1 Week Post-Ileostomy Reversal - Phantom Stoma Feelings?

Hi there-

Today marks my one-week reversal anniversary. What a way easier recovery for me than the first time. I had a lot of nausea and vomiting at the hospital and ended up staying one night longer. But once that was over, I felt so much better. Less pain, easier to walk, good appetite. My mom had stayed 5 days last time and she went home after two days. I wasn't needing my walker, I showered myself, and once I started consuming fiber supplements I was able to get to the bathroom without issues. 

I feel phantom stoma bubbles - like when red velvet gurgled - but where my incision is. Like there are bubbles under my skin. Is that normal? I have a call into my doctor but was just curious if others experienced this odd feeling. 

I'm looking forward to a more restful recovery this time. Some physical and mental healing. 

Hang in there. You're doing great.

Gee... bubbles? Wow... you see them? This is news to me...

I never heard of this, but I am seeing and reading so many things people are experiencing and mentioning it gives me pause to say WTF?

Great you will see a doctor. My impression? Hmm... bubbles are air or gas leaks? Can't be good, but if no fever and pains, you have time to see a doctor.

Using phantom here is tricky...

If it makes you feel better… how my small intestines were readjusting again felt so similar to when I was pregnant that I took a couple of pregnancy tests (yes, they were negative; it was just small intestine moving around and how internal sutures were anchoring things).

I've never had a reversal, so I can't comment on that, but I did have a second temporary stoma. When that was removed, I had phantom feelings.

Keep on fighting; you're doing really well.

Words of Encouragement from Ostomy Advocates I Hollister

Good for you, up, up, and away!!!

Hi! I had a colostomy reversal and I could feel bubbles in my belly afterwards. Not quite sure if it's the same thing you are experiencing, but I could actually feel it with my hand when I would go from sitting to lying down. It felt so weird and scary, but a phone call with the surgeon confirmed all was okay. It was the CO2 that they pumped into me during surgery. She said the body will absorb it and exit as gas or belching. Much of that is gone now.

My doctor said some people experience it. So odd! It's mostly when I'm digesting food.

My doctor said it can happen. I'm glad to hear I'm not alone. Thank you!

I don't see the bubbles, I just feel them. I hope I didn't offend with the term phantom. My doctor said that some people experience it. If there aren't other symptoms, I shouldn't be worried.

Correct. You should not be worried without symptoms.

No offense taken from my end here. We're good.

I bet you are normally a bubbly type of person. ☺️