Colostomy reversal: What can I expect? Recovery time?

In my case I didn’t have any cons! I could not be any happier.The Dr. that did my original surgery was in another state,my intestine burst while visiting my daughter 6 hours from where I live. That Dr. recommended the 6 month wait stating it could be done laparoscopic instead of another large incision. He recommended a Dr. in my state that agreed with the Six month schedule. The scar from my reversal is the size of a small thumb print and I healed up rather quickly. My life is back to normal!

I definitely got my life back after my reversal. Within 6 weeks I felt normal again. As far as bathroom issues…..I only had diarrhea for the first week after surgery. Once I had solid food in me, bowel control returned. I’m 6 months out from the reversal and I couldn’t be happier.

I was back to normal very quickly as far as bowel movements. The diarrhea was gone after a week. I bought adult diapers before my surgery, but never needed them. Once I was eating solid foods, everything firmed up. In the beginning you have to listen to the faint urge to go to the toilet. After all, You haven’t used that equipment for 6 months.

I drove once I stopped the pain meds, about 2 weeks. I had a margarita 4 weeks after surgery and it was wonderful.

I had problems with the adhesive from my bags also. On changing days, I would remove everything and put a hydrocortisone cream all around my stoma. After 30 mins, I would wipe it away gently and reapply my bag. It really helped me. I’m 6 month out from my reversal and I couldn’t be happier. If not for all the scars, It’s almost like it never happened. Life is normal again.

Really? I wasn't aware of that. What does that look like and how do you care for it while it heals?

I have the colonoscopy in 2 weeks. The surgeon who did the original is doing the colonoscopy. Although afraid sounds like I am making the right Choice. The Ct scan came back ok. Need to get a list of all the things I need to purchase before surgery since I guess I am useless for the 2 or 3 weeks after.

You keep it covered with gauze pads . I bought clear plastic adhesive patches that I would put on to take a shower to keep soap out. When I was ready to get out I would peel it off and rinse the area once all the soap was off me. I kept paper towels near so I could pat it dry gently. Once I dried off I would put a clean gauze pad on. I used the gauze pads that were made not to stick to your skin and then gently tape it. I’m not sure if your male or female But I bought high waisted undies that were soft and they would cover the surgical area to keep my pants from rubbing on it.

I also had a CAT scan and a colonoscopy a few days before I had the surgery. I’m pretty sure from what nurse has told me that’s very routine just to make sure it’s ready for the reversal . I made sure I had a lot of no stick gauze pads, the soft tape and the clear plastic stick on patches that cover over the gauze when you want to take a shower so you don’t get soap or anything in it. I was back to work in two weeks! The clear patches are called clear shower shield they keep the area dry while showering.