-sectioning anyhow in the future. I'm concerned that a 12 week ileostomy would somehow become permanent. Any feedback? Particularly curious about what surgeons say will happen vs what people actually have to live with.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Ostomy & J-Pouch Support Group.

piki | @piki | Mar 16 9:10am

I personally have no answer but a friend with about a two-year ileostomy had it reversed recently and is so pleased. Good luck on all of it.

Susan F, Volunteer Mentor | @susanf8 | Mar 16 11:01am

@tannerash

If the rectum and anus are unaffected I think reconnection is always possible. I know several people IRL that have had bowel resections with a temporarily ostomy who have been reconnected. They don't seem to have issues (at least not that they have mentioned to me).

If you have questions about managing a temporary ostomy, Mayo Clinic has a video support group that meets once a month that is very helpful!

Here is the link:
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/event/ostomy-monthly-support-group-meeting-1-ea51de65/
Is there a group you can talk with local to you?