I am so stuck in no man's land because I'm awaiting an appointment from my surgeon for a sample of my bowel to be taken to determine whether or not I'm eligible for a reversal. Although I've been diagnosed with ulcerative colitis, they have to do the test just to be sure it's all systems go! It's also a tiny bit bittersweet going for the reversal because in a way I feel like I shouldn't try to be fixing something that isn't broken, as the bag works so well. I'm a bit afraid to be throwing a spanner in the works, upsetting things! Plus, the recovery is supposed to knock me for ten!
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But on the other hand, if I try to be optimistic about things for a second and realize that a couple of months of recovery is nothing in comparison to a whole life bagless, being able to jump in and out of the shower without a moment's thought, just a towel at the ready would be handy.
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And really, like the worst-case scenario, I am back to square one with the bag, which I'm dealing with pretty well as it is, is not actually that big of a deal. At the end of the day, it's a matter of I've got nothing to lose! I just have to keep realizing to myself that it's a win-win situation anyway, as it stands as the disease is already removed so life has already been improved tenfold! With the bag, I'm definitely on the right side of recovery, so I should be grateful either way!
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Did they not do any tests on your diseased colon when they removed it? I think I was lucky with mine because I was initially told I had Crohn's and that I would not be able to have a reversal, but when everything was removed, I was told it was actually Ulcerative Colitis.
I hope everything happens soon for you and it turns out that it is UC and not Crohn's. I'll also let you know how I get on with my reversal, the ups and downs. =)
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I am waiting on tests too before a reversal and a fistula repair. It's a total drag, isn't it, waiting around? Keep your chin up, sweetie. You have survived so much; these last few miles in the race for a bagless life will be a breeze.
Trish
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Hi there, I am new to this but catching on quickly. I am also in the same position as yourself. In fact, I am meeting the surgeon tomorrow for the same, I'm nervous! But damn it, if I don't try it, I'll never know if it works for me. I can always go back to bag lady mode... Ah, life's too short to be so muddled by these things. Just go for it, there are worse things going on in the world! Keep us posted anyway. Slán for now.