Aqx99 wrote:It all depends on how much rectum she has left and damage done during radiation. Every person is unique. I was back at work a month after my reversal surgery. I started seeing a pelvic physical therapist before my surgery and continued with her for several sessions afterwards. The tools she gave me have really helped me to gain control of my bowel movements. I still have my bad days, if I try a new food or my stomach gets out of whack for some reason, but in general I only go an average of 3 times per day. Right out of reversal I was going about 20 times a day. I still wear diapers for now, I've told myself that if I can manage a month without an accident I can switch back to regular underpants with a pad (I'm at 10 days, currently).
NHMike wrote:Aqx99 wrote:It all depends on how much rectum she has left and damage done during radiation. Every person is unique. I was back at work a month after my reversal surgery. I started seeing a pelvic physical therapist before my surgery and continued with her for several sessions afterwards. The tools she gave me have really helped me to gain control of my bowel movements. I still have my bad days, if I try a new food or my stomach gets out of whack for some reason, but in general I only go an average of 3 times per day. Right out of reversal I was going about 20 times a day. I still wear diapers for now, I've told myself that if I can manage a month without an accident I can switch back to regular underpants with a pad (I'm at 10 days, currently).
I need to look into finding this kind of specialist as I'll be there in five months. I also need to find a source for diapers as I like to be prepared.
If I were stage 4 and more chemo was likely, I'd keep the port and the illeostomy. Anyone that's had a bag for a while knows the consistency that goes into it and that it can vary and change quite a bit from hour to hour.
Aqx99 wrote:NHMike wrote:Aqx99 wrote:It all depends on how much rectum she has left and damage done during radiation. Every person is unique. I was back at work a month after my reversal surgery. I started seeing a pelvic physical therapist before my surgery and continued with her for several sessions afterwards. The tools she gave me have really helped me to gain control of my bowel movements. I still have my bad days, if I try a new food or my stomach gets out of whack for some reason, but in general I only go an average of 3 times per day. Right out of reversal I was going about 20 times a day. I still wear diapers for now, I've told myself that if I can manage a month without an accident I can switch back to regular underpants with a pad (I'm at 10 days, currently).
I need to look into finding this kind of specialist as I'll be there in five months. I also need to find a source for diapers as I like to be prepared.
If I were stage 4 and more chemo was likely, I'd keep the port and the illeostomy. Anyone that's had a bag for a while knows the consistency that goes into it and that it can vary and change quite a bit from hour to hour.
I actually wear the generic ones that Walmart sells. They are comfortable enough that I don't feel like I am wearing a diaper, and have never once leaked when I had an accident. I obviously can't vouch for the men's version, but it would be worth a shot to save yourself some money.
ams5796 wrote:I loved NWGirl. I miss her.
I'm eleven years out from an ileostomy reversal and I still think about going back to the bag almost every day. It has not been an easy adjustment from the bag. I have bouts of constipation that end in episodes of "clustering" bowel movements that go on for days. I can only work from home and I have trouble making plans for any social occasions.
I have appointment in the middle of June with my colorectal surgeon. I want to talk to her about a permanent colostomy.
Ann
NHMike wrote:I will look into them. Thanks. I actually tried finding these on Amazon when I was going through radiation and could only find stuff for incontinence. It turned out that I didn't need something that heavy for the radiation but I wanted something just-in-case.
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