Having a Barbie Butt as Male Ostomate
Back in 2012, when I was told I’d have to have that operation to remove my bowel, I was made aware of the choices open to me: a permanent ileostomy or a J-pouch. I didn’t know very much about the J-pouch and, if I’m honest, not much more about the ileostomy other than it meant having a stoma. I soon discovered that there were significant benefits to either, but for me there was only one thing I wanted and that was one operation and one recovery. Basically, if I’d opted for the J-pouch, it was likely that I’d need several operations but I’d still have my anus intact, however I decided to go for the total proctocolectomy where my rectum was removed and my anus sewn up, thus creating my “Ken butt”. I have to say that this has worked so well for me and eleven years on I have no regrets whatsoever.
One of the many drawbacks I experienced as an Ulcerative Colitis sufferer was haemorrhoids that were extremely painful. In 2010 I went into hospital for a haemorrhoidectomy but having been taken to theatre, received my sedation, I woke up on the recovery ward with my piles still intact. I was told that owing to the severity of my colitis, it was not possible to go ahead with the operation. I suffered with those horrific things for another two years until I had my Ken butt! I don’t miss them one bit!
Recovery
Many people who have a stoma choose to keep their anus intact, only to find that this can bring its own set of problems and more surgery is needed to put it right. I have to admit that my eagerness to resume intimate relations with my wife led to some of my stitches opening up. This meant a slightly longer recovery as I had to have the area packed and dressed daily for a couple of weeks. It wasn’t funny at the time but we look back and laugh now, especially recalling the time I was facing the wall having the dressing done by the nurse when her colleague came into the room and said, “Oh, hi Keith!” I still wonder if she’d recognise my face…
One thing that really helped the post surgery discomfort was the memory foam surgical ring pillow I invested in. It was so much easier being able to sit on this during my recovery. At the end of the day, I can’t say it enough times- do not rush your recovery, whether it’s a Barbie butt, Ken butt or even an Actionman butt, your body will heal at its own pace. I was never a particularly windy person so I don’t miss farting- I certainly don’t miss the painful piles and to be blunt, I don’t miss having to wipe a sore bum. Certainly I am very happy to be celebrating eleven years of Homer the Stoma who has literally never been a pain in my arse!