Any successful Stoma reversal experiences? What is the timeline?

Hi @sacul2, I had a temporary stoma reversed over thirty years ago with no problems. Sounds like there are a lot of horror stories out there. Let mine stand as a counter to them. Good luck and feel good, Dave

Thanks for info. Have colonoscopy tomorrow. Surgery mid-March

My reversal went extremely well . A few weeks after surgery, I could eat normal foods again. I healed much quicker with the reversal. I’m 6 months out and couldn’t be happier. No problems at all. Good luck with your procedure!

My husband went thru 6 months of chemo (colon cancer) and then went into surgery to have his colostomy bag reversed. The surgeon could not reverse the bag because he had too many adhesions from his previous surgery. She worked four hours just to remove the adhesions. She had to give him another bag (ileostomy) for another 8-12 weeks. Surgeon said this should be temporary but this is what she said with the first bag!
My husband is disappointed and depressed. What if they run into the same situation when they go to reverse/takedown this bag?

No sure what Doctor meant when he said found no cancer during polyp removal
during colonoscopy. I am having Stoma reversal surgery on Thursday. Ha acts like it is no big thing. I wonder how long until I truly recover or am I just wishing.

I waited six months before my reversal as that was what the doctor recommended. I had a colonoscopy less than a week before the reversal to make sure everything was OK in there. Reversal went smooth. I was in the hospital two days after the reversal went home the morning of the third day. I’m a year and a half out and everything is fine. The stoma is left open and heels from the inside out, so you have to keep it clean and protected. Ask your doctor what foods he recommends after I was told soft and not spicy for a little while.

when you got home did you have any bathroom problems. I read about diapers, constipation, diarrhea, rash creams needed etc. etc.? I understand start small and bland diet. How long before bud lite and big mac? How long before I can leave the house without worrying about doing something in my pants?

I never had any of those problems after my reversal. I was told to eat soft foods for a couple weeks. Nothing too rough. I went back to work in a week with no issues at all and I was 70 years old and a bartender.

Thank you for your timely and positive answer. I go in for surgery tomorrow morning. I too am in my 70s. I will not be tending bar but hopefully I can go to one after a couple of weeks on soup, crackers, and rice

Wishing you successful surgery and a speedy recovery!