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  • Q&A with Australian Health Practitioners

    Is it normal for bowel shrinking after bowel cancer?

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    Bowel Cancer Cancer
    Six months ago I had a small part of my bowel removed which was cancerous. I have had a stoma for 6 months. I was told this could be reversered which was attempted last week only to be told my bowel had shrunk & they were not able to reconnect. Specialist has widened the bowel and will see me in 2 weeks time. If the bowel has not shrunk back they will operate in 1 month.
    Is this usual & what are the results?
    thanking you, Kathleen Burley
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    kab70

    HealthShare Member

    I asked a question re my bowel shrinking. 7 mths ago I had part of my bowel removed.
    I have had a stoma since then. I was told I could have this reversed. 1 mth ago I went into hospital to have it reversed only to be told they could not go ahead with reversal as my bowel had shrunk. Now they are going to try again in 2wks havung streatched the bowel.
    My queston is, does this often happen? Might my bowel shrink again before the operation?
    Would my bowel shrink after the operation (if I can have it done)
    Is there any time limit to ba able to have a reversal?
    Is there anything I can do to prevent bowel shrinking? ( I have done the squeezing exercises of the bowel ever since I received ‘stoma’
    Of course I will ask the Surgeon these questions but would also like to hear from others their advice & knowledge.
    Thanking you in anticipation,
    Kath burley

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  • Mmg

    HealthShare Member

    I have just read you message and am myself waiting for a reversal of my illeostomy . I have not been told anything about exercises for the bowel to prevent it shrinking so now I'm starting to panic . What should I be doing to prevent the bowel from shrinking. Please help.

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  • Bowel Cancer Australia

    Bowel Cancer Australia is the leading community-funded charity dedicated to prevention, early diagnosis, research, quality treatment and care for everyone affected by bowel cancer. We … View Profile

    Dear Kath,

    Thank you very much for your enquiry.

    Due to the detailed nature of your questions they are quite difficult to answer in an online forum.

    If you'd like to send your questions through to Bowel Cancer Australia's Nurse Adviser we'd be very happy to get in contact with you to provide an individualised response and advice.

    You can send your questions to us using the web form available at http://www.bowelcanceraustralia.org/bca/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=305&Itemid=305.

    In the meantime you may also be interested to read some of the information available on the Bowel Cancer Australia website including:

    • Bowel Cancer: Surgery & Treatment http://www.bowelcanceraustralia.org/bca/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=149&Itemid=302
    •Living with bowel cancer http://www.bowelcanceraustralia.org/bca/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=459&Itemid=303
    •Bowel cancer: What I Need to Ask http://www.bowelcanceraustralia.org/bca/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=325&Itemid=47

    We look forward to receiving your questions and to offering you some tailored advice.

    Kind Regards,
    The team at Bowel Cancer Australia
    www.bowelcanceraustralia.org


    Please Note: The information provided by Bowel Cancer Australia’s Nurse and Nutritionist Advisory Services is intended for Australian residents as a reference guide only. It is not a substitute for independent professional advice and is not intended to be used to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease or disorder.

    If you believe your symptoms are consistent with those of bowel cancer or a digestive illness, please consult your doctor.

    Bowel Cancer Australia, its directors, officers or medical professionals shall not be liable to any person, company or any other body for any loss, direct or indirect or consequential on whatsoever account for any omission or negligent misstatement.

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