Successful Ostomy Reversal - My Journey and Encouragement for Others

Hello my Osteomates,

I wanted to update, after 5 months I had my reversal surgery on May 2nd. I had a few blips with some incision issues and the bowels starting to work, but overall it has been a success! I finally started to have regular bowel movements about 3 weeks after surgery. I am still taking Miralax daily on the advice of my doctor, hoping to eventually discontinue the Miralax. For now, the doctor says to continue what is working.

It was interesting to not feel the bag on my belly. Every time I got in the car or went to the restroom I would reach for the bag, then remembered it was not there!

I am 4 weeks out of the reversal surgery, not sorry I did it at all. I am inches away from the finish line, my Osteomate friends! It has been a journey for sure.

I hope this provides some encouragement for those that are considering a reversal. And I appreciate all the tips and suggestions from those that have a bag long term. Really helped me get through these 5 months!

Kim

Congrats and I'm jealous lol! No, but really, congrats to you! Don't be a stranger. Come back to let us know how you're getting along.

Congrats! Well done! We all are so happy for you!

Congratulations!

Great news. Wonderful to get your normal life back.

How to Manage Emotions with LeeAnne Hayden | Hollister

That's funny how you reach for the bag that's no longer there, you were so used to it.

Shortly after I got my colostomy, I was relaxing at home watching TV and suddenly felt like I had to pass gas. Forgetting my butt was no longer connected to my colon, I "let 'er rip" and totally stained my underwear with mucus. Yikes. Even now, 17 months later, I still force myself to remember: "Butt not connected to colon".

Congrats on your reversal journey!

Congratulations, I am so happy that your reversal has gone so well for you.

Thank you, everyone! It certainly has been a journey. I am so blessed to have found this site! So many wonderful tips and suggestions! I will update as my journey moves forward. I have to remember, slow and easy wins the race.

Kim

Congratulations, Kim! I knew it would go well! I am also not sorry I took the leap of faith and did the reversal. No regrets at all.

I wish you continued health and healing, my friend!

Hello all! Thought I would give an update. I had some issues with my incision, but it has finally healed! I'm still having a bit of pain, which I think is due to nerves, as I had my doctor prescribe some gabapentin that totally took the pain away! I have a bit of a muffin/puffy thing above my incision but am hopeful that it will perhaps go away when I can start exercising again. We shall see, but I am not that vain to worry about it much.

I took my first swim last weekend! It was a true joy to jump in the pool! I jumped out and almost did a cartwheel! LOL. Also took my first bath since Dec 2023! Ahhhh... lots of bubbles!

Bowels are still sort of adjusting, but for the most part, it is going pretty well. I am still taking Miralax once a day in the evenings. I am going to contact my doctor to see if there will be a point when she wants me to stop that to see if my bowels will work on their own.

I am still wearing dresses, skorts, and skirts; I tried some slacks on, but I'm not quite there yet.

I do have some ostomy supplies left, Hollister 8901, some barrier rings, and a few other miscellaneous supplies. If anyone is interested, please message me with your address. No charge, my ostomy friends. I want to pay it forward.

Kim

Great to hear how well you're doing. Soon that ostomy will be a distant memory.

Cheers 😃

Kim, great news for you! I'm about 10 months since my colostomy. My doctor said he would not talk about a reversal/reconnect until 1 year after surgery. Do you mind telling me what test, if any, did your doctor do to determine if a reversal/reconnect is actually a possibility? I had just about decided to forget reconnecting, so your post was so encouraging. Thank you and again, congratulations!

I love hearing about successful reversals. I've heard so much negativity. I am due in October for a reversal, which will be 9 months post-op. I have some fears, but I have good chances of success according to my specialist. I appreciate your encouraging story.

Hey osbergcr, I also had a successful reversal on Jan 30. Wishing you the best on your reversal journey!