Colostomy: I hate this thing!

@stephendelos
BTW age 73
Also ironic that seeking input on output

I had an emergency hemi-colectomy because of a volvulus (not cancer) and an ileostomy that could be reversed. I didn't like (but also didn't hate) emptying the bag and changing it every couple of days. But there was no way I could live a normal life during that time, because my ileostomy never settled down--meaning that I could never predict when the bag would need emptying. I found out later that despite the hopes of all concerned, ileostomies often never settle down.
Anyhow, mine was reversed. And yes, there is an adjustment process because the colon has forgotten how to work. And yes, you might have some bowel incontinence. I did, but it didn't last. Now, 2 years later, the only difference from before is that I'm almost never constipated and often have more than 1 BM daily. I'm extremely glad that I had a reversal.

Yes, my doctor told me I was a good candidate also. But I heard so many bad things about a reversal from all the ostomy web discussions I read about it. I decided it would not be worth it. I don't want another surgery for one thing but the problems that so many people have vs the good that a few had doesn't make it worth the chance. I have learned to live with mine. If I have to have a surgery in the future it will be for a hernia repair, but I keep putting that off also. I had a friend do a hernia repair and her complications were and still are not worth the chance. She ended up having to stay in a recover facility for over a year afterword from complications. Not for me!
I don't hate mine any more I did at first but now it seems like a better life with it than the problems I had before it.

@peggydobbs What a marvelous outcome, I am glad to read your story. I wish I could be sure mine would turn out that well. AND you really need to know who the doctor is and make sure to read his reviews.
I have never heard the name you (volvulus) gave for your conditions but I feel like that was also my reason for surgery. I kept having bowel obstructions for over 30 years. Sometimes in the hospital more that three times a year.
Thank you for sharing. Positive outcomes are always a bonus for me to read.
thank you.
Where are you located and who was the doctor who did your surgery?
I had a great doctor when he did my colostomy, but that was 8 years ago and I have moved so would need a new doctor.
Klancee

To Klancee--A volvulus is a twist, in other words, my colon twisted, didn't untwist, its blood supply got cut off, and the tissue in the twist died. Surgery saved my life--it was done at Westchester Medical Center in Valhalla NY. I was given an ileostomy so that what was left of my colon had time to heal. I wanted to have the re-connection done at another hospital (Columbia Presbyterian in NYC) but was told that surgeons didn't pick up other surgeons' cases half way through.

Both Westchester Medical Center and Columbia Presbyterian have medical schools attached--so I assume that both have first rate doctors. Since you seem disinclined/unable to go back to the surgeon who did the ostomy, my advice is to look for someone who specializes in re-connection in your new locale. Best of luck.

PS A good surgeon is a necessary but not sufficient requirement for a successful outcome. Some quality of the patient (e.g. her particular anatomy) may mean a good outcome isn't possible, even with the best surgeon ever.

@stephendelos, I hope you saw the helpful posts from @peggydobbs @klancee47.

Stephen, what did you decide? How are you doing?

@peggydobbs Thanks for you explanation. I have had multiple blockages, where either my bowels twist or get blacked in some way, for over 30 years. I don't think I want a reversal because I have only been in the hospital twice in 8 years where it was 3 to five or more times a year before. I can understand the doctors and the reasoning for going to the same doctor. I would want to because I feel like he did an excellent job on my ostomy. I am afraid of more surgeries if what I have is working.
thanks

@colleenyoung
Doing great...thanks for asking...going for it January... Audrey Sigmoid going home...will tat a memorial though...1st tat 73!

How do you feel now that it has been over a year and a half?

@peggydobbs A world of experiences on this thread.
I’ve had an ileostomy for 32+ years. From reading here,
People use “prison”in conjunction with having an ostomy.
Ok I will use it also. The disease I had for 20 years….
Was like being in “prison” the ostomy surgery was a reprieve from the Governor (doctor) I was married for 30 years, and
Two relationships for four more years. No one complained
Or had an issue. YOU CANNOT DESCRIBE YOURSELF AS A BODY PART, OR LOSS OF ONE. I’m sure if you had surgery,
(Let’s say your female) you had 1 or 2 breasts removed. You would expect support from your partner. This is not
Star Trek, Dr McCoy (Bones) isn’t giving you a cure all pill.
As he did in the 1960”s earth episode.
🎼 Hi, gray skies are gonna clear up
Put on a happy face
Brush off the clouds and cheer up
Put on a happy face
Take off the gloomy mask of tragedy
It's not your style
You'll look so good that you'll be glad
You decided to smile🎶🎶