Hi All,
Just a quick post to assure those who are in 2 minds about stoma reversal.
I was diagnosed with kidney cancer in June 2016 and succesfully had an operation to remove my left kidney, which was completely infected with cancer.During my operation they uncovered and found further cancer that had spread to my colon and my pancreas which parts of the infected areas were also removed.It was quite a complicated operation and this lasted for about 7 hours where different surgeons were involved to operate on different parts of my infection.Following my op, I was left with a stoma.Further more i had fistula drains on my front and rear parts of my stomach to remove "unwanted" fluids to drain out of my body. I always wanted a reversal of my stoma as I have a very active and sporty lifestyle but this reversal cannot be performed until my pancreas had completely dried out.Patience was the game!
In Jan 2017 they removed my first drain fistula, then succesfully removed the second one in April 17.
An appointment had been recieved to carry out my reversal and this was done in July 20th 2017.The operation went smoothly and lasted for some 1 1/2 hours. I was discharged from hospital 3 days later where I am making a speedy recovery.I was consulted that bowel surgery is one of the most complex as your body learns to discover that you are no longer carrying a stoma bag.The first 2 days I ;suffered extreme diarrhoea motions as the bowels recognised and pass motion through the normal channel.
2 weeks on and my bowels have settled and timely motions have set a schedule.Altough a little sore from the operation as the healing proccess takes place,this was a walkover in comparison to my first operation.
The staff at the General were all absolutely brillaint and gave me full support.
I would recommend anybody who are in similar circumstance as me that a reversal is not as daunting as it first seems.
There is a lot of support from staff and Macmillan who have been fantastic to support me through this trauma.I was also re asuured from posts on this website who underwent the same procedures as me.
As they "you are not alone" to fight cancer and this was very comforting to know,just how much help there is out there.As for NHS,I truly appreciate what they do and just how much they are dedicated to their jobs,form the surgeons right down to the staff after care!!
I do hope fellow ostomates find this helpful and wish you all a succesful fight.
I have attached 2 photos of my stomae reversal, at the day of my reversal and 2 weeks on.(Only view if can bear this)
