Day 2 Ileostomy Reversal!

Finally, after 5.5 months, I am reconnected! I had a temporary ileostomy due to colon cancer, no radiation or chemo needed.

If you've never read my posts before, I'm open and don't hold back. :)

Well, I had my first “evacuation” from my reconnected plumbing. Totally bright red and kinda surprising! But my doctor said it's normal. Glad to report I still have some tone to help me get to the restroom in enough time with those cheek squeezes!

I had a lot of trouble with nausea last night, so I was moved back to NPO. Apparently, hiccups cause issues with vomiting, and hiccups are normal after anesthesia (although I've never had them). But today I farted and can eat slowly!

Curious if anyone has had a “pen” drain before? Does it hurt to be removed? I assume I may go home tomorrow and thus have it removed soon.

Thank you all for your words of wisdom and suggestions over the last months. I learned a lot. I'm nervous about fecal incontinence at home, but at least I'll have my own shower to clean up in.

How did you keep your wound dry while showering? How long did it take for the stoma site to heal? Any special wound care tips? Thanks again! I'm always here for quality too.

Congrats on your reversal!! Yay!! Praying your recovery is quick and each day you feel better and better!!

Hello, I am 7 weeks post colostomy reversal. I was released from the hospital on day 3. I didn't ever have to cover my wounds in the shower, I could get them wet and the glue from the laparoscopic incisions fell off on its own. At 6 weeks my old stoma site was pretty well healed and the huge scab fell off…. I had no staples, it healed from the inside out.
I didn't have any accidents at home, but wore adult diapers for the first few nights just in case. The first few days my stomach gurgled a ton, but then my bowels were pretty much back to pre-ostomy status within a few days. Just rest a lot, stay hydrated and follow your doc's instructions. Congratulations!

G-day DexieB, you have done wonderful. Keep up the good work. Regards, Iggie

Congratulations on the reversal! Glad to hear you are doing well. Your experience is reassuring. My reversal will be in May.

I didn't have a Penrose drain. The surgeon put in a vacuum drain. When I was discharged, I asked the surgeon, "How is it coming out?" He walked over, grabbed the line, and yanked it out! OMG! It really hurt. My wife nearly fainted.