Ostomy reversal: My story

Posted by barbwith3cats @barbwith3cats, Sep 18, 2024

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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Profile picture for bdarling82 @bdarling82

@barbwith3cats
That's for replying. My urge ranges from maybe to is on the way.
I'm hopeful that the incontinence will get better after your response.
Thanks a bunch

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I woukd like to say I'm 3 months post op from oscony reversal. It seems that as each day/week goes by my body functions are getting better and better although not quite normal but lots better thank the Lord

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Profile picture for bdarling82 @bdarling82

@barbwith3cats
That's for replying. My urge ranges from maybe to is on the way.
I'm hopeful that the incontinence will get better after your response.
Thanks a bunch

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@bdarling82 i had same problem. My surgeon recommended taking FiberCon tablets each day. It has made a difference as it solidifies waste a bit better. It has helped prevent accidents.

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Profile picture for bdarling82 @bdarling82

I came across this site as I was recovering and researching post ileostomy diet. I'm one week out from surgery. I'm doing better than expected, especially pain control. I expected to have pain like I had with the original surgery. That's great but I don't have an appetite. I can go for hours on hours without taking a bite of food . What amazes me is the amount of poop I have when I'm not taking in food. Thanks for the "tucks" tip. I've gotten pretty sore. I'm open to any suggestions to pique my appetite. I hope the rest of your recovery went uneventful.

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@bdarling82 I was told to eat 4-5 small meals a day instead of large meals, and to be sure to chew food well. Drink lots of fluids preferably after eating.

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I was told to stick to a high protein diet. My reversal was March 9 and I sm doing well EXCEPT I found a lump in my belly that turns out to be a hernia. So, now waiting for scheduled laparoscopic surgery to repair it. After researching, I have discovered hernias occur often after ileostomy reversal. Not too happy about it. Will be my 3rd surgery in 9 months!

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Profile picture for adlib071 @adlib071

I was told to stick to a high protein diet. My reversal was March 9 and I sm doing well EXCEPT I found a lump in my belly that turns out to be a hernia. So, now waiting for scheduled laparoscopic surgery to repair it. After researching, I have discovered hernias occur often after ileostomy reversal. Not too happy about it. Will be my 3rd surgery in 9 months!

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@adlib071
Thank you for your reply. My surgeon also cautioned me about hernias. I know how you feel about another surgery but stay encouraged.

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Profile picture for adlib071 @adlib071

@bdarling82 i had same problem. My surgeon recommended taking FiberCon tablets each day. It has made a difference as it solidifies waste a bit better. It has helped prevent accidents.

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@adlib071
Thanks for that. I'm going sometimes 10 times a day. I've gotten to know Depends that help with accidents.

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