Hi ladies, has anyone had a Hartmann’s Reversal?

[Meridian14]

Hello lovely ladies. I hope you are all managing the social distancing and self isolating okay - like we need the extra challenge!

I’m 9 months post op, completed first line chemo and now having Avastin until September. I still have a small lesion on my liver but I’m hoping Avastin will keep it at bay.

In future months, if I manage to stay on the same trajectory, it’s possible I may be able to have a reversal of of my stoma. During surgery I had an emergency Hartmann’s procedure which I was not expecting to have and which I know in some cases, unlike other stoma surgery, Hartmanns often cannot be reversed. My surgeon has told me if everything stays stable, I should be able to have it reversed.

Have any of you had your Hartmann’s procedure reversed? And if so, what has been your experience and result.

Stay safe, and use those supermarket slots designated especially for people like us!

Love and hugs

Lisa xx

[akossgolden]

Hi Meridian14,

I too had an Ostomy. it was reversed about two years ago. I'm sorry to say I have not heard it referred to as Hartmanns. I hope you can have the reversal. You don't need that extra stress to deal with.

Also wondering about how you are doing with the Avastin and what is the significance of taking it until September? thanks and good luck.

[Meridian14 in reply to akossgolden]

Hi akosgolden,

Thanks so much for your response.

I had my Sigmoid colon removed. So I have the end colostomy forming the stoma, and a rectum stump which obviously was closed...if I’m luckily enough to reach a stage where I can have the reversal, I think I have to have a two part surgery for reversal; another temporary stoma created.

I have a few questions for you. Can I ask what type of Ostomy you had...

Did you have the sigmoid colon removed?

Did you have to have 2 surgeries, one to create another temporary stoma?

How long after the original surgery did you have it reversed?

Did you have the reversal done laparscopically (key hole) or did you have open surgery?

Did you have a hernia around your stoma?

What was your experience after reversal, any problems, any ongoing pain etc.... what were your bowel movements like after reversal and what are are they like now?

Are you doing well, since your reversal?

In answer to your question regarding Avastin. I still have residual cancer on my liver, a small lesion. That’s why my oncologist put me on 18 infusions of Avastin. I have an infusion every three weeks, my last infusion will be in September. The Purpose of the Avastin is to prevent small blood vessels growing and feeding the lesion on my liver. So, effectively it’s a type of maintenance drug. I’m not sure why 18 infusions but that seems to be the amount given in this country. Possibly to do with funding or outcomes, I’m really not sure... I have read on this forum that some woman in other countries have Avastin for a number of years.

Looking forward to hearing your further response.

Best

Lisa.

[akossgolden in reply to Meridian14]

Hi Lisa, mine was called an Ileostomy. they removed part of the Ileum. I had it for one year. (reversal was April of 2018) It was reversed with open surgery. I never had a hernia. When it was reversed I had diarrhea for 2 wks. they said my colon needs to be "retrained" whatever that means. My daughter suggested going dairy free and within one day I was better. I have been dairy free since. I also try to practice gluten free. that really helps too. I was surprised how things changed with my digestion but I think I was Lactose intolerant before and just never realized. I use Coconut milk or almond. I do eat eggs and cheese, but sparingly. I was having some sudden pains occasionally, but Oncologist surgeon always said it was my body healing. I had two major surgeries on the Omentum mostly. I do not have any pain now. (2 yrs later) Bowel movements are completely normal. In fact better than before all this ovarian cancer business. I guess that was a symptom but I didn't know.

I was doing well until October. Had a PET it showed several small lesion on the Omentum. just finished chemo (Gemzar/taxol). Things look good but dr wants to start me on Lynparza. I hope this info helps you. let me know if you need me to clarify anything. best wishes to you in your battle. Stay strong.

Annette

[akossgolden in reply to Meridian14]

Hi Lisa, mine was called an Ileostomy. they removed part of the Ileum. I had it for one year. (reversal was April of 2018) It was reversed with open surgery. I never had a hernia. When it was reversed I had diarrhea for 2 wks. they said my colon needs to be "retrained" whatever that means. My daughter suggested going dairy free and within one day I was better. I have been dairy free since. I also try to practice gluten free. that really helps too. I was surprised how things changed with my digestion but I think I was Lactose intolerant before and just never realized. I use Coconut milk or almond. I do eat eggs and cheese, but sparingly. I was having some sudden pains occasionally, but Oncologist surgeon always said it was my body healing. I had two major surgeries on the Omentum mostly. I do not have any pain now. (2 yrs later) Bowel movements are completely normal. In fact better than before all this ovarian cancer business. I guess that was a symptom but I didn't know.

I was doing well until October. Had a PET it showed several small lesion on the Omentum. just finished chemo (Gemzar/taxol). Things look good but dr wants to start me on Lynparza. I hope this info helps you. let me know if you need me to clarify anything. best wishes to you in your battle. Stay strong.

Annette

[Meridian14 in reply to akossgolden]

Ah, yours was to do with the small intestine, whereas mine is the smallest (lowest part) of the large intestine (colon)... hence the different surgery needed for reversal. But good to hear that it’s all working well for you. Not so good to here about lesions on omentum, but glad that things look good after Gemara/taxol. I’ve heard a lot of good things about Lynparza/Olaparib.

All the best to you Annette. Keep safe.

Lisa