Colostomy expectations - Page 2

TheRainman · 10-21-2012, 08:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Boompow

I too am scheduling a colostomy soon. Though I'm over 10 years post injury, my bowels have been going down hill for about the last 2-3 years. I've gone from once every 3 days and am down to daily now and still have limited success even with softeners and lax. My BP has become the bane of my life...and the wife's too. Since I never really seem to fully empty, I'm in a constant bloated state which has gotten so bad I'm now having hell with my hemorrhoids which are kicking off my spasms and ADs...I've never went thru so many Procadia biters...ever.

As always, this forum is priceless when it comes to learning more about sci related ailments. I'm past the 'should I or shouldn't I' part...it's gonna happen, just trying to learn what to expect besides the obvious. Thanks for all the input!!

I'm a c6-7 to. Just got mine a month ago. I was also bloated all the time and had a bad case of hemorrhoids. I am so glad I got the colostomy. No more bloating, not once since I got it. I feel better then I have in years. I do have some finger movement in my right hand so I can take care of it myself and its easy.

CraigP · 10-21-2012, 09:22 PM

I'm encouraged to hear about everyone's experience. I figured my worst day with a colostomy is better than a good day having bowel movements in my own bed!

I'll be sure to keep everyone up to date on my experience. Thank you for all of the input now and in the past.

Craig

SCI-Nurse · 10-22-2012, 04:32 PM

Good luck to you! I am sure that your decision was well thought out and one you will be happy with. Any more questions, please feel free to let us know.

CKF

CraigP · 10-27-2012, 08:57 PM

Well, tomorrow is my big cleanout day. I'm not too worried about that as I have done it before for colonoscopies. I'm having to procedures done on Monday.

The first procedure they are going to pump some contrast up inside me to see if they can locate any area that may have some narrowing or other physical anomaly that would explain my constipation problems I have been having. Somewhere up inside my backside, further than the fingers can reach, my stool just backs up and creates a hard firm "Plug". If they can identify that area they are going to cut the intestine at that location and create the stoma From there. As I understand it, if I don't locate that area I could still have the same problem of constipation that I had before the colostomy. HOPEFULLY that contrast test will show something that can be worked on.

Six hours later they will go ahead and wheel me into surgery and we will be off to the races. I'm excited and nervous, but I guess anybody would be.

TheRainman · 10-27-2012, 09:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CraigP

Well, tomorrow is my big cleanout day. I'm not too worried about that as I have done it before for colonoscopies. I'm having to procedures done on Monday.

The first procedure they are going to pump some contrast up inside me to see if they can locate any area that may have some narrowing or other physical anomaly that would explain my constipation problems I have been having. Somewhere up inside my backside, further than the fingers can reach, my stool just backs up and creates a hard firm "Plug". If they can identify that area they are going to cut the intestine at that location and create the stoma From there. As I understand it, if I don't locate that area I could still have the same problem of constipation that I had before the colostomy. HOPEFULLY that contrast test will show something that can be worked on.

Six hours later they will go ahead and wheel me into surgery and we will be off to the races. I'm excited and nervous, but I guess anybody would be.

Craig, good luck to ya! Once it gets started everything seems to go by fast. You will be glad you went through it. If you have any questions i'll be happy to answer them. Although i'm still in the early stages and learning myself.

peegy p · 10-28-2012, 01:00 PM

[QUOTE=CraigP;1606883] As I understand it, if I don't locate that area I could still have the same problem of constipation that I had before the colostomy. HOPEFULLY that contrast test will show something that can be worked on.
QUOTE]

I believe the test is called a barium enema x-ray or something like that. I had one. It triggered some mild AD. I had irregular bowel movements before my sigmoid/descending colostomy and still have irregular BM's. Best of luck with your surgery.

Peggy

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10-21-2012, 09:22 PM	#12
CraigP Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Just south of Atlanta Posts: 44	I'm encouraged to hear about everyone's experience. I figured my worst day with a colostomy is better than a good day having bowel movements in my own bed! I'll be sure to keep everyone up to date on my experience. Thank you for all of the input now and in the past. Craig

10-22-2012, 04:32 PM	#13
SCI-Nurse Moderator Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: USA Posts: 41,348	Good luck to you! I am sure that your decision was well thought out and one you will be happy with. Any more questions, please feel free to let us know. CKF

10-27-2012, 08:57 PM	#14
CraigP Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Just south of Atlanta Posts: 44	Well, tomorrow is my big cleanout day. I'm not too worried about that as I have done it before for colonoscopies. I'm having to procedures done on Monday. The first procedure they are going to pump some contrast up inside me to see if they can locate any area that may have some narrowing or other physical anomaly that would explain my constipation problems I have been having. Somewhere up inside my backside, further than the fingers can reach, my stool just backs up and creates a hard firm "Plug". If they can identify that area they are going to cut the intestine at that location and create the stoma From there. As I understand it, if I don't locate that area I could still have the same problem of constipation that I had before the colostomy. HOPEFULLY that contrast test will show something that can be worked on. Six hours later they will go ahead and wheel me into surgery and we will be off to the races. I'm excited and nervous, but I guess anybody would be.

10-28-2012, 01:00 PM	#16
peegy p Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: New Mexico Posts: 413	[QUOTE=CraigP;1606883] As I understand it, if I don't locate that area I could still have the same problem of constipation that I had before the colostomy. HOPEFULLY that contrast test will show something that can be worked on. QUOTE] I believe the test is called a barium enema x-ray or something like that. I had one. It triggered some mild AD. I had irregular bowel movements before my sigmoid/descending colostomy and still have irregular BM's. Best of luck with your surgery. Peggy