So the story goes that once upon a time a 60-year-old overcame colo-rectal cancer with a year of treatments and surgery. But the story doesn’t end there.

My life has continued with many bumps in the road as time has traveled past me swiftly.

The two medical conditions, my herniated stoma and my parastomial (Butt) hernia have been discussed in the previous blog posts.

Also add to it have been the before mentioned hernias, a small heart attack, and much discomfort and many, (too numerous) to mention here life changes.

In this blog post I would like to share my most recent medical adventures. They have lasted over the past 5-6 months without me even noticing what was happening.

It all accumulated on Monday November 11, 2024 with a recent trip to the emergency room at a local hospital at 2:30 am.

I was eventually diagnosed with a colon blockage to go along with my badly herniated stoma. The stoma had been badly ruptured for many years.

My surgery was on Friday November 15. My hospital stay was 11 days in total.

I would like to make the readers aware of the dangers of a colon blockage accompianied with a herniated (ruptured stoma)what I would call a recipe for a health disaster.

So let’s discuss scientifically what is going on with these situations.

Two Different Conditions

Colon blockage and a herniated stoma are two distinct gastrointestinal conditions, each presenting unique challenges and requiring specific treatment approaches.

While a colon blockage often involves an obstruction in the large intestine that disrupts normal bowel function, a herniated stoma refers to the protrusion of abdominal contents through a weakened stoma site, typically in individuals who have undergone ostomy surgery.

In this article, we’ll explore these conditions, their symptoms, causes, treatment options, and how surgical interventions compare, with a focus on operations to address herniated stomas.

By the end, you’ll have a detailed understanding of these two conditions and the medical approaches used to manage them.

What is a Colon Blockage?

A colon blockage, or intestinal obstruction, occurs when the large intestine is partially or completely blocked, preventing the normal movement of food, fluids, and gas.

This blockage can be caused by mechanical obstructions, such as tumors, scar tissue, or impacted stool, or functional issues like paralytic ileus, where the muscles of the intestine fail to move contents effectively.

Common Cause
1. Adhesions: Bands of scar tissue, often resulting from previous surgeries, that can constrict or kink the intestines.
2. Tumors: Both benign and malignant growths in the colon can obstruct the passage of stool.
3. Diverticulitis: Inflammation and infection of pouches in the colon wall can narrow the intestinal lumen.
4. Hernias: External protrusions of the intestine can create a blockage.
5. Impacted Stool: Severe constipation or fecal impaction can lead to obstruction.

Symptoms of Colon Blockage
-Severe abdominal pain and cramping.
– Distension or bloating.
– Nausea and vomiting, often with bile.
– Inability to pass stool or gas.
– Dehydration and electrolyte imbalances in prolonged cases.

What is a Herniated Stoma?

A herniated stoma occurs when abdominal contents, such as loops of intestine, push through the muscle layer surrounding the stoma, creating a bulge around the ostomy site.

This complication is common in individuals who have undergone colostomy or ileostomy surgery, where an opening is created on the abdominal wall to divert stool or urine into a pouch.

Common Causes
1. Weak Abdominal Muscles: Weakness or poor healing of the stoma site after surgery.
2.Increased Intra-Abdominal Pressure: Activities like heavy lifting, persistent coughing, or obesity can strain the abdominal wall.
3. Ostomy Placement: Stomas placed in certain locations may have a higher risk of herniation.
4. Age and Overall Health: Older individuals or those with compromised tissue integrity may be more prone to herniation.

Symptoms of a Herniated Stoma
– Visible bulge or swelling around the stoma.
– Discomfort or pain at the stoma site.
– Difficulty fitting or maintaining an ostomy pouch.
– In severe cases, obstruction of the herniated intestine, leading to symptoms like those of a colon blockage.

Colon Blockage: Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis
Diagnosing a colon blockage requires a combination of clinical assessment and imaging studies.
Physical Examination: Palpation of the abdomen may reveal distension or tenderness.
Imaging: X-rays, CT scans, or MRI scans help identify the location and severity of the blockage.
Colonoscopy: A flexible camera inserted into the rectum can visualize obstructions and, in some cases, treat them.

Treatment Options
1. Non-Surgical Management:
Nasogastric Decompression: A tube is inserted through the nose to relieve pressure by draining accumulated fluids and gas.
Enemas or Stool Softeners: These may resolve blockages caused by impacted stool.
Bowel Rest and Hydration: IV fluids and cessation of oral intake allow the bowel to recover.

2. Surgical Intervention:
Resection: Removal of the obstructed portion of the colon, often followed by reconnection of the healthy ends.

