Ostomy reversal: My story

I m going to be talking to my doctors on about 5 weeks about .my reversal
Is it a fairly simple operation?
Im worried something might go wrong.
I really need to stay off google.
They paint the worse things that may happen.
I really wanted to have the reversal, but I worry if it will go okay.
If you could please tell me how it is for your.
Thank you
Use Holt

Hi,
I m going to be talking to my doctors soon about getting ready for reversal.
If you could let me know how it went for your, I m worried things may go wrong.
I read to much Dr. Google.
Thank you
Sue Holt

I was very anxious about my reversal. It went so much better than I expected. My pain was a lot less and I was only in the hospital 5 days. The midline incision, which is huge, really doesn’t hurt. Where the stoma used to be is sore and the still swollen. My surgeon said it’s normal. At 3 weeks out, I have fatigue and need to rest during the day. But, I went grocery shopping yesterday and did well. When I had the original surgery, I was weak and slept all the time. It took 12 weeks before I was strong enough to go grocery shopping. The biggest limitation has been not picking up anything over 10 lbs. With all the surgery, one worry is getting a hernia. My bowels kicked in and started working 3days after surgery. It didn’t hurt at all. I recommend taking wet wipes, desitin ointment and hemorrhoid cream to the hospital. As soon as the first movement starts, keep treating yourself, don’t wait for it to get sore. I read a lot about incontinence issues, but that hasn’t happened. I had the hospital put a potty chair next to my bed, and that worked well.

Thank you so much.
Ive read a lot of bad reviews about getting a reversal too.
I sure would like to read more likely your.
It would help with the worry if its the right thing to do.
Need to have serious talk with my Doctors.
Again thanks for answering and giving me pointers.
Sue

Your welcome. I had anxiety about the surgery as it approached, because my original colostomy surgery and recovery was so difficult. This reversal has been so different, in many different ways. I am very happy with the outcome. I’ll keep posting as I am recovering, with tips or things I’ve discovered along the way. Make a list of your questions for the Dr. for your visit. It’s hard to remember everything when things are so stressful.

Looking forward to hearing how your doing.
I try not to worry so much about the surgery and out come, but its hard as I m sure your know.
Hope to talk again
Sue

Have read a lot of negative comments about reversal.
I m glad I found your posative remarks.
I wish there was more likely tours
Sue

@barbwith3cats, how are you doing now? If I've calculated correctly, you're more than a month out now from your reversal.

What tips would you offer someone who is considering a reversal? What do you wish you had known?

I’m doing well. My surgery recovery has been a lot easier than I anticipated. Even with an open incision, my pain has been well under control. Within 2 weeks, I was down to just a pain pill at bedtime. Now I’m pain free, just soreness at the stoma closure site. My bowels are returning to normal function. I started on salads a week ago with no negative effects. During my stoma days, my body would not tolerate any raw veggies. I am eating small meals still and my appetite is slowly coming back. I am very happy with my reversal and I have had no negative issues at all. I would suggest a good high protein drink to supplement your meals after surgery. You will heal much quicker and maintain your weight.
My biggest tip is to take wipes, desitin and hemorrhoid cream to the hospital and use them after the very first bowel movement. I was given that tip and it worked well to keep the soreness down. If anyone has questions, please ask.

Hi,
Im having my reversal in about 9 weeks.
Can you give me any advise on how I should prepare?
Im not to worried now as I really wanted a reversal, but as it gets closer I know I will be worried.