short bowel syndrome with ostomy

Hi Rncrowdis,
I am so sorry for what you and your husband are going through.
I know that there are quite a few members here who had their pouches removed and opted for end ileos without too many problems (and often a lot fewer than before)...if he is 'healthy' otherwise and he did not have any other resections done (other than the obvioius colon resection) then he should be fine. We do have quite a bit of small bowel and having the pouch removed should not be the cause of short bowel syndrom. I have had a quite a few surgeries on my valve/pouch (I have a k pouch...same pouch, different exit strategy...I have a valve created out of 24cm of small bowel that they have had to rebuild a few times and my surgeon says that small bowel is not a risk...yet)....
If you are really worried then talk with his surgeon but generally he should be fine...
Good luck with his surgery
Sharon

rn..It is highly unlikely that your husband will end up with short bowel syndrome as we have quite a bit of small intestine in our bodies.

In fact, I had my jpouch removed almost a year ago and now have a permanant end ileostomy. During this operation my surgeon actually saved 30-45cm (that's 1 to 1.5 FEET) of small intestine and resected it back up to the rest of my small intestine. That made a HUGE difference in my functioning from my prior situation which was a loop ileo and a disconnected jpouch.

wishing your husband best of luck with his surgery tomorrow.
liz.

9 years since j-pouch was removed and my end ileo was made permanent. No issues with short bowel. Perfectly normal digestion, no nutritional deficits...I do find my food goes through me quickly, but I've had all my vitamin levels checked and I'm fine. Don't see any reason for concern unless your drs are telling you he has an unusually small amount of intestine to start with...

Thanks for your responses. I talked to his nurse today and she said short bowel syndrome typically affects those with resectioned small intestines...not our case...sees no reason to worry.
My husband and I would appreciate any positive encouragement from anyone who has been through this. It is a very difficult thing for him to do.

We do have a question about the ileostomy supplies. We are hearing all kinds of things about the best and easiest types of bags--velcro, snap....and about the best skin barriers--spray or powder....please share your opinions from your own personal choices of what works best.

Agree with other comments about short bowel issues. I had my pouch excised in mid dec. I basically eat everything, just chew well. Regarding pouches this is really a personal choice issue. Make sure he gets a good stoma one that sticks out 3/4 inch or so and you will have a much easier time in pouching and less leaks and an easier life. A good stoma is critical. I use Coloplast one piece, I have used 2 piece but really dont see much advantage. You can get free samples from the manufacturers.

In regards to ileostomy supplies... best thing to do right now is to make sure he gets a great ostomy nurse(s) working with him in the the hospital. And then always quick access to ostomy nurses once he gets home. Please note that most home "visting nurses" have limited if not zero knowledge about ostomy care. So just make sure he can get in to see an ostomy nurse anytime he needs one. The first month or so takes a bit of trial and error to get appliances/systems that work and can be frustrating. Patience will get you through out.

Also second to what chiro said.. once you know what his stoma looks like, starting size, etc.. you can get free samples from the manufacturers.

Having my pouch out and perm ileo was the best thing I ever did for myself. I understand it can be a difficult adjustment, but if your husband sees this as a beginning instead of an end, it will be much easier for both of you.

I'm a less is more person on supplies - I use a two piece system so wafer, pouch, eakin seal (moldable ring barrier) and powder when needed and that is it. Paste does a number on my skin. Adhesive preps and removers did too. So I keep it simple.

If your husband ever wants to talk, PM me.