Seeking Advice on Colostomy Reversal and Coping with Anxiety

I'm feeling very anxious about my upcoming colostomy reversal and hernia repairs, although I know I'm in good hands. I've coped very well with my colostomy (Stomie), although she's failing and needing more changing as time goes on, probably due to the large hernias I've developed. I met with the hospital staff who will be caring for me in London this week, and found myself in floods of tears giving my medical history - the nurse told me I clearly have PTSD from my emergency surgery last year.

I'd appreciate any thoughts, support, encouragement, or personal experience you can share. Surgery happening next Wednesday - Oct 5th.

I'm concerned on a few counts:

1. The thought of waking up with the same tubes I had after the emergency surgery is terrifying - but I know it must be done, not to mention the pain! Apparently, I'll be in ITCU for the first day - and they will be very active about getting me up out of bed the next day! (I was in the hospital for 2 months with various complications last time)
   
   
2. The look of the ileostomy is so very different, and sticks out - not like the almost rose-like looking flush stomie I'm used to. I'm not happy about the look of it at all - I know it's temporary (8 weeks to 3 months before it's removed, thankfully).
   
   
3. The frequency it will have to be emptied is alarming!
   
   
4. The way it's emptied - I'm imagining getting it all over myself/bathroom, etc.!
   
   
5. She mentioned a 'tube' to be worn at night - has anyone else got this? How does that work when you're a restless sleeper?

Thank you (and hopefully, this post can also help others going through this too).

A reversal was never an option for me, so I can't give any advice on that. As for an ileostomy, I've had one for over 30 years. Don't believe everything you read; output varies widely from person to person. Some only need to empty their bag 2 times a day, then others, like me who've had a lot of my small bowel removed, now around 10 times a day, and some more than that. The 'tube' will be a nighttime drainage bag. Your output would have to be very loose and high if you needed to use one; most of us don't need them. I have loose output, but it's still not that loose; it would block the tube up. I really hope it wasn't a stoma nurse telling you these things, as they should know much better. Yes, you will be out of bed, sitting in a chair, and hopefully taking a few steps the day after surgery. Good luck with the surgery. I'm sure it will be problem-free, and fingers crossed, 8 weeks later, you will have your reversal.

Thanks, Ben. I'm counting my blessings that reversal is an option. Encouraging to hear the ileostomy can be manageable. Good luck with your continued journey.

Cat

Are you having the colostomy reversed or replaced with an ileostomy? I'm confused by your post.