Colon reconnection: Tough decision. Is it worth it?

I've made the decision to keep my stoma. I've thought long and hard and keeping it the best choice for me.

I have no useful opinion on the subject but I've certainly read the posts from a number of folks who make the decision to keep the stoma. All best to you.

@stork1, how are you doing? What did you decide - will you keep the stoma or do the reconnection?

Hi Colleen, after talking to my surgeon I have decided to keep the stoma. She said she thought there was still too much disease to attempt reconnection. Really disappointing but I suspect the right decision.

I had a consult with the surgeon. She strongly urged me against reconnection. She recommends taking everything out and doing a temporary hernia repair because of the increased likelihood of bacterial infection. So I’d have to have two invasive surgeries. I asked her what would happen if I did nothing, and she responded that, other than a 5 percent increased risk of cancer, little else appears to be a concern. So that’s the way I’m leaning, at least in the short term.

@terrydalecasino
I had my first colonoscopy at the age of (64). Two small polyps were found and removed from my transverse colon.
However, I had a polyp in my anus and rectum area about the size of (2) plums put together. And I could see on the CT scan how the roots led up to my sigmoid colon where there was CANCER ♋ cells.
The gastroenterologist said that if the cancer was not removed it would make it's way down to the huge polyp in my anus and rectal area.
However, he told me he was not qualified to remove the (2) plum size polyp in my anus and rectal area. I had to find an older and more experienced surgeon to remove the huge polyp and cancer ♋ from my sigmoid colon. So finally I did.
He removed a total of
(15) centimeters of my anus and rectum and (8) millimeters of my sigmoid colon where the cancer was.
Although I have to wear a colostomy bag for the rest of my life, I
am CANCER "FREE"!
No radiation or chemotherapy!
I have gotten used to the COLOSTOMY BAG, but I haven't gotten used to being so tired and not being able to do what I used to do. But then again, I am (66) years old now and still kicking.
I can't say for sure but I believe if I didn't have the cancer and the huge polyp removed I'm not sure if I would be here writing this advice to you. I would consult with your physician again and see how fast the cancer is growing and go from there.
If you can? Try and get the newest CT scan available. One called
CRT CT; Cinematic Rendering Technology CT scan.
Developed by Elliott K. Fishman from JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY.
Good Luck 🍀🤞 and I ask GOD for a speedy recovery for you 🙏🙏🙏🙏!
GOD BLESS!
Dale A. Dejnowski
1970 Pediatric "INVASIVE" BRAIN 🧠 TUMOR PNEUMOENCEPHLOGRAM VENTRICULARGRAM ANGIOGRAM AND CRANIOTOMY SURVIVOR!

@terrydalecasino
Oh, I forgot 01/11/21,
ABDOMINAL PERINEAL RESECTION CANCER ♋ SURVIVOR AND MORE RECENTLY 04 19 24 ROBOTIC PARASTOMAL HERNIA REPAIR WITH MESH AND ENTEROTOMY SURVIVOR!

Thanks for the inspiring message, Terry. I do not have cancer. Crohn’s/colitis stole my colon in two surgeries in 2023, leaving me with an ileostomy, a bag, a giant hernia and the rectum. The surgeon said the little that remains of my colon is too diseased to reattach so she strongly advises me to remove everything. My GI doctor said he knows of an old-school surgeon who could complete the rectal and hernia surgeries at the same time, sparing me from having to go under the knife twice. But my surgeon doesn’t advise that because of the risk of cross bacterial infection. So I’m still at a loss of what to do. I have a CT scan scheduled for Monday. Perhaps that will shed more light.