Hysterctomy abandoned

[Boodie]

Has anyone gone to have surgery for a hysterectomy and they found their bowel is adhered to their womb and they had to have a colostomy bag?

[ccsmith]

I’m surprised they didn’t know that before! My consultant said he never does a hysterectomy without a MRI first. I’m due mine in September and I’m aware there is a high risk of me getting a colostomy. It sounds devastating that you build yourselfup for it to all change dramatically. The only thing I can say is when I saw the bowel surgeon he was clear it’s only temporary and easily reversible.

I hope it gets sorted for you soon xx

[Boodie in reply to ccsmith]

Thank you for replying. Perhaps you would keep in touch and let me know how u go x

[StefaniaJW]

If it's a temporary thing, it's common. But I suggest you only let a very experienced surgeon perform surgery on you. Join the Nancy Nook group on Facebook for more information on the matter

[marymary101]

Yes. A previous surgeon attempted my hysterectomy in 2017 but only removed the right ovary (intended) because of the involvement of my rectum and bowel (obliterated pouch of douglas and dense adhesions to sigmoid colon).

She did the MRI and referred me to an endo excision specialist that does tandem operations with a colorectal surgeon.

I'd mentally prepared for a bag (excellent Facebook support groups btw) and had made my peace with it in order to move things forward. Hhowever, he expertly completed my hysterectomy with only disc resection and no need for colostomy.

Recovery has been the pits as developed a pelvic abscess but it's always the things you don't expect that cause the heartache, eh?!

Make sure you ask the surgical team all the questions you have. I know people that have coped well with a temp ostomy. Good luck xxx

[SarahK73]

I had this but was able to have it freed up without a bag lost my sigmoid colon but it was resectioned back together v painful after and also got MRSA!!

[arch1eb8ld]

Hi - I was due for a radical hysterectomy cos they didn’t know my suspicious mass was my bowel stuck to my womb - also had endo & bleeding polyps & fibroids- when they started the lap they had to stop as they saw the problem & also apart from endo I have adhesions that have bound everything together - the oncology gynae surgeon took advice & was told to leave well alone as I have a 90% chance of having to have a permanent colostomy bag & catheter bag - if in fact they can even get near the womb & bowel.

After a few months the specialist gynae surgeon sorted the bleeding polyp but said they will not do any further attempts to get rid of endo or fibroids unless there is a chance I had a cancerous growth because the adhesions are so bad.

I have had to change my diet etc to try to stop the bowel problems which has helped but have since been told if my symptoms become too unbearable a specialist team is willing to ‘have a go’. I am managing so far but it was a disappointment after the build up to an operation that I hoped would help - to be stitched back up & sent home with nothing but questions

& more pain & worry.

Best wishes for your recovery.

[NH88]

I am surprized that the surgeon didnt discuss thos with you before hand.

My specialist endo consultant actually made a point of telling me that if he went in and did a hysterectomy that if the bladder was attatched he would need to remove tue endo from that part and depending on the amount embedded i could end up with a colostomy bag...for 3 months or longer.

That was one way inwhich he determined how bad a patient was especially in the younger women. Most younger women in particular would refuse it on that basis.

I went ahead with it anyway. I was lucky that the endo was caught in time (my own efforts and expense to get this infomation) that this was not the case. It was very close and has caused me difficulties which may not improve with my bowel and bladder, but it was not attatched.

If you are not under a specialist i suggest it maybe a good idea to go see one and ask their opinion on your individual circumstances.

Good luck.

Chin up.

Let us know how you get on. X