I had an IRA surgery in February to remove my colon/large intestine after I told my doctor I couldn’t deal with the pain of colonic inertia anymore. I wanted to avoid having a bag if at all possible, and he brought up the IRA surgery. After thinking it over, I agreed.
The surgery took about 5 hours, and it was nearly impossible to wake up from. I had 4 small incisions around my stomach, and one longer incision from my bellybutton down. The first day after surgery was awful. A lot of pain, I couldn’t get out of bed without help, and I wasn’t allowed to eat or drink anything. The pain got better after day two, but that’s when I hit my first major complication. My digestive track wouldn’t wake up. I wasn’t using the bathroom or passing gas. So I had to face a big fear of mine and have an NG tube. The worst experience of my life and I genuinely think I’m traumatized from it.
Once the tube was able to be removed 4 days later, I was allowed to eat. It’s terrifying to eat for the first time after having your colon removed. However, I was very ready for something with flavor. Soup never tasted so good. My body reacted very well to food and my new plumbing was actually working properly!!
After nearly a week in the hospital, I was allowed to go home with a VERY strict diet. I was using the bathroom every day, multiple times a day. I hadn’t experienced that in years. For the first time since I was a baby, I had a regular bathroom schedule. There’s no pain with using the bathroom. No horrible bloating. No feeling like I might explode at any moment.
I’m still in recovery. I was told it could take a year to be 80% healed. I’m still learning what foods I can’t handle(sadly I’m not able to handle chocolate anymore for some reason). My stomach makes super loud noises all the time. I get nauseous a little more than usual. However, I feel amazing. I didn’t realize I could live life without pain. In all 29 years of my life, I’m finally pain free for the very first time.
I realize not everyone has success with this procedure. I’m still at risk of needing a bag one day. I have a long healing journey ahead. I’m just so happy I can enjoy life now. This surgery saved me.
If anyone has questions about this surgery, feel free to ask! I’m an open book and I’m happy to help anyone who might need it.