Colostomy reversal: What can I expect? Recovery time?

Posted by barbwith3cats @barbwith3cats, Apr 28, 2024

In a few month, I’ll be having a colostomy reversal. By the time the surgery rolls around, I will have had the Ostomy for 6 months. What can I expect ? Will the recovery be another 12 weeks?

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rhs | @rhs | May 7, 2024

In reply to @xxxlt "Do you recall how much colon was left for reattachment?" + (show)

They removed about 1/3 of my colon.

xxxlt | @xxxlt | May 8, 2024

In reply to @jvitanza1 "I waited 6 1/2 months before my reversal. The doctor that did the original had recommended..." + (show)

How much colon was left to use for hook up?

pamelaxgeo | @pamelaxgeo | Jan 30 9:33am

Educating myself for takedown surgery of the ostomy due to severe colitis.

sacul2 | @sacul2 | Feb 12 8:49am

I'm thinking of reversal scheduled for march. Will I be spending the rest of my life running to the bathroom? I am 70 plus and would like to go back to pre-stoma lifestyle. Is that possible?

jvitanza1 | @jvitanza1 | Feb 13 6:01am

In reply to @sacul2 "I'm thinking of reversal scheduled for march. Will I be spending the rest of my life..." + (show)

I waited six months after having my original surgery to have my reversal which had been recommended by my doctor and I totally agree waiting those extra few months was well worth it. had the reversal a year and a half ago and I am doing fine. I am 71 years old. Just listen to the doctor after the reversal and take it easy eating soft easy foods, letting your body digest it until you’re fully healed.

sacul2 | @sacul2 | Feb 13 9:12am

In reply to @jvitanza1 "I waited six months after having my original surgery to have my reversal which had been..." + (show)

I keep seeing videos of people who cannot stop going to bathroom and other problems. I do not want to trade bag for diapers for the rest of my life. Did you go back to the life you had pre stoma?

jvitanza1 | @jvitanza1 | Feb 13 9:47am

My life is completely normal as if it had never happened!

sacul2 | @sacul2 | Feb 13 10:28am

In reply to @jvitanza1 "My life is completely normal as if it had never happened!" + (show)

how long after surgery before you could drive and maybe have a beer and a burger?

judyz | @judyz | Feb 13 10:30am

In reply to @jvitanza1 "I waited six months after having my original surgery to have my reversal which had been..." + (show)

I am thinking about having a reversal. I am 3 months out from surgery and I am having trouble with my allergy to adhesive from the bag. I will wait the 6 months before the reversal. What are the pros and cons of the reversal?

jvitanza1 | @jvitanza1 | Feb 13 11:02am

In reply to @sacul2 "how long after surgery before you could drive and maybe have a beer and a burger?" + (show)

I didn’t drive for one week after the reversal. I ate soft food for the first 3 weeks then returned to my normal diet. I went back to work after 2 weeks and I’m a bartender so I was on my feet all day and didn’t have any problems. I don’t know if you are aware that the stoma is left open on the outside it heals from the inside out, so just be careful.