Sharing a picture and inspiration to share with ostomates

The picture did not come out properly.
The saying is "I am not what happened to me, I am what I choose to become"

Great-Take care all

New to this group. Had my sigmoid colon removed in an emergency surgery in September, 2023. I'm worried about having the same symptoms of stomach pain and uncontrolled diarrhea after reversal surgery, which is scheduled for April, 2024. What are the pros and cons of keeping the colostomy?

For the exact reasons you are concerned about I have decided to not have reversal surgery done. It's been a year for me now and I think I'd much rather have my ostomy than pain and uncontrollable diarrhea. I have talked to a few people who now wear diapers because they don't have the muscle control to control their bowel movements.

I had an emergency colostomy surgery when my intestine burst and I had no prior symptoms before that happened. The doctor that did the surgery recommended if I wanted to have a reversal to wait 5 to 6 months. I ended up having the reversal in 6 1/half months I was out of the hospital in two days. It has been six months now, and I could not be any happier. I have had no issues since the reversal. My life is finally back to normal! By the way, I’m 70 years old!

That's exactly what I'm afraid of. I had poor muscle control before the surgery and as much as I dislike having the stoma and bag, it is such a relief to not have to worry about accidents and stomach cramping.

Welcome, @pattypp. You may also be interested in these related discussions:
- Diarrhea with an Ostomy? Should I not have a reversal?
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/diarrhea-with-an-ostomy-should-i-not-have-a-reversal/
- Ileostomy reversal coming up - what will be my new normal?
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/ileostomy-reversal-coming-up-what-will-be-my-new-normal/

Thanks for sharing this, Colleen. I can relate to the comment by StaleGale. I'm definitely going to get a second opinion. When I spoke to the surgeon about my liquid-y output he seemed surprised and indicated that the output into the bag should be firm and solid, just like a bowel movement the "regular" way. But from my research, it seems to me that most colostomy patients have thin and watery movements. I sure don't want to put up with those if I get a reversal.

As I stated earlier, I had a colostomy bag for 6 1/2 months. My output was thin not solid, which was perfect as I had a drainable bag. It has been six months now since the reversal and my stool is completely normal as it should be. I do not have diarrhea, and I have not had to worry about any accidents. Thank God, my body seems back to normal!