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Recently discovered this site from searching for help on stoma problems and help or advice on having a colostomy reversal. I'm not the greatest individual on expression, so bear with me and I'll do my best to fill you in on my background and future concerns. April 2022, I was rushed to the emergency room for having severe abdominal pain. A CT scan discovered that I had severe intestinal perforation and was leaking. They immediately rushed me in for emergency surgery. Long story short, I was in ICU for 4 days and 3 weeks in the hospital itself because I was septic and it took a while to get over that. The doctor said I was in such bad shape that they had to do a total reconstruction. The doctors, surgeons, everyone involved was absolutely fantastic and there's no doubt, they saved my life. Due to the severity of the damage, they had to do an end ostomy and I've lived with a stoma now for about 9 months and have grown used to it. Now in 2 weeks, I'm scheduled to have a reversal and I understand it is another major operation, that has me reconsidering whether or not it is worth it. You hear and read so many horror stories that I don't know if I should go through with it or stay with the bag. I'm in great physical health and the doctor is confident in a successful outcome. However, like most people, I have to read Doctor Google lol and the horror stories of takedowns and bowel incontinence forever, even some wishing they never would have done a reversal and stayed with the bag. I need help, folks. Time draws near and I'm still uncertain.

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Your stoma care nurse can be a valuable resource when you need help.
Learn about the common issues and symptoms that warrant a call for assistance.
Learn about the common issues and symptoms that warrant a call for assistance.
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We sat down with two influential people in the ostomy community, to find out how they cope during challenging times.
Read what they had to say.
Read what they had to say.