I was diagnosed with colorectal cancer 3 years ago. My cancer was very low and was removed leaving me with a permanent Ileostomy bag that has had to be redone 3 times due to failure and hernias etc. Today I had a colonoscopy and the dr told me I need to have a total proctocolectomy done ASAP. He said my entire colon is diseased, said my cancer could very well be back in the lining of it, said I have colitis and diverticulitis as well as a very Large Bezoar. Now keep in mind I havnt even used my colon for 3 years so I don't understand how a Bezoar would even accumulate. I have been having pain in my abdomen especially on getting up from lying down..however other than that I don't have much trouble.
My questions are-
1- What are the side effects long term scinerios any one has faced with having this done? I want the good gthe bad and the ugly before I make this deision
2- By not having my colon anymore will I be at higher risks for things like vaginal issues, bladder etc? I had read somewhere that without your colon holding everything else in place stuff can begin to fall out and it can be a mess. Anyone out there have any thoughts on this?
3-What is the recovery time most have experienced and any tips on making this an easier process? I've been through soooo much.
Thank you for taking the time to read and answer me.
Alys