I posted yesterday ( see post here ) about some strange symptoms I was having. Drainage from bum and passing out. Well I called the nurse this morning and she had me come into the office immediately. After talking with the surgeon, having blood work done, and having a digital exam (crap that hurt!!), he decided I needed to go in for a cat scan tonight. His main concern is an abscess or the pouch coming unattached.

Needless to say I am very nervous. I am assuming for the cat scan they will put contrast up my bum, I can only imagine how uncomfortable that is going to be. I also have to drink some too. Odd since I still have my illeostomy (I'm 2 1/2 weeks post step 1) I guess they want to check all the plumbing.

Thank you everyone for your advice yesterday.

I don't know what to say about the amount of fluids that you are passing...10 times a day sounds like an awful lot. As to the BB I would ask the surgeon to give you some Nystatin or something as putting out as much stuff as you are may be leading to a yeast infection. Of course "normal" BB needs to be addressed as well.
I hope everything turns out OK..
Let us know!
Julie

Good luck, Steph. I hope you don't get anything else shoved where it does not belong!

When I had similar signs to what you're experiencing, the surgeon ordered a CT scan as well, due to concern about infection/abscess. The scan was negative and it turned out my problems were secondary to dehydration and electrolyte imbalance.

Don't worry about the CT scan. I suppose it's possible they may want to do some sort of rectal contrast, but this hasn't been the case for me the two times I've had one done. They didn't make me drink anything for my "emergency" post-op scan, and frankly if they did I would have refused as I'm sure it would have made me vomit. If you think you can handle it, choke the stuff down but otherwise don't be afraid to tell them you don't think you can do it without vomiting. I doubt they would want to force it if you're feeing nauseous. The only other contrast is an IV injection. It can make you feel weird for a minute or two but otherwise it's nothing.

Good luck.

Steph,
Good luck with your CT scan. The contrast up the bum is a bit uncomfortable, but not as bad as you think it is. The IV contrast makes you warm and feel a little weird for a minute, you also may have a metallic taste for a second - but not too bad either...Hopefully they will get it all sorted out...
Carolyn