Stoma reversal : I have just had a liver... - Living with a Stoma

Living with a Stoma

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Stoma reversal

Dogbot profile image
7 Replies

I have just had a liver transplant and went back for my first check up, everything is going so well so far. While I was waiting for my liver transplant I had an emergency Stoma surgery and had a bag fitted, the surgeon that gave me my first check up for my liver said in about six months or so they will have me back in to reverse the Stoma. My question is I have heard nothing but horror stories about the recovery, about how long it takes and how painful and uncomfortable it is, is there any good news as I really do want it done but am a bit apprehensive. Thank you for reading this and replying.

Stay safe All

Dogbot 🐶🌈Dave

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Martz1234 profile image
Martz1234

I too was eligible for a reversal but decided against it. My situation was different as I had cancer. So I decided so reversal for several reasons

1.) cancer can come back

2.) sphincter muscles may be weak making me incontinent

3.) constipation fear because of scar tissue

I know this may not help you these are my fears, but is something to think about because having a storm is not that bad once you get used to it. Pray, and the right decision will come to you. Good luck.

Dogbot profile image
Dogbot in reply to Martz1234

Thank you for the reply it gives another way of thinking cheers 👍.

DesertDeuces profile image
DesertDeuces in reply to Martz1234

I am not a cancer patient, however, I can relate to what you are saying. I had the weakened sphincter muscles due to surgery for rectal prolapse. It left me miserably incontinent. My life was very difficult because I either had to stay at home all the time, or I had to make myself constipated by taking Imodium when I really didn't need it.

Your fear of scar tissue and constipation is something I hadn't thought of, but it seems to be a very real possibility. For me, especially since I had already been incontinent before my colostomy, it's a really excellent point to consider before having the reversal.

Thank you so much for your insight!

relieforme profile image
relieforme

Hi. I had to have a stoma, after emergency operation, but mine is not reversible. So I am sorry, but I cannot help you. I do wish you all the best.

Dogbot profile image
Dogbot in reply to relieforme

Thanks for reading and answering good luck I hope it wasn’t to painful before they operated 👍.

Stay safe All

Dogbot 🐶🌈Dave

Chocolatespice profile image
Chocolatespice

Hi Dogbot. I had a stoma for Crohns disease when I was 25, after being assured I would not need one. But the op took a turn for the worse and I ended up with septicemia and had to have a stoma. 2 actually. One for my colon and one for my small bowel. My ileostomy was the functioning stoma. As you can imagine, at 25 I was desperate to have them reversed. I did a year later when by bowel had had time to heal. Unfortunately, my crohns always attacks my weakest points and a join in the bowel is always where it focused. I am now 43, 10 operations further on and have 2 permanent stomas . My life with my stomas is so much better. I am not constantly running to the loo or worrying I may have an accident in public. I think the only person who can day what is right for you is you. But what I would say having had stomas at 2 differ times in my life, having them can be a blessing in disguise. Try not to be fearful. Some reversals are super successful. Let me know how you get on.xx

Dogbot profile image
Dogbot

Thank you for your reply, it sounds like I have a lot to think about 🤔. I was hoping for someone to reply with a good story but I’ve never heard of a good ending 🙈. Cheers stay in good health 👍.

Stay safe All

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