if what my brother in law said was true if you are cut in your stomache you are not going to have to have a colosomy bag will you? he was telling me that and i dont beleive it but just thought i would ask.

I had a 360, and I don't have a colostomy bag. Lots of surgeries are done through the abdomen and all those people don't have colostomy bags. Think of all the folks who have had their appendix out. They don't have colostomy bags. The only time a bag is needed is when the intestines are operated on. It's called a colostomy bag because the colon is resected. I'm sure your brother-in-law means well and is trying to look out for your best interests, but he's absolutely wrong on this one!

Don't let this be a worry! You have enough things to think about without complicating it with myths. I'm glad you came on and asked! Now you can forget about it! :)

Emily

thank you so much i didnt think so i was sure also that only if the intestines are messed with no offense to my brother in law but he just knows it all and scaring my sister and she doesnt want me to do it. thanks emily

When I broke he news to my family about my back surgery they were all against it and had scary stores to tell about friends and co works who ended up bed ridden or in wheel chairs. It was worse yet when I told them that it was a 360 and all that was involved! After I explained that I had to have the surgery or I absolutely would end up in a wheel chair they left me alone. No colostomy bag, no drainage tubes, just tape on the incisions! Apparently I was super glued which was great because the wound healed faster and no stitch marks and it was a LONG incision on the tummy! But I too was first worried about all the things you were. In fact I wanted to donate my own blood until my doc told me that they recycle it. What ever comes out goes back in. Great huh?

yea that is awesome thank you

I had a front/back fusion in 2005. The front scar is down low,left side, about 5 inch from where the body meets the leg and comes down at a angle toward the groin area. Approx 2 inches from there. No where near the stomach. I have bladder/bowel problems from the surgery, but not from the front incision. I had a plate put in the front to hold the fusion area solid. They had another doctor present that holds off the artery so it doesn't get cut. He also holds the intestines over so the surgeon can get into the spinal area. You might have constipation after the surgery from meds, but don't worry won't need a colostomy bag from this either.

if what my brother in law said was true if you are cut in your stomache you are not going to have to have a colosomy bag will you? he was telling me that and i dont beleive it but just thought i would ask.

This is true, you will have constipation after the surgery, don't bother buying the pills, it gets very expensive. I found that Benifiber works great! you can add it to your milk, your juice or soup or what ever you eat, it's tasteless and is not gritty. Make sure you call your hospital and ask them if they have a Pre OP Physical Therapy. They will show you how to dress yourself, put on your shoes and socks and um, how to clean yourself after using the bathroom. No one here has suggested this but long handled tongs work great, wrap the TP around the tip and go from the front. You won't be able to turn or twist after surgery. It all sounds gross but whatever works and you can just release the paper in the toilet without touching it. I'm sure that you will get other things that you need such as a grabber and something to help you put your socks on while your in the hospital but at a price. Don't forget to check out the POST OP Stickie Post. You actually won't need everything there but it will give you an idea of some things, a grabber and tub chair are a must. A walker will be used for about two to three weeks then you'll move onto a cane for how ever long you need it. Good Luck