Seeking Advice on Successful Ileostomy Reversals: Pros and Cons

I have an ileostomy. I had a J-Pouch for 38 years. I had emergency surgery in May of 2023. I am interested in finding ostomates who have had successful reversals connecting their small intestine to their rectum. The pros and cons of this surgery.

Hi Twist,

I had the option of reconnecting my small bowel to the 1/3 of my colon that's left... and I said hell no. I spent most of my young adult life figuring out where bathrooms were wherever I went, and it wasn't fun. I would never want my life to revolve around bathrooms ever again, although the large chain department stores do have the nicest bathrooms! If you have a terminal ileum, ileocecal valve, and your sphincter is intact... err... uhhh... maybe? If any of those is missing... think long and hard about what you're contemplating. And note that your sphincter isn't water-tight, as it's designed to hold back solid waste, not what comes out of your small bowel, and your anus isn't going to like any continued wetness. You'll end up filling your underwear with baby powder... and it still won't work. But I'm not you and your situation, so hopefully others on here can give you some better, more specific info, who've done what you're thinking about.

;O)

If you had a J-Pouch for 38 years, then you had your small intestine fitted to your butt through the J-Pouch, so you should already know. Regards, Iggie