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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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We conducted a survey to better understand the impact that living with an ostomy has on sleep.
Learn the results of our ostomy sleep survey.
Learn the results of our ostomy sleep survey.
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Ostomy surgery is stressful both for the patient and the caregiver, and creates a major life change for both people in a relationship.
Learn how to care for your loved one, while still taking care of yourself.
Learn how to care for your loved one, while still taking care of yourself.