Removal of large inttestine

[Poppi1983]

I have just been diagnosed with stage one cancer in the large intestine. They are as a result going to remove my large intestine and attach the small one to the retcum. I have lots of things I have been wondering about- if anyone could awnser any of these it would be very much appreciated. (I am by the way 27 years old and my father passed away from this cancer at the age of 56).
I was wondering if you are more thirsty after having this operation?
If it has effected anyones chances of getting pregnant and going full term?
If its common to have unstopable gas and bowel movements?
If I should look into banking my own blood before the surgery? someone suggested I look into it.
How long have most people had to take to recover from the proceedure?

[Poppi1983]

Thanks everyone for all the help/suggestions on this- this has put my mind at ease reading others expirences and having a better idea of what I am in for.

[mammo]

Hi, I'm so sorry you're going thru this, I've had more experience with it than I care to remember. We have FAP in our family and both my sons had to have their colons removed, and get a J-Pouch like you will have.  One at 12 and one at 16.  We lost the eldest 12 years ago due to a Desmoid Tumor. They had a lot of bowel movements at first but with diet and Immodium they were able to get them under control.  Gas was never an issue with either of them. You won't be more thirsty, but have to be very careful when exercising in the heat.  You'll need to keep yourself well hydrated with not only water but Gatorade (low sugar type) orange juice (to replenish electrolytes), and eat a banana to keep up your potassium levels. You will learn what foods makes the BM's more frequent.  My son eats pretty much everything with a few exceptions, and has 2 BM's a day,  He is a marathoner, ultrathoner, mountain biker, competes in jujitsu, and a speed hiker.  He recently ran a 100 mile trail run in 37 hours....so you can have a normal life. He is happily married but chose not to have children due to the chance of him passing the mutated gene on. Recovery isn't long especially if they do the key-hole surgery.  This surgery has improved this procedure a lot in the last few years, less invasive.  I know of no reason to bank your blood.  I see no reason why you couldn't get pregnant and carry a child full term, not having a colon wouldn't interfere with the pregnancy.  But it's worthwhile discussing with your OB-GYN, he may want you on additional vitamins or something, and this information is important should you need to have a C-Section.  The biggest issue my son has is if he gets a stomach virus which cause vomiting and diarrhea.  There is no way to keep yourself hydrated during this, so he just goes to the ER for a few hours for IV hydration.  This happens once or twice during flu season. But if you can get the flu shot, you may never have this.  My son can't get the shot because he is allergic to eggs and it's egg based.  Being a hiker he has endured parasites which wreak havoc with the intestines, and bad water.  He did okay with it all. In the beginning while working to get your BM's under control, keep yourself well hydrated as well, it will make you feel better. My son says it's all attitude.  You can sit around and feel sorry for yourself, or you can get out there and live life.  This is a lot to deal with at any age, so be strong and know that you can have a normal life.  I wish you all the best!

[sweettaralove]

hi poppi1983 im so so so so sorry to hear that you have cancer i hope that your surgery goes ok . i have a question for you and im sorry to ask as i know you are going through alot right now but i dont have anyone to ask . i just wanted to know is the cancer you have colon cancer ?. if not then what kind do you have ?. my grandma died for colon cancer and i dont know what is wrong with me and i was just wondering if you have whats happening to me . please could you just write me back and let me know what was going on with you before you found out you had cancer please i know you dont know  me and you dont have to tell me but if you would i would be very thankful to you . thank you so much and i will be saying a prayer for you thank you so much again

[CalGal]

Poppi, I'm sorry to hear of the problem, but very happy that they caught this at stage one. You may want to read some of Morecambe's posts, or send him a message asking some of the questions about losing the large intestine. His is gone and he's come up with very good ideas and suggestions on how to handle fecal issues.

As far as some of your other questions, I think the best person to ask about the pregnancy question would be both your GI person and your Ob/Gyn person.

Banking your own blood wouldn't be a bad idea at all.