Colostomy or Ileostomy: Temporary or permanent diversion of stool if the blockage cannot be bypassed.

Adhesion Lysis: Cutting away scar tissue causing the obstruction.

Surgery is typically reserved for severe or persistent blockages that do not resolve with conservative measures.

Herniated Stoma: Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis
The diagnosis of a herniated stoma is primarily clinical, based on observation of the bulge and patient symptoms.

Imaging studies like CT scans or ultrasounds may be used to assess the extent of the herniation or rule out complications such as bowel obstruction.

Treatment Option
1. Non-Surgical Management:
Supportive Devices: Hernia belts or binders provide external support to reduce discomfort.
Lifestyle Modifications: Avoiding heavy lifting and maintaining a healthy weight can reduce strain on the stoma.
Ostomy Adjustments: Larger or flexible ostomy bags may accommodate the hernia and improve fit.

2. Surgical Intervention:
Hernia Repair: Surgery involves repositioning the protruding contents and reinforcing the abdominal wall with sutures or mesh.
Stoma Relocation: In severe cases, the stoma may be relocated to a stronger site on the abdominal wall.

Surgical repair is often necessary for severe or symptomatic hernias that interfere with ostomy function or lead to complications.

Comparing Surgery for Colon Blockage and Herniated Stoma

Indications for Surgery
Colon Blockage: Surgery is indicated for mechanical obstructions, bowel ischemia, or perforation.
Herniated Stoma: Surgery is typically elective unless the hernia causes bowel obstruction or ischemia.

Surgical Techniques
Colon Blockage: May involve bowel resection, adhesion removal, or colostomy creation.
Herniated Stoma: This procedure focuses on repositioning the stoma, repairing the abdominal wall, and potentially using mesh for reinforcement.

Post-Operative Recovery

Recovery times for both procedures vary but often include hospital stays for monitoring bowel function.

Patients with a repaired herniated stoma may need additional time for their abdominal wall to heal before resuming normal activities.

Risks and Complications
Colon Blockage Surgery: Risks include infection, leakage from bowel reconnection sites, and adhesion recurrence.
Herniated Stoma Surgery: Risks include hernia recurrence, infection at the stoma site, and difficulty maintaining ostomy appliances post-surgery.

Quality of Life Considerations

Both conditions can significantly impact the quality of life, especially when surgery is involved. However, successful treatment often results in marked improvements.

Colon Blockage Resolving a blockage restores normal bowel function and alleviates painful symptoms.

Long-term management may involve dietary changes and regular check-ups to monitor for recurrence

Herniated Stoma: Surgery to repair or relocate the stoma can improve comfort, ostomy pouch fit, and overall mobility. Proper post-operative care and lifestyle adjustments help maintain the results of surgery.

Prevention Strategies

While not all cases of colon blockage or herniated stoma can be prevented, certain strategies may reduce their likelihood:

1. Dietary Adjustments:
High-fiber diets promote bowel regularity and reduce the risk of impaction.

Staying hydrated prevents constipation and reduces straining during bowel movements.

2. Post-Surgical Care:
Following instructions after abdominal surgeries minimizes adhesion formation and stoma site strain.
Wearing hernia belts after ostomy surgery supports the abdominal wall.

3. Avoiding Strain:
– Maintaining a healthy weight and avoiding heavy lifting reduces abdominal pressure.
– Gradually increasing physical activity after surgery strengthens core muscles.

Conclusion

Colon blockage and herniated stomas are distinct yet impactful gastrointestinal conditions requiring specialized care.

While colon blockages can lead to life-threatening complications without timely intervention, herniated stomas primarily affect quality of life and ostomy function.

Understanding these conditions’ symptoms, causes, and treatments is crucial for effective management.

For patients, early recognition of symptoms and seeking medical advice are essential to prevent complications.

For healthcare providers, tailoring treatment approaches to patients’ individual needs ensures the best possible outcomes.

Whether it’s addressing a colon blockage or performing surgery to repair a herniated stoma, advancements in medical and surgical techniques continue to improve the quality of life for affected individuals.

10 Bad Side Effects of Radiation Treatments

Radiation therapy is frequently used in the difficult treatment of colorectal cancer, which is a dangerous condition. Although this treatment has the potential to reduce tumor size and eradicate cancer cells, there are several potential negative effects.

Individuals receiving radiation therapy for colorectal cancer may encounter many unfavorable symptoms. These adverse effects might affect a patient’s quality of life and capacity to carry out everyday activities. They can range in severity from minor to severe.

If you have ever been here to my site previously you are familiar with my story and some articles I have written in the past where I talk about subjects which I have experienced as being important to a new Ostomy Patient.

