Hello
I have a temporary ileostomy. I wanted to get a reversal done, but unfortunately, more of my small bowel had to be removed due to complications. The surgeon says that it may not be possible anymore due to the small bowel being too short to reach the stump.
I'm wondering if anyone has any experience with this?
Hi Berket, if you have lost your colon and part of your small bowel as well, I am very surprised that your surgeon would even be considering a reversal. Successful reversals with colostomies are quite common, but not so with ileostomies. If you have even lost part of that, I would think it would make things even more iffy, especially if your surgeon is telling you it might not even be possible. There are lots of horror stories of complications and ongoing problems with ileostomy reversals. You will find some on this site, but if you do a little more research, I'm sure you will find more. Considering life as an ostomate may not be what you want to think about, but it might be better than the alternative. It may be a moot point, depending on what your surgeon decides, but maybe you should ask him or her a few questions about possible outcomes. I was given the option of having my ileostomy reversed, but have chosen not to, due to the risk of a poor outcome. And I have all of my small bowel. I hope the thought of living out your life as an ostomate doesn't depress you. I have a good quality of life and am very comfortable with my decision.
Terry
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Hi berky,
Yes, many on here are/were in the same position. I know having an ostomy for the rest of your life seems a bit overwhelming right now, but in the grand scheme of things, it's really not so bad. Getting reconnected with what you have missing will almost guarantee a really poor quality of life...and unfortunately, that's just the way it is. Having an ostomy, while bringing challenges of its own, will give you back a large chunk of that quality of life and allow you to continue to enjoy life. It's kind of funny how we focus on specific things and lose track of the big picture. When I first got my ostomy, I was devastated. It seemed like what was a difficult, but tolerable life, suddenly got a whole lot worse. I mean, having to know where every bathroom was within a 5-mile radius everywhere I went, and not being able to do specific activities was a pain in the ass, but having a bag of shit strapped to my waist 24/7 really seemed like a bridge too far. And if that's as far as you choose to look at the situation, it can be a bit depressing and maybe not make a lot of sense. But then, if you're lucky, life will smack you upside the head with something far worse...either you personally or someone you know...and you'll suddenly see things in perspective. Having an ostomy isn't ideal, but life seldom is. But it's also far far away from the worst things can get. You won't take it in stride and understand this early on, but rest assured that over time it becomes a part of you, which means you'll accept it, like a 6th finger on one hand, and then stop focusing on it...and thrive.
So the answer to your question is yes, many on here have experienced what you're experiencing. And there's a definitive process we all went through, which you'll go through...that ends with you being fine with it and glad you did it. And for those bumps and potholes on the road ahead...well...that's what those on here are for and what you'll become a part of. Welcome to the club!
You're going to be fine...we wouldn't have it any other way!
;O)
I really liked your thoughts on the reversal surgery. I was supposed to have the reversal surgery too, but my surgeon thinks it's way too risky for me. The first few months of having an ostomy, I too, was devastated and wanted the reversal as soon as possible. It took several months and being very close to death in the hospital and rehabs until I was strong enough to go home. But it's been seven months now and I'm not sure having the reversal is such a good idea for me after reading stories on here, besides my surgeon saying it's so risky. My quality of life isn't bad with a bag and I "almost" feel normal. I'm still practicing and have loads of questions, but I think I'm doing okay. Yes, you need to be prepared for accidents and know where bathrooms are. I have good family support and was able to do a cruise with them and then a trip to visit my other daughter in Florida. Life isn't so bad.
Right on, Virgo! I think most surgeons are very hesitant to tell a recent ostomate that they can't be reversed, even if that is the case. They understand the stress involved in learning to deal with a shitbag in the first place, so there's no need to pile on and tell you that you have no options. Even my surgeon didn't rule out getting reconnected, despite him leaving me with only 3 1/2 feet of intestine (out of around 22 ft). When he mentioned there was a chance I could get reversed, I just gave him that look you give people who just said something really stupid... and he just nodded and didn't bring it up again. So, they give you the ability to figure it out for yourself without dashing your hopes at a time when you really need to stay positive. And that's not to say reversal never works... for many, it's a very real possibility. But on the flip side... for many, it's really not. And it's always better if YOU figure that out, rather than have them tell you. Glad to hear things are going well!
;O)
