Considering Ileostomy Reversal at 71 - Thoughts?

I had surgery for diverticulitis blockage in August and now have an ileostomy. My surgeon says that I can have a reversal but not sure I want to.  I am ok  having it and feel mentally not up to the surgery and jump starting my colon.  My family thinks I am crazy.  I am 71 and am ok with my ileostomy. 

I certainly don't think you are crazy. I have a colostomy and I chose not to have a reversal. I have had no problems managing my ostomy and I don't regret my decision. There are those that have chosen to have a reversal and had good outcomes and others that chose to have a reversal and had bad outcomes. According to many studies, the good outcomes have a higher percentage. There are always risks with any surgery — my surgeons told me there is no such thing as a simple surgery and every surgery adds new adhesions which can cause difficulties later. Take your time, block out the noise, and make the best decision for you — persons that have never had a stoma unduly think negatively of an often life saving procedure. I pray for your resoluteness in making this decision. 🙏🏿

May I ask how long you have had yours and some insight on why you chose not to do a reversal?

Ditto!

I have had my ostomy for 14 mos. I initially had a colon re-sectioning due to diverticular colitis (not very common). After the surgery, I developed E-fistulas, clots in each lung, both legs, and one arm. Needed surgery to remove the pulmonary embolism. Finally infection and internal hemorrhaging led to another surgery which left me with a temporary colostomy. After consultations with three of my surgeons and the ostomy specialist, I learned that all the complications resulted because my body was not healing. These ordeals led to my being hospitalized for three months and two rehab stays. I was informed if I had the reconnection surgery I would probably experience the same complications and possibly worse. My wife and I decided, since I had no problems managing the colostomy, the reconnection was not worth the pain and suffering it would require. It would have required two more surgeries — one to reconnect the colon and create an ileostomy while the colon healed, then later another surgery to reconnect the small intestine. The three surgeons, I was in constant contact with, along with the ostomy specialist, all agreed that my wife and I made a good decision to forego the reconnection.

I was fortunate in that I had surgeons that were willing to answer all my questions and be honest with me about everything. For the 3 mos. I was in the hospital, one of the surgeons, visited me every day except weekends to update me on what was going on and what they were doing. I was able to make an informed decision.

My recommendation is to gather as much information from your surgeons as you can then the decision becomes easy.

How to Manage Ostomy Leaks with LeeAnne Hayden | Hollister

If you are okay with your ileostomy, so be it. It's your body and it should be your choice. If you are comfortable with it, then I say keep it. Why go through a difficult (at best) surgery and assume the risks if you are okay how you are? I say at your age the risks are even greater having surgery, any surgery. Don't listen to anybody else; do what is right for you.

First and foremost in my experiences over the last few years, I firmly believe we all need time to heal both physically and mentally on strictly our own timeline. After all, surgery is a very serious option and not to be taken lightly or hurriedly. Healing for me took a very long time.  Mental healing was the most difficult.

Family, friends etc. have good intentions and only want us to be okay again.  Many seem to think more surgery is the answer but unaware of the many complications of further surgeries- again, they are innocent of the possible consequences and they just want us to be okay again.  But in the end it must be our own decision for our own reasons.  Early on I was beyond determined to get a reversal and supposedly I can still have one.  However,  for many reasons I am still an ostomate today - not by surgeons choice or family and friends, but rather by my own decision.  

Healing first from initial surgery is most important. Once fully healed and of sound mind - then a “true to your heart” decision can be made. This of course means fully researching options with a clear understanding of the “procedures” as well as the multitude of outcomes, which are many and varied AND most important can you live with the end result?  The more you know the better prepared you will be to make the best decision for you.  Sending hugs,  jb (age now 81)

G-Day Mbmach,

If you have had your colon removed I can tell you my story. I can contact you if you wish, I have talked about this a few times on here with different members. Regards IGGIE