One post that I find will be helpful to you is you can go to How to Get Through the Radiation Treatments for Colorectal Cancer, this post is a deep inside look at how I got through my radiation treatments. Now several years later I am sharing my story 10 years past and some things to be aware of for your journey. Education from experience I call it.

1. Let’s Get Personal Here For a Few Minutes.

Back in the fall of 2013, I experienced some of these side effects personally.

My personal assigned treatment to reduce the size of my cancerous tumor was 27 radiation treatments as well as some Chemo taken with pills.

Then I had colorectal surgery scheduled 2 1/2 months after the radiation treatments were concluded.

The Cancer doctor was pleased with how the tumor shrunk up so well.

He had done his job and surgery was performed on December 13, 2013.

However, 10 years later I have found that I now have a half burned to a crisp bladder. It is now unresponsive and I just spent 9 months with a local urologist figuring out why I have such active leakage and why my bladder refuses on its own to retain urine.

I now have a sacral stimulator to aid in more proper bladder operations. You can read my post titled My sacral stimulator aids my daily body functions.

This was one large side effect that I wasn’t aware of a possibility of this happening.

Moving back to personally reported things that can go wrong.

Follow me as I take you through my mindset at the beginning of my cancer journey. I was totally unaware of all of these things I want to talk about now. If you read

Living With An Ostomy-The Struggle and My Story As a Colorectal Cancer Patient both of these posts you can sense my naivete towards all of this. I believe my eyes are wide open now as to the real dangers that are present and could be part of your future from your cancer treatments.

Let’s get to side effects number 2- number 10. Next what to look for. Be Aware of any or all of these happening to you.

Manage Symptoms of Side Effects.

Here are some normal things you may experience.

To anticipate and manage side effects correctly, patients and their healthcare professionals must have a thorough understanding of them. Among the common complaints include changes in bowel habits, skin problems, and weariness.

It is crucial to remember that not every patient will suffer every side effect and that the degree of discomfort can vary depending on many circumstances, including the patient’s general health and the specifics of their treatment.

By adjusting treatment to meet each patient’s unique needs, healthcare staff strive to minimize these side effects. They provide numerous interventions and support to help with good symptom management.

To receive the best care and support possible during their treatment journey, patients are encouraged to be open and honest with their doctors about any side effects they may encounter

2. Gastrointestinal Complications

A variety of gastrointestinal adverse effects might result from radiation therapies directed against the colon region. Comprehending these problems is crucial, as they have the potential to drastically affect a patient’s quality of life and necessitate further procedures.

Nausea and Vomiting

Radiation damage to the stomach and adjacent tissues can cause nausea in patients, which can then result in vomiting. To treat these symptoms, doctors may prescribe antiemetic drugs. read this article for more information.
Types and Side Effects of Antiemetic Drugs

Diarrhea

Since radiation can irritate the lining of the intestines, diarrhea is a typical side effect. Its severity can be managed with a modified diet and adequate hydration.

Rectal Bleeding

3. Skin Reactions

Skin reactions have a major negative impact on a patient’s comfort and quality of life as a side effect of radiation therapy for colorectal cancer. Radiation dermatitis, which varies in intensity, and dryness with itching are the two major ways they usually appear.

Radiation Dermatitis

One frequent and frequently anticipated side effect of radiation therapy is radiation dermatitis. It manifests as an acute cutaneous reaction that can vary in severity from mild redness and soreness to blistering and peeling. In particular, one could note:

Skin redness or erythema in mild cases of dermatitis.

Moderate Dermatitis: Increasing redness, maybe accompanied by swelling and the start of itching or pain.

Severe Dermatitis: The afflicted area may peel skin, or it may be “wet” dermatitis that oozes and blisters.
Itching and Dryness

Following radiation therapy, patients may also have severe itching (pruritus) and dry skin. If this discomfort continues, it may result in:

Skin Dryness Texture that is roughened, flaking, or scaling.
Itching: A persistent, irritating feeling that can cause you to scratch, which irritates your skin even more.

To manage these symptoms, patients must practice proper skin care. For detailed advice and treatment choices, patients should speak with their healthcare team.

4. Immune System Effects

The immune system of a patient receiving radiation therapy for colorectal cancer may be specifically and quantifiably affected. The way that radiation interacts with the body’s inherent defenses results in these effects.

Reduced Level of White Blood Cells

Patients with colorectal cancer may experience leukopenia, or a decrease in white blood cells, as a result of radiation therapy directed towards the pelvic area. As the body’s main line of defense against infections, a decrease in white blood cell counts might increase a patient’s susceptibility to a variety of diseases.

