Coping With Gastrectomy

February 2007 I found myself going to Urgent Care with terrible pain. After a CAT Scan they immediately took me to surgery. I had a hiatel hernia that had twisted and pushed my stomach to my chest cavity. My stomach was all diseased and was totally removed.

I am now on tube feeding. Currently my esophagus is not connected to my colon, however I just met with a surgeon and I am going to have some tests to determine the condition of my colon and my esophagus for possible surgery. Under consideration is the reversal of my ileostomy, and then connection of my esophagus to my colon.

I have been doing some research online and had been very excited and looking forward to the surgery. I am beginning to wonder if it would be better to leave well enough alone and resign myself to living with the ileostomy and also the bag on my neck (I can drink clear liquid which immediately comes out the hole in my neck) for the rest of my life.

I welcome any stories from others who may have experienced any of the same conditions.