Connect
Contemplating ileostomy for diverticulitis
Hi everyone. I've had issues with diverticulosis/diverticulitis for over 10 yrs now. It was manageable. Recently, diagnosed with endometrial cancer and needed radiation/chemo. This narrowed my colon where the diverticulosis is and I am now on daily miralax. Diverticulitis comes more frequently now, and the last diverticulitis flare up left me in the hospital with abcess/infection. I saw a colerectal surgeon who suggested a partial colectomy with a temp ileostomy. I'm scared to death. Not sure if I should jump into surgery. Any guidance would be helpful. Thanks.
Like
Helpful
HugInterested in more discussions like this? Go to the Ostomy & J-Pouch Support Group.
Connect
I had an ostomy for several years. Due to 2 surgeries for diverticulitis and short bowel, It was meant to be permanent. I had no problem with it, but the learning curve is steep. Find an ostomy nurse and a good support group. I used our hospital group and the United Ostomy Association's online resources (a lifesaver). Finally, had it reversed because of a large hernia (buy a good support belt). Repeated cases of diverticulitis and courses of antibiotics are not good. Good luck to you.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
4 ReactionsHi @laurenw123, and welcome to Connect!
There are lots of resources to help manage an ostomy, and as @dorisl says, finding a WOCN, and a support group can really help.
It sounds like you have some time to think about what you want to do. One thing to keep in mind as you look at a forum like Connect, is that most of the time people post when they are having problems. There are many people who are managing their ostomy and living their lives without any trouble. I am one of them, I've had my ostomy for almost 25 years, and I live a very normal life.
What is it that you find concerning; is it having more surgery, or is it being able to manage an ostomy?
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
3 ReactionsI can’t respond to the diverticulitis and other problems you had but I have had a pretty happy total colectomy aka ileostomy for 42 years. Mine was due to severe ulcerative colitis. And the decision to do it was really easy when they pointed out I’d be dead soon without it!
Susan F is right that on the forums you tend to see problems versus positive outcomes. AI on Google suggests there are up to 1 million ostomy patients in the United States. That’s a whole lot of us! I am very active and the ostomy is rarely anything of note. That doesn’t mean there isn’t a learning curve because there is. But don’t be fearful of the ostomy itself. Best of luck as you figure out your path.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
3 Reactions@susanf8
Thanks for the feedback. I think my concern is more that it is elective surgery. ..if that makes sense. The ostomy is scarey, but it would be temporary.
@laurenw123 that is very understandable. Sometimes it helps to make a pro and con list, writing out all the advantages and all of the disadvantages. Getting them down on paper and thinking about them can really help. Does that make sense?
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 Reactions