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Ostomy reversal: My story

Posted by barbwith3cats @barbwith3cats, Sep 18 9:20am

I’m 3 weeks out now from my Ostomy reversal. I had an open revision. Surprisingly the incision starts at the top of my belly button, makes a half circle and then down to my pubic bone. It has 14 staples. The Dr pulled out 2 primrose and a jp drain after 2 weeks. Today the staples come out. The old Ostomy site only has 6 staples, but has given me the most pain. My biggest challenge has been fatigue and no appetite. I’ve been lucky with a fairly normal return of bowel function. Feel free to ask me any questions.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Ostomy Support Group.

barbwith3cats | @barbwith3cats | Nov 10 10:23am

I prepared by stocking up on Desitin ointment, booty wipes,and Preparation H. I put the Desitin on as soon as I had the first bowel movement to prevent getting raw and sore. I also bought a pull up bar that slid under my mattress and I was able to get in and out of bed unassisted. I had the hospital put a potty chair next to my bed….at first you don’t have a lot of time to get to the bathroom. I needed stool softeners about 3 weeks into recovery. The hospital gave me a compression garment that was a life saver. It helps with swelling and support.

REPLY
sue1954 | @sue1954 | Nov 18 8:54pm
In reply to @barbwith3cats "I’m doing well. My surgery recovery has been a lot easier than I anticipated. Even with..." + (show)
@barbwith3cats

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.

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50 more days till my reversal.
I am really looking forward to returning to normal.
I keep getting messages about people who are down on reversal.
But even home health care nurse had said everyone she know who had reversal are glad they did.
I figure if doctor didnt think it will be successful he would of said so
Glad to hear your doing well
Sue

REPLY
1 reply
barbwith3cats | @barbwith3cats | Nov 19 7:28am
In reply to @sue1954 "50 more days till my reversal. I am really looking forward to returning to normal. I..." + (show)
@sue1954

50 more days till my reversal.
I am really looking forward to returning to normal.
I keep getting messages about people who are down on reversal.
But even home health care nurse had said everyone she know who had reversal are glad they did.
I figure if doctor didnt think it will be successful he would of said so
Glad to hear your doing well
Sue

Jump to this post

I couldn’t be more please with the outcome. Our lawn man had the same experience with his reversal. Great outcome and no complications. It’s life changing and I am grateful to have a return to normal. To Celebrate, we are taking a cruise in a few weeks. Yay!

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