Ostomy reversal: My story

I’m doing well. My surgery recovery has been a lot easier than I anticipated. Even with an open incision, my pain has been well under control. Within 2 weeks, I was down to just a pain pill at bedtime. Now I’m pain free, just soreness at the stoma closure site. My bowels are returning to normal function. I started on salads a week ago with no negative effects. During my stoma days, my body would not tolerate any raw veggies. I am eating small meals still and my appetite is slowly coming back. I am very happy with my reversal and I have had no negative issues at all. I would suggest a good high protein drink to supplement your meals after surgery. You will heal much quicker and maintain your weight.
My biggest tip is to take wipes, desitin and hemorrhoid cream to the hospital and use them after the very first bowel movement. I was given that tip and it worked well to keep the soreness down. If anyone has questions, please ask.

50 more days till my reversal.
I am really looking forward to returning to normal.
I keep getting messages about people who are down on reversal.
But even home health care nurse had said everyone she know who had reversal are glad they did.
I figure if doctor didnt think it will be successful he would of said so
Glad to hear your doing well
Sue

I was very anxious about my reversal. It went so much better than I expected. My pain was a lot less and I was only in the hospital 5 days. The midline incision, which is huge, really doesn’t hurt. Where the stoma used to be is sore and the still swollen. My surgeon said it’s normal. At 3 weeks out, I have fatigue and need to rest during the day. But, I went grocery shopping yesterday and did well. When I had the original surgery, I was weak and slept all the time. It took 12 weeks before I was strong enough to go grocery shopping. The biggest limitation has been not picking up anything over 10 lbs. With all the surgery, one worry is getting a hernia. My bowels kicked in and started working 3days after surgery. It didn’t hurt at all. I recommend taking wet wipes, desitin ointment and hemorrhoid cream to the hospital. As soon as the first movement starts, keep treating yourself, don’t wait for it to get sore. I read a lot about incontinence issues, but that hasn’t happened. I had the hospital put a potty chair next to my bed, and that worked well.

I’m a 70 year old man. Had a Colostomy. It was reversed. Had a leak. Not good. Now have ileostomy, large hernia, and a tube out my side for a bad gallbladder. Looking to Mayo in Arizona for help. We live in Okla. I was wondering your age, if you don’t mine.

Do you know how much bowl they removed?

Do you know how much bowl they removed?

I’m doing well. My surgery recovery has been a lot easier than I anticipated. Even with an open incision, my pain has been well under control. Within 2 weeks, I was down to just a pain pill at bedtime. Now I’m pain free, just soreness at the stoma closure site. My bowels are returning to normal function. I started on salads a week ago with no negative effects. During my stoma days, my body would not tolerate any raw veggies. I am eating small meals still and my appetite is slowly coming back. I am very happy with my reversal and I have had no negative issues at all. I would suggest a good high protein drink to supplement your meals after surgery. You will heal much quicker and maintain your weight.
My biggest tip is to take wipes, desitin and hemorrhoid cream to the hospital and use them after the very first bowel movement. I was given that tip and it worked well to keep the soreness down. If anyone has questions, please ask.

I have had a colostomy for 3 months and hope to have the reversal in 2 to 4 weeks. Any extra suggestions you can provide, I would greatly appreciate it.