Has anyone in the group had open or laparoscopic PC surgery who was
also an ileostomate?  I had a total proctocolectomy (removal of entire
colon, rectum, and rectal stump) in 1999 as a consequence of ulcerative
colitis.  I have a stoma 2" below my belt line and 3" to the right of
my navel, with the requisite adhesive collection pouch.  The surgery
was performed laparoscopically in Chicago with excellent success.

I am seriously considering laparoscopic surgery again (da Vinci?) for
the PC but don't want to risk problems with the re-routed plumbing I
now have.  I'm not even sure I am a candidate for this kind of surgery
(robotic assist or otherwise);  I will be discussing this with my uro
in two weeks.

I would certainly like to correspond with anyone who may have had a
pre-existing ostomy (urostomy, colostomy, or ileostomy) at the time of
his PC surgery.

If you are out there, please post or email me.

btw, I'm 53, PSA=2.5 to 15 in last 12 months, free PSA=1 ng/ml, getting
an MRI next week (no rectum, so no DRE or ultrasound) in preparation
for biopsy.  At this point I'm actively self-educating (this group is a
tremendous resource) to try to be on top of whatever lies ahead.

Thanks,
Jim in Boston