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Ostomy reversal: My story
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.
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It’s been a long road. First they removed my colon and had a colostomy bag. Then they went to reverse me and it lasted two days and I sprang a leak. Then I had a ileostomy bag. Then on top of everything else, my gallbladder decided it would act up, so it was also full of infection. Then on top of this, I developed a hernia around my ileostomy. I was in surgery for seven hours plus about 2 1/2 hours for recovery. All three surgeries were done laparoscopic one right after other. They hooked my colon to small intestine. Repaired hernia and removed galbladder. . The people ant Mayo are awesome. Couldn’t ask for better treatment. Been out of the hospital a couple of days feeling really good. No serious problems. Things are going well. Trying to eat a little bit more each day. I was in the hospital for a total of 17 days. This is not an easy surgery. Keep the faith and good things happen.
I have to add that my first 3 surgeries were in Oklahoma. I came to Mayo for the last surgery and very glad that I did. I was told it couldn’t be done. Again, Mayo is the greatest. This place called Mayo is the most fantastic medical care facility I have ever seen in my life. They are doing God‘s work and it is full of angels.
With an ostomy reversal would connecting the bowels be best with stitches or staples?
Is it possible to have the ostomy reversal laparoscopically instead of cutting you open, I hope to find out before my reversal
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1 ReactionIt depends on how severe your illness was that required the Ostomy. My Dr said she knew I needed an open incision and she was right. During my 6 months leading up to the reversal I had made a tremendous amount of scar tissue. It took her an hour of ablation to burn off all the adhesions before she could start the reversal.
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1 ReactionThat was a decision my Dr made once she was doing the reversal. I ended up with staples.
Yes it is. I had it laparoscopically on April 1, 2025. I also , at the same time had gallbladder removed and hernia repair. Your PPC will tell you if you are a candidate. I’m feeling really good. Body is adjusting very well wishing you all the best. Praying for you everyday
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1 ReactionMy doctor told me to wait at least six months before the reversal that way it could be done laparoscopic if done in two or three months most likely not! Mine was done 6 1/2 months after my original colostomy surgery and I am a year and a half out from the reversal and have done very well no complications! I think I have four tiny little incisions that you can’t even notice anymore! Good luck, wishing you the best
Thank you
Had mine done laparoscopically on April 1, 2025. I feel so much better now. We are headed for home in Oklahoma. Glad I had it done. Mayo is full of miracles. Greatest facility I’ve ever seen.
. Hoping things go well for you.