Lots of Complications.......But Still A Success?

1. One month ago, J pouch takedown in two steps
2. Mild chronic dehydration, going way too often for type of work
3. still dealing
4. dunno yet

1. Total Colectomy, and takedown a year apart due to blood clots. Had the takedown a little over a year ago.

2. none really, itch but sometimes and stop you in your tracks spasms

3. Itchy but, yes, but not the spasms. Lotion and a soak in the bath helps wonders with the itch

4. Totally

1. When was your surgery and how many steps?

3 step surgery (1st step emergency) July 2005, with step 2 September 2007 and takedown March 2008.

2. What were your complications?

I've had numerous; after step 1: paralytic ileus requiring me to be completely NPO for 10 days and go on TPN, hypokalemia resulting in arrhythmia, motility issues, acute weight loss, appetite and absorption problems with inability to gain weight, severe allergic reaction to gentomycin, retinal inflammation. After Step 2: full obstruction.

3. Are you still dealing with any of them?

I still have occasional butt burn and some instances of isolated bleeding that has never been specifically attributed to anything. I had 1 bout of pouchitis 11 months post takedown but so far no recurrence. My biggest nuisance problem currently is occasional gas, which is more annoying/embarrassing than painful. It can be loud.


4. When could you say with confidence that you are finally a Success Story?

I was happy with the j-pouch almost immediately.

1. When was your surgery and how many steps? 2 Steps in 9/2010 & 12/2010
2. What were your complications? After Step 1: Bowls swelled causing full blockage (9 days NPO); Step 2: Cuffitis, multiple abscesses, chronic pouchitis, and the usual occasional butt burn/itchiness
3. Are you still dealing with any of them? Multiple abscesses & chronic pouchitis
4. When could you say with confidence that you are finally a Success Story? about a month ago. I'm still seeing the surgeon every month after 2 years, but I finally have my life back.

1. Two steps laparoscopically: 1st step 6/25/10. 2nd step 10/8/10.

2. Complications: abscess/infection after step one. Had to have a trans gluteal drain in for 6 weeks. After takedown, reoccurring anal stricture. Needed 6 quick in office dilations. I don't really consider the stricture a complication though.

3. Not currently dealing with any j pouch issues. It's all good.

4. I considered my surgery a success from day 1. I felt instantly better after my rotten colon was removed.

1. When was your surgery and how many steps?6/11 step 1, 9/11 steps 2 & 3 together.
2. What were your complications? My wounds (one laproscopic and one regular incision) opened wide up and I had to pack them with gauze for 2 months. Blood from cuffitis - just a little every now and then. Now it seems I may have a incisional hernia near my stoma site (seeing a surgeon on Thursday)
3. Are you still dealing with any of them? occasional bleeding and hernia
4. When could you say with confidence that you are finally a Success Story? the moment I woke up from surgery and realized I no longer had a stoma, lol, the bag was my worst enemy! But no honestly, I was about 2 months out before I felt like it was a real success.

1. 2 step surgery. December 2011 & March 2012.

2. I had an abscess in my pelvic floor that resulted in a 9x9 cm fluid mass that had to be drained and stuck me back in the hospital for about 5 days (and the drain had to stay in for about 2 weeks).

3. No.

4. I really felt successful after I was able to go back to my karate class and grapple for 2 hours (on the ground, no holds barred). Mostly I started feeling like a success story after I started feeling like my old self again, after 5 years of my body breaking down.