Reversal 14 Weeks Post-Colostomy - Seeking Advice and Tips

Thrilled and terrified... I had a colostomy due to perforation on 4/10/24, and after my third post-surgical check-up today, I am now scheduled for a reversal on 7/16/24. I was really just getting used to having an ostomy. I am a bit terrified about the reversal - while I don't like "having a bag," I do like not having all the IBS issues, etc., and am terrified to have bathroom issues again. Fingers crossed, I guess.

Good fortune to you. Like a number of people here, I personally decided against a reversal. However, I do not have a colon, so the decision was easy for me. It's much different for you. I don't know the seriousness of your previous bout with IBS, but I would gladly go back if I had an intact colon, especially if I were just a kid like you. 🤓

Daniel

Daniel makes a good point about how serious your IBS is. I elected to have a colostomy because I have IBS. I suffered from chronic constipation all my life, but it became much worse as I aged. Even though I still have IBS and it's an annoyance, when I have to empty

my bag after morning coffee, it is incomplete and I may have to empty it several times, which can take up to 90 minutes. Fortunately, once done, I usually am done until the next morning.

I would rather keep the bag than sit on the toilet straining to have a bowel movement

which is not complete and then have stool in my rectum.

If your IBS isn't that debilitating, then seriously consider a reversal.

G-Day Ostomychik, write down all the good and bad points for a reversal or a stoma and see which one has the most (good) and that's the one to go for. Been there and done that and that's why I now have my wonderful stoma. Regards, IGGIE

Hello - I also had a colostomy due to colonic perforation during a biopsy. I had it for 8 months, then had my reversal on January 30, 2024. It went great - no issues with the bathroom. My only complication was a hernia I developed from coughing. I got sick three days after my reversal surgery, and the cough, combined with multiple surgeries that weakened my abdominal wall, caused a hernia. One thing to note, I did not have IBS prior to my ostomy - so that might make a difference.

I wish you the best!

Stories of Living Life to the Fullest from Ostomy Advocates I Hollister

I've got my reversal on 1st August. I've had my colostomy since last September. It's nerve-wracking, isn't it, to put ourselves through all that again, but hopefully, it'll be a lot easier than last time. 🤞 The best of luck to you, keep us updated.

Thank you for your response, Audrey. I feel almost certain that I don't want another surgery as I am doing well with my colostomy and although I still have some IBS, it is a smaller issue than prior to my colostomy. I, too, had decades of constipation and not one doctor suggested a CAT scan to help understand what might be going on. Otherwise, they would have found a torturous colon that blocked my ability to have bowel movements.

I have a good quality of life and feel grateful for being able to live well and eat more variety in my food choices.

I will probably continue to live with my colostomy for the rest of my life.

Happy New Year!

Gaia