Any successful Stoma reversal experiences? What is the timeline?

Hi Wishing,
My reversal was nearly 2 years ago, so I honestly don't remember when the totally liquid BMs improved, but I'd guess a couple of months. As I mentioned in my post, even now, almost 2 years later, I have them once in a while--and can't identify any cause.

I was prescribed cholestyramine powder, taken 3/4 times a day. It didn't make a lot of difference for me--but worth a try. I preferred wheat dextrin (Benefiber/ Walmart has an equivalent). But dextrin can be constipating--also not good us hemi-colectomy folks.

Medications: loperamide/Imodium AD 2mg and/or Lomotil / diphenoxylate+atropine, 2.5+.025. Both are OTC at lower dose but need prescription for higher dose. Again neither worked much for me, but also worth a try.

I suggest husband keeps a BM diary for the 2-4 weeks (# BMs, time of day, consistency, check out Bristol Stool Chart as to how to rate). If no improvement, let doc know.

Thinking back, I'd say only time really had much effect. I was so, so very glad to be rid of the ileostomy bag that I really can't remember much of my initial bowel inconveniences!

Thank you Peggy! That is really helpful advice. Thanks for all the detail.

I hope by now you have asked your health care provider about the plastic or nylon thing sticking out of the incision. It's possibly a piece of the fascial suture which holds your abdominal muscles together. Those are meant to dissolve within 6 months. It shouldn't be protruding from the incision but I don't have a clue if it's a serious problem or not. Talk to your doctor if you haven't already.

If when doing a reversal or even a ostomy surgery, I would suggest that you vet your doctor make sure to read all reviews. Make sure you go to different search engines for different reviews, I have paid dearly for not having done a search on how good a doctor is before using him for a surgery. My ostomy doctor was a great doctor and I have nothing but good things to say about him but I have not had a reversal because of my age 78 and the fact that I don't want to be laid up from more healing and surgeries. But another surgery I had to have did not go well and if I had done a search and gotten the reviews of that doctor I would not be having the problems that I am experiencing rom that surgery.

I can have a reversal,but my Dr said he will have to open me up again,not sure if I want that,I almost died with the surgery I had and I'm 76 so any I couraging words would be appreciated.

I had my surgery at 84 and the recovery was tough. I am now going to be 87 and refused to be evaluated for a reversal because of my age. I have gotten into a good routine with changing my colostomy bag. I use a coloplast one piece closed end pouch so i simply put a new bag on each time. I did have a bad reaction after surgery with nausea and not being able to even sip water that lasted for about 3 months after surgery so I dont think that I could do that again

At age 78, after four months in-place, my ileostomy was taken down laparoscopically. Surgery took approximately two hours and I spent two nights in the hospital. The stoma wound, approximately the size of a ping pong ball was allowed to heal from the inside to minimize the possibility of infection. I have an incredible surgeon and things could not have gone better. I have to say that my ileostomy was far less burdensome than I imagined it would be.

@pez01
Thanks for replying, it's a hard decision, I use coloplast also, but I use the 2 piece. I wish they could do it telescopic,Thanks again for your input.

@jaspithill1946
I wish mine could be done laparoscopically,but my Dr. Says no I have a hard decision to make, I had a very hard surgery and don't want to go through that again , Thanks for your input.

All the people that had a reversal did your Dr. Have to open you up again or did they do it telescopic ally? My Dr. Said I would have to be opened up.