These persons must take additional measures to prevent contracting infectious infections both during and after their treatment.

5. Try Fatigue On For Size

I did experience fatigue quite a bit. The treatments are there pounding on you every day.

Chronic Tiredness

Individuals receiving radiation treatment for colorectal cancer may endure weeks or even months of severe fatigue. Patients may experience persistently low levels of physical, emotional, and cerebral energy, which makes it challenging for them to carry out their daily duties.

Anemia or sleep patterns being disturbed are two consequences of radiation therapy that add to exhaustion. Being tired doesn’t usually get better with rest, therefore it’s a continuous problem.

6. Sexual Health Issues

Sexual health problems can arise from colorectal cancer radiation treatments. These may have varying impacts on various people and stem from radiation’s direct or indirect effects on hormones and sexual functions.

Sexual Dysfunction

Patients may experience sexual dysfunction as a consequence of radiation therapy aimed at treating colorectal cancer. The following points elaborate on this issue:

• Erectile Dysfunction (ED) in Males: Radiation can damage the blood vessels and nerves responsible for an erection, leading to ED.
  

  Severity	Time of Onset	Duration
  Mild to Severe	Immediately to Years Post-Treatment	Temporary to Permanent

• Vaginal Changes in Females: Women might undergo changes that make intercourse painful, such as vaginal stenosis (narrowing or shortening of the vagina) caused by the formation of scar tissue.
  Vaginal StenosisPainful IntercourseUse of vaginal dilators>Lubricants and moisturizers

  Issue	Resultant Condition	Possible Interventions

• Libido Alterations: Both men and women may experience a decrease in sexual desire due to the psychological impact of cancer treatment or the alteration of hormone levels.
  • Impact on Fertility: Potential loss of fertility can occur, as radiation may affect the reproductive organs, reducing the production of sperm in men and eggs in women.

7. Urinary Problems

Patients receiving radiation treatments for colorectal cancer may encounter various urinary issues. These complications arise due to radiation’s impact on the bladder and surrounding tissues.

Bladder Irritation

Symptoms: Patients may experience symptoms of bladder irritation, which often manifest as:

• Frequency: An increased need to urinate.
• Urgency: A sudden, compelling urge to urinate.
• Discomfort: Pain or burning sensations during urination.

Management Strategies:

• Hydration: Getting enough drinks can assist in lessening irritation and diluting pee.
• Dietary Adjustments: Avoiding irritants like caffeine and acidic foods may alleviate symptoms.
• Medications: Prescribed medications can help to ease inflammation and discomfort.

These urinary issues typically resolve after treatment concludes, but some individuals may have lingering effects. Patients are encouraged to report any urinary symptoms to their healthcare provider for appropriate management.

Emotional and Cognitive Changes

Individuals receiving radiation treatments for colorectal cancer may face emotional and cognitive challenges as a direct effect of the therapy. Radiation can influence mood and cognitive function, potentially leading to depression and memory loss.

8. Depression

Patients may go through a major emotional shift during or after radiation therapy, with a tendency toward depression. Prolonged melancholy, disinterest in hobbies, and social disengagement are the hallmarks of this illness. These shifts in emotional state could be attributed in part to the physiological changes brought on by radiation.

9. Memory Loss

Radiation treatments can also lead to memory loss, which patients may notice as difficulty recalling recent events or information. This cognitive side effect, sometimes referred to as “chemo brain” even when caused by radiation, can manifest as forgetfulness or the inability to concentrate. Cognitive functions are sensitive to the impacts of radiation and may be temporarily or permanently affected.

10. Potential Risk of Secondary Cancer

When patients undergo radiation treatments for colorectal cancer, they face a potential risk of developing a secondary cancer. Secondary cancers are new types of cancer that occur as a direct consequence of treatment for the original cancer.

• Probability: The risk of a secondary cancer is relatively small but notable.
• Location: Secondary cancers may arise in or near the field of radiation.

The types of secondary cancers vary, but the following are possibilities:

1. Bone Cancer
2. Bladder Cancer
3. Blood Cancers
   • Leukemia
   • Lymphoma

Radiation therapy uses high-energy particles to destroy cancer cells, but in the process, it can also affect healthy cells. Over time, the DNA damage in these healthy cells can lead to another form of cancer.

Factors influencing risk:

• Dose of radiation: Higher doses can increase risk.
• Treatment area: Certain body areas are more susceptible.
• Age: Younger patients may have a higher risk over their lifetime.
• Personal genetics: Individual genetic predispositions play a role.

Monitoring is crucial post-treatment to detect any early signs of secondary cancer. Regular follow-ups with a healthcare provider are highly recommended to manage the overall risk.