Apprehensive

[Xlady]

Hello, I am a 77year old lady and I had an emergency colostomy because of diverticula abscess 8 months ago. I am now considering having a reversal and would appreciate any help and information what I should expect. Thanks to all

Maureen

[elzsctt]

I had an ileostomy reversal and it all went surgically well and inside has been great. However a year after the reversal at site of the stoma a hernia appeared so make sure they stitch it well! Good luck

[Xlady]

Thank you for your encouragement. I already have an hernia at the side of my stoma, so I do hope the make a good job of that repair.

Good luck for your good health.

[smaller]

Hi Maureen.

Ive not heard of much good of reversals so think twice. Do some homework. Visit various groups like this one. NHS Choices is a good site and info comes via NHS Consultants/Surgeons etc..

Its all I can advise as I had a different operation? Ive nothing what so ever to do with my rear end. Anal Entrance, Anal Passage, Rectum all gone. colon all gone. Would never go back. I was warned of not having a reversal. Age wise I'm now 67. Op I was 63. My odds were 60/40 against as I'm in very bad health. Okay on a lighter side little giggle for you. I'm in and out of Hospital so much I now rent my bed out when I'm at home. HeHeHE HAHAHA.

Smaller

[Xlady in reply to smaller]

Thanks for your reply smaller. I too am not in good health but hate this stoma. I now have an hernia on the stoma site so have to have that repaired so might as well have reversal at the same time. I too have my own bed in hospital LOL I wonder if we share the same one maureen

[4939]

Hi my name is Maria. I've just gone back to work after my surgery. I had my reversal in march. It's been a long road to recovery I feel. The diarrhoea was horrific in the beginning. The piles were awful and my bum was so so sore I thought I had made a big mistake. I can now say it's been worth the journey. Don't give up be very careful what you eat stay away from spices veg and salad. These are all my fav foods by the way. I feel better than ever. I had slow transit constipation that ruled my life xxxx

[Xlady in reply to 4939]

Hi Maria. Thanks for your reply. I have heard so many conflicting replies to my letter, I was very pleased to read yours. I ws

[Xlady in reply to Xlady]

I was pleased to read about your journey so I am not expecting an easy ride. I will think of you and remember how well you are after a long journey. Thanks for your encouragment andhope

[legweak22 in reply to 4939]

Hi Maria i have had an end illiostomy for severe constipation and slow transit, Ihate the stoma but been told if i want a reversal it will be in a years time,small piece of bowel taken otherwise all there. Iam really scared of reversal but you have given me hope ,has the transit been better after the bowel rest as ive been told it makes no difference. Look forward to a reply xxx

[sarahemlee]

I had an emergency ileostomy 2 years ago after my diverticulitis went crazy, I then was reversed 5 months later and tbh I have never looked back. All the issues I had before the op have gone and I feel better than ever in that respect.

It takes a little while to work out what you can eat and how often to take loperamide but once that's sorted it becomes much easier.

I know that others may not have had the same outcome but from my point of view the reversal was perfect - I don't think I could have coped with a bag for much longer tbh.

Good luck

[MrsD-unit]

Hi Xlady, I had my reversal at the end of February. My stoma was formed following life threatening complications after a simple day procedure for gallstones. I had my stoma for 18 months & couldn’t wait to have the reversal surgery. My experiences in terms of recovery have all been pretty positive. It took me a number of days to eat & subsequently pass any stool which resulted in a 9 day hospital stay (but it sounds like you might be used to that). I then had a very tricky few weeks needing to go to the loo 10+ times daily but now Loperamide is my best friend. I’m just beginning to settle down into a more normal pattern, however still have 2-3 days a week with diarrhoea & as the other posts mention foods which were an issue with my ileostomy, generally remain the cause of issues now, but encouragingly not to the same extent thankfully!

My advice would be don’t be shy of loperamide, follow a similar diet to one you have now, Andrex moist toilet wipes and sudocrem are your essential kit. My local stoma nursing team were also very helpful. Good luck 😊

[MagnoliaStellata]

Hi Xlady. I had an Ileostomy last year following advanced bowel cancer. I did find it difficult to live with and opted for a reversal which took place 10 weeks ago. I had an end Ileostomy which is longer surgery than a loop.

I suffered a lot of sickness, which seems to be peculiar to me. The contents of my stomach and much of my small intestine came up , so I was kept on a drip until it subsided.

When the sickness stopped, there was the opportunity for my bowel to do some work. I had frequent diarrhoea and stomach cramps for about a week, and then things quickly began to settle down.

I used loperamide cautiously, so that I didn't become constipated. I found that one loperamide about 20 minutes before each meal helped.

I was in hospital for 2 weeks, and didn't follow the advice of a low fibre diet - I had had enough of fruit and vegetable depravation whilst I had the Ileostomy and it is the strawberry and salad season.

And it all turned out very well. The surgeon was rather pleased when I had my post op check up, and I pass stools once or twice a day.

I can give you one piece of advice and one warning.

The advice is to be as fit as possible before surgery. It's summer and the ideal time to get as much exercise as you can.

The warning is that the surgery carries a risk of sepsis if there is leakage at the join. I think it's 5 per cent.

Good luck in your decision and I hope that, either way, life is kind to you.