ReversalHi all...Just a question. Has anyone out there experienced a GOOD reversal? I have one scheduled in a couple of months, and am a bit nervous about the complications many of you have said might happen? Cheers!
artist
Jul 27, 2010 1:01 pm
Past Member
Jul 27, 2010 6:59 pm
Hi...what is being reversed, an illiostomy or colostomy.... the devil is in the details in this business...I MAY be having an illiostomy reversal down the road so am interested in the responces...I am also interested in WHY many prefer to have the reversal, given that life on the pouch ( with the exception of dealing with the pouch) can, and is for me pretty much routine and without hastle... there is no need to have a reversal just because the DR. says you can... its like everything..it comes with the good and bad... and its success, is I expect, very much tied to ones chosen lifestyle... and being within trotting distance of the john isn,t my idea of freedom
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Past Member
Jul 27, 2010 10:39 pm
I got my reversal a few weeks back, had my operation on the 9th of June, Im doing great now every week i feel im getting better. It took me about 2-3 weeks to recover for the operation. I was back in the gym working out 5 weeks after surgery. I had Ulcerative colitis and got most of my bowel removed, had my bag for 3 years.
Being so young i felt the need to go for this operation now but i would definitely recommend it at any age, although the recovery time may be a bit longer for an older person. For the first few weeks (2-3) i found i was up about 3 times at night but its starting to settle down now and some nights im not up at all. I dont really get the urge to go the toilet and i find im able to hold it alot longer.
I cant speak for everyone im sure there are cases out there were it hasnt worked so well.But i feel its worth the risk. Being without the bag now just gives me much more confidence in myself. I had my first swim in 4 years today. Ill always remain on this site asit helped me through some hard times and who knows i may be an ostimate again in the future.
Ger
Being so young i felt the need to go for this operation now but i would definitely recommend it at any age, although the recovery time may be a bit longer for an older person. For the first few weeks (2-3) i found i was up about 3 times at night but its starting to settle down now and some nights im not up at all. I dont really get the urge to go the toilet and i find im able to hold it alot longer.
I cant speak for everyone im sure there are cases out there were it hasnt worked so well.But i feel its worth the risk. Being without the bag now just gives me much more confidence in myself. I had my first swim in 4 years today. Ill always remain on this site asit helped me through some hard times and who knows i may be an ostimate again in the future.
Ger
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Past Member
Jul 27, 2010 11:55 pm
My husband had a ileostomy reversal 20th July 2010 his surgery went well. No leak, no blockage. Had pain, nausea & bloating. His bowel went to sleep but its temporary. 3 weeks post op no pain, nausea, bloating & bowel now moving plus turning more solid.
Regards Kizzed x
Regards Kizzed x
Pinky
Jul 28, 2010 1:51 am
Hi Artist - btw, love Seaside, OR.
I had a colostomy reversal. I would never discourage anyone from trying a reversal. The first two years went well, then I started experiencing all kinds of problems that were related more to scarring in the rectum from radiation therapy, and adhesions in the abdomen from surgeries. In 2009 when planning my permanent colostomy, I really wanted a J-pouch, but my surgeon discouraged it due to age (52). These things really do seem to work best for younger people who have had IBD rather than cancers. In the end (ha) there wasn't room for a J-pouch anyway.
I know a woman who worked and lived life successfully with a J-pouch for 20 years. When she retired she decided to return to an ileostomy. So there are all kinds of experiences out there! Someone made the point that even with reversals we may become ostomates agains at some point. I think that's a good attitude to take - it allows one to be open to any and all options without feeling like a "failure". Good luck!
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I had a colostomy reversal. I would never discourage anyone from trying a reversal. The first two years went well, then I started experiencing all kinds of problems that were related more to scarring in the rectum from radiation therapy, and adhesions in the abdomen from surgeries. In 2009 when planning my permanent colostomy, I really wanted a J-pouch, but my surgeon discouraged it due to age (52). These things really do seem to work best for younger people who have had IBD rather than cancers. In the end (ha) there wasn't room for a J-pouch anyway.
I know a woman who worked and lived life successfully with a J-pouch for 20 years. When she retired she decided to return to an ileostomy. So there are all kinds of experiences out there! Someone made the point that even with reversals we may become ostomates agains at some point. I think that's a good attitude to take - it allows one to be open to any and all options without feeling like a "failure". Good luck!
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swiffer
Jul 28, 2010 1:55 pm
What a great thread. Good info and for those that had a reversal that has worked out well i am thrilled. Good news is always welcomed.
artist
Jul 29, 2010 11:01 pm
Hi all...Artist here. Thank you all for your encouraging words about my upcoming Illistomy reversal in late Sept. I think I'm finally getting the "hang of" "Herkimer"(My Bag) and his care. I've had a couple of failures which were quite messy(thank God, they were at home!), but all is well now. I was quite weak for the last six weeks, but now it's getting a lot better as I'm trying to drink as much liquids as possible and of course eating the prescribed Diet.