I had the 3rd (reversal) surgery in June 2014 at the age of 65. That's right, I'm almost 75 now. I was happy to have the 1st surgery because I was so sick. I was happy to have surgery #2 because I hated the ostomey. I was happy to have surgery #3 because the 4+ months waiting to have the ostomy reversed left me with chronic and severe dehydration. I was putting our more fluid that I could take in and sunsequently made 10 visits to the emergency department for IV magnesium and eletrolyte replacement. Surgery #3 marked the begining of the end of my happy periods.
The 1st year following the final surgery had me questioning my decision to get the J-pouch. I had to constantly remind myself that it woud get better and be better than the ostomy. The anal pain and itch was unbearable. Yes, it got better but it took almost a full 12 months. The next 5-6 years were, I suppose, as good as could be expected. My surgeon said that 5 poops during the day and 1 at night would be the best I could expect. I averaged 8-10. 5 being a good day and 15 being a bad day. I took me a while to fingure out the most offending foods for me. I did what I could to reduce the trips to the bathroom and as a result, gained 30 pounds. UGH! I got into a routine and made the most of things but I had to remind myself that it could be worse.
Now, a few years later and I'm having a hard time doing that. I cannot honestly say whether things are actually worse or if I am just not physically and emotionally coping as well. I hate going out anywhere now. I dont' want to be in other people's homes and travelling? Well that is pretty much off my list now. Arthritis, a torn left meniscus, a torn right PCL and a foot problem make good walking difficult at bestand as a result I have a hard time emptying my rectum. So, my ingenuity and tenacity led me to start encouraging things with a pediatric Fleet enema bottle followed by a very warm wash with a portable bidet. Did it help? Yes, it did but even that gets tiresome after a while.
I live on the East coast of Canada and I have a son on the West coast. I tried to visit him annually. Ever given yourself an enema in an airplane bathroom? With room temperature water, to boot, because I wouldn't dare use the water from that tap. My other son and my grandchildren vacationed in Europe recently and had wanted me to go with them. I wouldn't dare. And the cost of living? I spend more on toilet tissue than food, And, remember the toilet paper shortage of 2019?
I often think of all you young folks who are forced to live this life for so many years. My heart aches for you. I am so very tired of it all. I am glad that I am 75 and approaching my end game. I am all pooped out!!
Thank you for this place to vent and rant and to and with people who "get-it".
Good luck everyone and God Bless.
