Postby Lee » Mon Nov 19, 2018 7:43 pm
Hi and welcome,
I went with a bag from the start. Radiation destroyed 2/3 of my rectal muscles, thus I was tied to toilet anytime I ate, 20+ BM daily. My bag gave me my life back. So I don't have any experience with reversals.
From what I've read here, yes the first few months can be a challenge. Hopefully others who have already walked in your shoes will chime in shortly. The one thing I will tell you, people who had problems with frequent daily BM have found GREAT success with daily enemas. They got there life back. From what I understand, surgeons want you to wait a few months before going down that path. Just know that it is a back up plan.
Again welcome, you will find a wealth of information and support here.
Lee
rectal cancer - April 2004
46 yrs old at diagnoses
stage III C - 6/13 lymph positive
radiation - 6 weeks
surgery - August 2004/hernia repair 2014
permanent colostomy
chemo - FOLFOX
NED - 16 years and counting!