Subtotal Colectomy

[Guest guest]

I may be facing a subtotal colectomy in the next couple months. I need some honest advice. I'm really anxious about having a major surgery with as weak as my body is and with the mito and those added risks,etc. My GI at Cleveland Clinic called this week and said that my tests (manometry, colonic transit,etc) were all showing that my colon just doesn't work. She said there is not anything left to try or do so she is referring me to a surgeon to explore my options. Part of me wants to just go ahead and alleviate the prob and have the surgery before I loose anymore weight and get weaker. I've not been successful in bulking up all because of the colon issues. If I ever gain any weight its just because I haven't had a BM. Then once I'm able to eliminate I loose anywhere from 1-3#'s. I just need some advice from those of you who have had this done or your children have. How bad was it? How long of a surgery? Recovery periods? Pain? I would have a resectioning done of the small bowel to rectum with no ostomy bag. I know there is a surgeon at CCF who performs this surgery laparoscopically and does the reconnection all at one time. I will be meeting with my Ped's surgeon at least first. I have alot of confidence in him and he is also very well known for his GI surgery. He may be able to do the same thing or have another good idea for me. Please Share!! Thanks!