Newbie - Where can I find support?
Posted: Sat Jul 07, 2018 4:41 pm
Hello all. I am a 57 year old male who was just released from the hospital recently after having my ileostomy reversed. I had a tumor on my large intestine, near my rectum, which was removed by a lower anterior resection (LAT). That surgery was 2 months ago, and I was on the ileostomy to allow the repair to heal.
Unfortunately, I found I have no control at all. I don't have urinary incontinence, so that is a big relief, although I did get sexual disfunction
Due to the LAT I have very loose stools almost all the time. That is a big problem as it is causing so much pain and discomfort, not to mention the mess.
I have been doing days of research and found only this site where there is an actual forum to discuss this problem. I am trying to remain upbeat, I am alive, and I am off that bag, but it is a challenge. My only relief is that I found that my colon usually empties by nightfall, so I can sleep without incident and if I don't eat in the morning, can go much of the day without a mess. Of course that changes the minute I eat anything.
I am busy reading this board and every post in it for tips. My big question right now, is there any other forum or resource out there where I can get information? I really need to find internet resources as I am an American expat living in Japan, so there is nothing here locally where I can turn.
Thanks for letting me into the community.
Unfortunately, I found I have no control at all. I don't have urinary incontinence, so that is a big relief, although I did get sexual disfunction
Due to the LAT I have very loose stools almost all the time. That is a big problem as it is causing so much pain and discomfort, not to mention the mess.
I have been doing days of research and found only this site where there is an actual forum to discuss this problem. I am trying to remain upbeat, I am alive, and I am off that bag, but it is a challenge. My only relief is that I found that my colon usually empties by nightfall, so I can sleep without incident and if I don't eat in the morning, can go much of the day without a mess. Of course that changes the minute I eat anything.
I am busy reading this board and every post in it for tips. My big question right now, is there any other forum or resource out there where I can get information? I really need to find internet resources as I am an American expat living in Japan, so there is nothing here locally where I can turn.
Thanks for letting me into the community.