Survived Surgery but Faced Unexpected Ileostomy

The good news is I survived the colostomy reversal with hernia repair surgery. The bad news is my doctor performed an ileostomy so that the waste can drain and allow the stoma and hernia to heal. I'm still wearing a bag, but he says that he'll do another surgery in four weeks to reverse that, and then I can heal and get truly well again. It's such a long road, and I've had so many detours along the way, but I must keep on truckin' and get past this inconvenience in my life. I'm feeling pretty groggy now as I just got home from the hospital last night and am on strong painkillers. My doctor said he was throwing around F words during my surgery because he too was frustrated that when he connected my colon, it still showed leakage. He says that with more healing, he'll do everything to get this reversal over and done with. Has anyone experienced this during the reversal of a colostomy? I thought I was going to be done, but I guess not. Thanks for all of your prayers and encouragement. MJ

Some doctors would advise that you allow yourself up to 4-5 months, not weeks, to heal before a reversal. I waited 5 months and never regretted anything. Allow your body enough time to heal properly. Wearing a bag temporarily is such a small inconvenience when dealing with major surgeries. Don't rush when you have a lifetime ahead of you. PB

This surgery did reverse my colostomy and I had waited 5 months for that. I thought I would be done but he performed this ileostomy to allow the colostomy reversal to heal. He says this is very temporary and will do tests on me in four weeks to see if the colostomy reversal is healed enough to reverse the ileostomy. I'm just wishing all of this would end but I'm thankful at the same time that I'm alive after three surgeries.My hope is to be healed for the summer and rest of my life.

I found out today that my surgery to have my ileostomy reversed is scheduled for March 16th. Tests show that my colon is healed enough so hopefully this will be the last surgery. I was told I'll need 4-6 weeks to recover and get my bowels working normally. Has anyone else had an ilieostomy after a colostomy to give the colon a chance to fully heal?

I only saw this today, sorry MJ! I see Fable 3 had a similar procedure as you but took a little longer than you. Thank heavens you had a patient doctor who saw you through the surgery. It's only a few more weeks and you'll be saying goodbye to your ileostomy bag and can get back on the road to recovery. As PB wisely points out, do not rush as you've got a lifetime ahead! Take care, Colm

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