Any successful Stoma reversal experiences? What is the timeline?

Posted by sacul2 @sacul2, Feb 27, 2025

Is there anybody out there that actually had a good or easy stoma reversal? All I see are horror stories that three months later major problems. Six months a year later etc. etc. I was led to believe that 2 to 4 weeks a could have a burger and a beer with normal bowel movements. No creams or potions or adult diapers.

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My situation was a little different because my "ostomy" was created by my body, not a surgeon. A fistula opened up my surgery incision so my small intestine was sticking out from the 5 inch long hole in my belly. I didn't have the nice stoma poking thru a small hole in the belly. Mine was poking through the stomach wall and the whole 5 inch long, inch deep hole was filled with poo. Had to use a wound bag instead of an ostomy bag. Left the skin raw. Had to wait 6 months for the surgery to fix it because I was on chemo. Fast forward to April 2025. They opened me up with a different incision. 1st day after, I had diarrhea. 2nd day urgency but firmer. After that I went home 4th day. Original surgery site was stapled shut in the middle but was left open to heal from inside outward. I was told I could eat whatever I normally ate. Never had any issues. (I'm knocking on wood. I don't want to jinx myself.) Anyway, I think you won't leave any problems if you just take it slow. Chew well and don't overeat.

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Profile picture for gin64 @gin64

My situation was a little different because my "ostomy" was created by my body, not a surgeon. A fistula opened up my surgery incision so my small intestine was sticking out from the 5 inch long hole in my belly. I didn't have the nice stoma poking thru a small hole in the belly. Mine was poking through the stomach wall and the whole 5 inch long, inch deep hole was filled with poo. Had to use a wound bag instead of an ostomy bag. Left the skin raw. Had to wait 6 months for the surgery to fix it because I was on chemo. Fast forward to April 2025. They opened me up with a different incision. 1st day after, I had diarrhea. 2nd day urgency but firmer. After that I went home 4th day. Original surgery site was stapled shut in the middle but was left open to heal from inside outward. I was told I could eat whatever I normally ate. Never had any issues. (I'm knocking on wood. I don't want to jinx myself.) Anyway, I think you won't leave any problems if you just take it slow. Chew well and don't overeat.

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@gin64 OMG!! glad you didn't get sepsis. I had a fistula that went from my colon to my uterus (thank goodness my uterus was still there) and I suddenly started having fluid flowing from my vagina! It was sort of a blessing that the fluid was able to leave my body instead of flowing into my abdomen! I had never even heard of a fistula before it happened to me. I hope I never get another one!

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Profile picture for adlib071 @adlib071

@gin64 OMG!! glad you didn't get sepsis. I had a fistula that went from my colon to my uterus (thank goodness my uterus was still there) and I suddenly started having fluid flowing from my vagina! It was sort of a blessing that the fluid was able to leave my body instead of flowing into my abdomen! I had never even heard of a fistula before it happened to me. I hope I never get another one!

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@adlib071
I had never heard of them either. I guess I was fortunate it came out of my belly. I thought about all the what ifs. I can't imagine trying to manage that much output through my vagina. But even worse would be internal with no way out. I'm still on the cancer drug (mvasi) that is known for causing fistulas so each day that goes by is a blessing. I hope you are all healed now!

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Profile picture for davem @davem

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

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How long before you stopped having rectal pain and going every 20-30 minutes

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Profile picture for asolidrock @asolidrock

How long before you stopped having rectal pain and going every 20-30 minutes

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I haven't. I have learned that toilet power isn't your friend i stopped and irritation is much better . I like to walk but but after a little while I have to go and usually 2 or more times in.2 forced to use toilet paper "go in the woods live in the country

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I'm four weeks post op and I've noticed little change sorry I'm not more help

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Profile picture for janoh @janoh

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?

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I was on my 5th chemo infusion for prostrate cancer when two days later hospitalized for perforated colon thus oscomy bag 4 months later reversal . Lots of issues with reversal I hoping it will level out; any words of encouragement.

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