Recovery After Reversal Surgery: Managing Symptoms and Expectations

I had reversal 6 weeks ago. Does anyone know when the spasms stop and when you stop rushing to the loo after food, not knowing if it's gas or poo? I also noticed I have a sore, tender section in my belly to the left of my belly button, not sure what it is.

I am supposed to be having my reversal in the next few months. I am interested to see what others have written about it. I am actually quite nervous about it. It's surprising how you get used to having a stoma, although I know it needs to go. I was told to keep exercising my muscles around my you-know-what just to keep them active. I have had my stoma since November 2010. I hope everything goes well for you and will be interested in your progress. Good luck and stay strong!

Hi, well I had mine done on 3.2.12 and it has calmed down loads now. Drinking booze makes it more active, up to 16 times that day to the loo, and the new bowel does not like chili; that goes through fast too. Don't expect too much in the few days after the operation as it took me four days to even get wind through. Once it starts, you will rush to the loo and have trouble holding it. I wore lady panty liners and put them in the back of my pants just to save from embarrassment. A lot of pain at first, but it's worth it, just hold on in there; it will pass. Don't take morphine; it blocks you up and stops the colon working, which we don't need right now. I feel almost normal now and can get out of the house earlier in the morning, only going three times when I wake up as opposed to about 6. I went to the clinic and they were pleased with it. It takes two years to recover properly, and if you have loperamide, take that if you get too loose or if you fancy a night out, but just take one. Any more questions, just ask me. Wish you all the luck in the world. I only wish someone had told me more about it when I asked on here. I still get wind a lot, but hey, to be bagless is great. Jo

ps drink your water

Thank you for getting back to me. It's good to know things are getting back to normal for you. After reading your message, I had visions of you leaving the hospital and going straight to the local Indian for a hot curry and a few beers, which is something I have missed doing. I'm not drinking booze at the moment; I found orange juice goes straight through too. Anyway, my surgeon has been given the go-ahead for my operation, so I'm playing the waiting game for now. I'll keep you posted. Please be ready for some more questions at some stage. I found you helpful. Cheers, Jay.

Words of Encouragement from Ostomy Advocates I Hollister

I was told not to drink after my colon operation. I had a reversal in August of this year (2014). Pretty regular now, as the doctor said I have a good bit of my colon left. There are a few times I don't think I'm going to make it to the bathroom. I developed neuropathy after my chemo treatments and have been on SS Disability, but have a review coming up in December 2014. I am hoping to be able to stay on SS disability. I was working outside at my last job, and don't think it would be good for my feet working outside in the winter. I was worried about when they take you off Disability, and you go on regular Social Security, but I called the SSA, and they said at age 66, I still would get the same amount. Getting nervous though, I wish the review would hurry up and get here, and be decided on, as I am tired of worrying. Crystal tips, best I can tell from your picture, you are cute, and should be able to find somebody nice this time. Your last boyfriend was a jerk.