Ileostomy Reversal Scheduled for Next Monday - Tips?

Hi All

I've had quite a week! I went for a checkup on Monday with my consultant, and after some scans and tests, he sent me for a colonoscopy yesterday. The result was really good, and now my reversal is set for next Monday.

I'm both excited and nervous. I wasn't expecting it to be so early, as I'll be just 10 weeks post-op.

What I'd like to know is if anyone has had a reversal this early and any good tips for before and after. Positive stories only, please, to help with the nerves 😀

Thanks

Lori

Hello - I had a reversal Jan 30th and it went great!! Much less pain than my original emergency surgery.  BUT I had my colostomy for 8 months....I had sepsis and that's why I needed to heal longer.  So mine was not reversed as fast as yours, but your doc must have good reason to go forward so soon. 

If I were you I would get an extra large capacity bag for your bowel prep before surgery - I don't know what I would have done without it.  And also expect some accidents at first - adult diapers and a barrier cream is a must!  My stomach made some crazy noises, and I started going to the bathroom very soon after surgery, so be prepared for that.   Best of luck to you!  You will do great!

Good Luck and God's Love....You will be just fine!

Wishing you all the best for Monday!  

G-Day Ireland, keep us up to date after your operation and good luck. Regards, IGGIE

Getting Support in the Ostomy Community with LeeAnne Hayden | Hollister

Good for you, speedy recovery.

Good luck and a speedy recovery

I had my reversal at 14 wks post op and everything has been going well. The first couple of weeks after surgery were a little rough, but lots of Desitin max helped. 

I'm now 5 wks post reversal and feel great. It's nice getting back to normal and not having to empty a bag any longer.

Good luck with your surgery and recovery. 

Great to hear you are doing well so soon. Can I ask what your diet is like? I've struggled with not having as much of the fruit and veg I normally would before the stoma. I hope to be back to somewhat normal by Christmas.

I was on a low fiber diet for the first 10 days after surgery. I went to the surgeon to have the staples removed, and he told me I had no restrictions.

Now at 5 weeks post-op, I'm eating lots of vegetables and fruits, and even popcorn and nuts. I haven't had any issues, and bowel function continues to improve.

Hope your surgery went well and healing is quick.

Surgery went very well; the consultant is very happy. Just starting liquid foods now, hopefully moving to more solid food tomorrow, and he said once the bowels move, I can go home.

Little pain, but I am still on the PCA pump. No issues walking around so far.

Good for you, wish you well.

Glad to hear it went so well! 

I would recommend Desitin or something similar as soon as your bowels start moving to prevent some of that pain as things get going again. 

Blessings on your recovery!

That's wonderful. Best of luck to you. You will be just fine! I'm exactly 16 weeks post-surgery and having a colonoscopy on November 20 and another test that week to determine when I get a reversal. I had an open wound for 10 weeks after my emergency surgery and sepsis. My body needed more time to heal, I am told. Good luck.