My Journey Through Ostomy Reversal And Recovery

Before I had my reversals done, I would troll through this site to see what it had been like for others. It feels like such a leap into the unknown. I felt uplifted by the success stories and scared by some of the other experiences people had, but it was all helpful. So, I hope it helps those who are about to undergo a reversal or who have just had one to read my post. I had a colostomy following emergency surgery for a perforated colon caused by diverticulosis. I had 30 cm of my colon removed. I also had peritonitis. It took around 6 months after surgery until I felt back to 'normal'. I had my colostomy reversed 7 months after surgery and although it was a success, there were complications. I had to have more of my colon removed in order to make a proper join, and I was given an ileostomy. This felt so disappointing and it was very difficult to manage compared to a colostomy. I lost loads of weight and got very ill with another spell in the hospital for life-threateningly low sodium levels. This was my lowest point, but I got better slowly. Once I recovered sufficiently, which was about 3 months after my ileostomy, I had my ileostomy reversed. The initial emergency surgery and colostomy reversal were both done by laparotomy, i.e., they opened me up. But the ileostomy reversal was done laparoscopically. What a difference that makes. It is so much easier and quicker to recover from laparoscopic surgery. I felt fine after this surgery and it felt wonderful not to have any tubes or bags hanging off me. My bowel started moving on the third night. Beforehand, my stomach felt tight and uncomfortable, and it was difficult to feel bloated without being able to do a poo, but eventually, it started working, just drops to begin with, then a huge outpouring of liquidy stuff. That was the hard bit. After that, it was erratic but good enough to get discharged. The most unexpected bit was the constipation that followed once I got home. I took everything I could until finally, days later, the prune juice seemed to swing it and my system started working again. From then on, I went to the toilet about 30 times a day on the first day, 25 the next, and so on until about a week in when I settled down to a very comfortable 4 to 8 times a day. Things improved again after the 2-week mark and now, 3 months on, I go between once to 6 times a day depending on what I eat. I'm so happy that my system is back working again and feel very liberated not having a bag, although I am very grateful to the bags I did have as they were lifesavers. I missed my stoma when I first came home. I particularly liked the stoma I had post my colostomy. Funny how attached you get! My weight has improved and I feel healthier following my reversal. That may be because I was wary of what I ate beforehand. Other than in the first few weeks, I have never had an accident and although I feel the urge to go, it is much like it was before I had surgery. I can just wait until I find a toilet. I am mindful that I have to be careful and alert as scarring can cause a blockage (something I didn't know before my reversal). I may also have an incisional hernia although that seems unlikely at this stage. However, I feel incredibly lucky and happy that I have had my reversal done and I would encourage anyone who is thinking about whether to do it to have courage, it's really very manageable, just find a surgeon you trust and be patient. I would be happy to support anyone who is about to undergo surgery, if that helps, or who is in the early stages of recovery. I really appreciate all those people who shared their stories with me. Thank you!

My Journey Through Ostomy Reversal and Recovery

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