Bust a gut

One week ago today, I went under the knife. I had my ileostomy reversed. I know that when I was looking up this procedure on the internet, it was pretty difficult to find any good info. So, I want to make this post one that will help out others getting ready to undergo this surgery. There are a lot of terms that I googled when researching this surgery (ostomy reversal, ileostomy reversal procedure, ileostomy closure, ostomy closure, take-down surgery). The most successful search one used the terms "ileostomy closure". Okay, now for a little background on me.
I am a 25 year old female, and a Crohn's patient for the last 6 years. After lots of testing, I was diagnosed with Fistulizing Crohn's Disease 3 years ago. I had 4 rv fistulas with extensive perianal disease, as well as 20 bowel movements per day. My disease did not respond to any medications, even the Remicade infusions that I was getting every month. I had a temporary loop ileostomy done in October 2003 to divert the stool from the abscessed areas. Then, 6 weeks later, I had an advanced placement flap surgery done to repair the fistulas. Basically, this is a skin graft done to cover all the holes that inflammation had created. I did well with the stoma for over 2 years, having some skin issues, but basically doing well. My quality of life was great, and I was able to have a life again. However, my colon was starving while the ostomy was in place, causing me to have diversionary colitis. Therefore, I had the ostomy reversed a week ago.
I had no prep, other than NPO midnight the night before. I talked to the surgeon and the procedure was performed. Afterwards, I was put on a morphine drip to help with the pain, as well as a catheter. My guts were pretty sore, and my skin felt pulled too tightly to cover the hole that was my stoma. On Wednesday, I urinated and was able to get up by myself. I was discharged Wednesday afternoon. I was drinking and eating a few bites of soft food at a time. Since then, I have progressed to walking (though it tires me), and eating small meals. For dinner last night, I had a ham and cheese sandwich. I am using the bathroom, though it has been pretty painful. I am on Percocet for pain and return to my surgeon in a week.
My skin still feels stretched too tightly, and it takes a while for me to go to sleep. I am able to stay up during the day, but with limited lifting and limited strength. I drink a lot throughout the day, mostly gatorade and ginger ale. Sitting up hurts after a while, therefore, more details tomorrow.


Send this post to an ostomate you know! ;)