Question:
Another pouch question: If the pouch has been determined to be
stretched, how long must you wait until it is safe enough and can be "fixed" (have it corrected)? Or is it the stoma? I think I would need the opening smaller or something...Would there be any complications? What are some suggestions? — yourdivaness (posted on February 20, 2003)
February 21, 2003
C'mon AMOS members...I'd really appreciate some help here. Why is it others
may ask a similar question several hundred times, and I ask this one for MY
situation, and can't get anyone to answer. Is it because I'm not a
"new post-op"? I'm still learning some new things about this new
tool you know...Each of us have been at this stage at one time or
another...looking for answers. Some of you may, in fact, ask a question
like some already in the library, but word it different. Don't flame me,
these are my REAL concerns. Have some compassion, please. Thank you!
— yourdivaness
February 21, 2003
I wish I could remember where I saw it, but I don't believe it is possible
to change the stoma to make it smaller. At the very least, it would
probably require another surgery. I also know that the pouch does stretch
out over time, regardless of what or how much you eat. That is a normal
part of the process.
— garw
February 21, 2003
Wow, you packed a lot of questions into an inch of text! The relaxed stoma
might be a result of the way your pouch was constructed. I could wave my
hands around & show you here. Would that help? The "repair"
might be to reconstruct the pouch and go a bit more distal to use a less
flimsy part of the intestine for the stoma. There CAN be complications with
any surgery, large or small. I have 2 freinds who were hospitalized for 2
weeks for liver biopsy, and I was there for about 6 hrs. I forgot how far
out you are, but you may have to leave your area to find a doctor willing
to rebuild your plumbing. I've seen people have a band put in (similar to
Fobi pouch), but then had to go back in and fetch it back out because the
body rejected it. So, there isn't realy one pat answer to your many
questions. There's LOTS of answers, all speculation. Does it help to just
hear that there might even BE options?
— vitalady
June 20, 2003
Original Poster here: Well, at the time I asked this question, I didn't
quite know the difference between the *pouch* and the stoma. Now, I know it
was the stoma that I should have been concerned about. I've had some
difficulty lately and from what I've learned thus far is that there are
probably adhesions and scar tissue that has probably formed. I'm still
wondering, though, if there is the possibility of my stoma being too big
now since prior to feeling something stuck in my throat, it seems like I
was eating entirely too much!! Seems like there are too many things going
on!! Haven't heard from my surgeon yet. I'm now 9 months, 2 weeks and 3
days out and down (as of today) only 107#. So, right now, I'm on a plateau,
somewhat depressed about that, exhausted...(I have to tell you all the
truth), I can't fake this...I'm not one to give up too quick, but I'm worn
out with everything happening...stress on my job w/discrimination
issues->gender and formerly being MO, the fact that I now speak and not
be anyone's "doormat" or be the jolly sweet, Hadiyah that never
said a word. So much going on and I think all of this is crashing in on me
at one time and causing my physical body and emotional/mental self to go
awry. I do feel my stoma needs to be smaller and thank God my spiritual
self is still intact. I still *Smile*, but not as much with these pressing
things going on in my life. Sorry, this may be a bit off this topic, but I
had to let this out. Can any of you offer other suggestions? All and as
many as possible are welcome, and PLEASE, if it's not beneficial, positive
or edifying, pass this up and go to the next question...I need your
support, not a bashing...PLEASE...PLEASE HELP!! Thank you so much for
listening!
— yourdivaness
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