I'm a new friend...I've had Crohn's since I was 15. I had a total colectomy Nov '04. The surgeon cut my pancreas. I had pancreatic surgery and a spleenectomy Jul '05. I had an open incision w/infection for 2 mo. after that. Now I find out I have defective rectal sutures which have been causing continuous abcesses. I now have a vaginally placed drain rather than glute-drain (cheek of buttocks), for the past 10 weeks. My surgeon is prolonging reconnection until next Nov.? Does this seem like a normal timeline. I have had a colonoscopy w/no active disease noticeable. How long have most of you waited to reconnect after your colectomy? I am experiencing an intense odor from this abcess and drainsite, my gastro says it's the connection from rectum through vaginal wall--it's probably bacterial. I cannot stand it anymore! HELP!
This has really taken it's toll on my family; my husband and two teenage daughters. I feel so responsible and full of guilt, it's starting to suffocate me--this loss of control.
Usually, surgeons like to wait at least 3 months before reconnecting to give you time to heal. I don't think there is a maximum time limit - I know people who have been reconnected years after their initial ostomy surgery.
Please don't feel guilty about what's happening to you - you have no control over it. Easier said than done, I know. But think of the situation in reverse. What if it was one of your daughters going through this? Would you want her to feel guilty about it? I'm betting you wouldn't and I'm also betting that they wouldn't want you to feel guilty either.
I had a total colectomy in 1989 at the Cleveland Clinic. My surgeon said that I cannot have pull down surgery because Crohn's patients usually have ulcers form where the new connection is. So, this is permanent for me. I'm surprised to hear that you can be reconnected.
I've had Crohns now for over 20 years. I had a sub-total colectomy performed on 10/26/05. My surgeon said that the healing period is 6-12 weeks before reconnection. I am scheduled for my reconnection and take down of my ileostomy in 6 days (12/13/05). My surgeon stated that there are less problems with adhesion at 12 weeks but that surgery done sooner is manageable. I'd seek a second opinion if I were you.
I'm a new friend...I've had Crohn's since I was 15. I had a total colectomy Nov '04. The surgeon cut my pancreas. I had pancreatic surgery and a spleenectomy Jul '05. I had an open incision w/infection for 2 mo. after that. Now I find out I have defective rectal sutures which have been causing continuous abcesses. I now have a vaginally placed drain rather than glute-drain (cheek of buttocks), for the past 10 weeks. My surgeon is prolonging reconnection until next Nov.? Does this seem like a normal timeline. I have had a colonoscopy w/no active disease noticeable. How long have most of you waited to reconnect after your colectomy? I am experiencing an intense odor from this abcess and drainsite, my gastro says it's the connection from rectum through vaginal wall--it's probably bacterial. I cannot stand it anymore! HELP!