Is an ileostomy the solution to a small bowel obstruction?
About 4 months go, I checked into the emergency hospital with a small
bowel obstruction (the 6th time), but the prior 5 obstructions were
resolved with suck and drip (NG tube and IV fluids). Three days
later, after a CAT-scan, while my "personal" bowel surgeon was out of
town, an emergency doctor (with specialty in breast and general
surgery) operated on me and gave me an ileostomy. However, because
of a prior bowel bypass surgery at my terminal ileum, the ileostomy
results in me not having the use of my terminal ileum and colon.
For the past 4 months after the surgery, I have lost 22 lbs (about 15%
of my previous body weight), still feel weak physically and mentally.
I am coping hard with my ileostomy (emptying the pouch every 3 hrs day
and nite, disrupting my sleep, occasional leakages, etc.). Meanwhile,
I have to work hard from 9 to 5 daily.
I have been taking vitamin B-12, folic acids, multivitamins, Gatorade,
banana, etc.
It is depressing that I have to feel this way and cope for the rest of
my life. I really really wish that this ileostomy can be reversed!
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