Hello All,
My name is Shannon, I'm 30 and have had an Ostomy since 27. I was told that because I had to have my Spleen removed, the year before that it wasn't their to keep the natural E-coli that is in our bowls in check, and that it is what caused me to have a syptic episode which ended up leaving me with a Colostomy and full Hysterectomy at the young age of 27. I kept the Colo for 6 months then had the reversal, but 2 months later ended up with the Ileostomy that I have now. What I am wondering is how many others out there also don't have their Spleen's? Is this a legitament reason for what happened or is there more to it and the doctors just can't explain. I have had my ostomy now for over 2 years and to be honest I'm scared to have another reversal and end up back with the Colostomy. I can say that after having them both I prefer the Ileo, it still sucks don't get me wrong but it's diffenately the lesser of to evils. Are other of you out there looking for answers? How are you, do you have any advise or suggestions?
Interesting ... haven't heard of spleen/ostomy combo before, but your story makes sense. I lost my appendix during APR, but surgeon said uterus and ovaries looked fine so he left them.
What a lot you've been through! Keep researching spleen and ostomy sites and let us know what you find. Good Luck
Martha
If you are indicating that those people who lose their spleens automatically get an ileostomy, I would say that I don't believe that to be true. There must be other factors related to your particular case that you did not share?
Sue
dx proctitis in 1987
dx UC in 1991, was stable until 1998
1998 started prednisone, asacol, pentasa, nortriptylene, ativan, 6MP, rowasa enemas and suppositories, hydrocortisone enemas, tried the SCD diet, being a vegetarian, omega 3s, flax, pranic healing, yoga, acupuncture, probiotics
2000 lost all my B-12 stores and became anemic
2001 opted for j-pouch surgery- now living life med-free
Dear Sue I am not indicating anything! I was just asking a question to others who might also be in my similar situation. Is it possible that those of us who do not have are spleens and then later end up with either a Colostomy or Ileostomy that there might be a link, and like I said my doctor was the one who told me it was for a fact that the reason my systems natural E-coli got out of control was because I had no spleen to keep it in check. I was never saying that it's automaticly going to happen.