I wanted to put a quick update here to let those interested know how I'm doing since my ileostomy reversal 3 months ago.
I had good progress for the first 2 months but the past 3 weeks seem to have gone backwards. I'm still in a lot of pain and spending too much time in the bathroom (8 - 12 x daily). I am housebound all morning and if I need to go out at all, I fast beforehand. Gas and cramping are a huge problem!
The surgeon is fairly happy with the way things are going. He told me 2 weeks ago that recovery could take 6 - 12 months - that was a downer.
I also have a huge swelling on my lower left abdomen - I look 6 months pregnant! Surgeon and Dr say it's not a hernia (yet) but they are watching it closely.
I'm still careful with my diet but I can eat tomatoes and lettuce in moderation, some veggies and peanuts!
I have to admit, there are days when I wonder if I was better off with the bag, but I do believe things will get better, eventually.
I had been taking Imodium (Loperamide) and Percocet (Oxycodone) up until today. My doc wants me to try 2 new meds - Tramacet (Tramadol) for pain and Normacol (sterculia gum) for bulking fiber to help reduce/bulk BMs. Has anyone tried either of these before?
Thanks and love to you all,
Lorraine
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