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Rectum Removal Infection


Sat, August 27, 2011 7:50 PM

Had emergency colectomy with ileostomy due to UC two years ago. They left my rectum and small part of distal colon in because I guess they don't remove that when you're dieing and to give me the j-pouch option if I survived.

I opted for a rectum removal instead of J-Pouch, so I found a good surgeon in Seattle and had it done 5 weeks ago. Everything went well (so much easier than the horrible colectomy and disease,etc.) but my butt incision is infected. My surgeon tells me this happens to about 20 percent of the cases and it's nothing to worry about. Yeah, easy for him to say. My husband has to pack it twice a day with a wet guaze and I have to clean it in the shower twice a day. Not to mention it's a little painful and getting in the way of recovery. I finally just went online to see what others' eperiences were and of course found some horror stories of people who have had these open wounds from the infections for two years. My god! Anybody had the rectum removal with infection at the butt site? What works to heal it up quickly. I'm thinking I'm going to go to my osotmy nurse (they do have the word wound in their title) next and forget the cut and paste expert [surgeon].

 

FPO buttdog
Joined Jul 20, 2009

Sun, November 27, 2011 4:12 PM

 Reply posted for Buttdog.

My first surgery was a sub-total colectomy with rectum removal. basically my appendix and everything beyond. My first surgeon was clueless to UC it seems as it took him months, and a perforated colon before he figured it out. But I did the sitz baths in the beginning as well. Was a wreck of a surgery, so could barely stand but didnt so much have an infection, but it did seem to help things. Also, not sure if its applicable in your case, but I eventually found a surgeon who was able to create a j-pouch even tho I only had about 2, maybe 3 inches of rectum left by doing the surgery from the back side. I still have issues, but definately better than it use to be. I hope you have a speedy recovery and find an outcome you are happy with.

FPO ryanr
Joined Nov 15, 2008

Mon, October 31, 2011 11:02 AM

 Reply posted for sharlotte.

If I was you, Id find a specialist that was VERY good asap! Post that same one you just wrote me on a kids/teens site and ask other parents. Where do you live? I know of a well-known gastro pediatric specialist in Seattle. Find someone good who will take this very seriously. Talk to other parents of chrones kids. Learn as much as you can about the disease. God be with you and Im so sorry. The only thing worse than going through this myself is imagining my 4 year old son having it.

FPO buttdog
Joined Jul 20, 2009

Sun, October 30, 2011 4:16 PM

 Reply posted for Buttdog.

My son has had crohns for 17 years, diagnosed at 5 yrs old.  Has had mild case until 1 year ago.  Has rectal stricture resulting in chronic constipation and diarrhea.  Also has many skin tags in rectal area and chronic leaking. Current dr reccommended stretching stricture with surgery as last resort.  Has never had a surgery. He is losing weight fast, dizzy all the time, can't sleep, has no appetite.  He is about at wits end.  Have heard surgery doesnt ever heal in a patient with continual flares. Need advice asap!!!  Very worried.  Son is very weak and depressed.  Please help.

 

FPO sharlotte
Joined Jul 9, 2008

Sun, September 04, 2011 10:33 PM

 Reply posted for Buttdog.

I like using a product with silver in it, like aquacel silver instead of gauze. silver is antimicrobial and tends to help with the healing process faster IMO. I would ask about switching to that.

FPO wildcat
Joined Jul 6, 2009

Sun, August 28, 2011 12:31 PM

 Reply posted for Buttdog.

We haven't had rectal removal experience.   Just wondering if the doctor suggested a sitz bath?   I know Epsom salts have natural healing abilities and work as an antiseptic.   Definitely call and ask your docs office before trying.   It may be worth give you some relief. 

Wishing you well.

Lizzies Mom

FPO lizzies mom
Joined Sep 9, 2009

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