Well, 4 months after the initial surgery I have been back for the reversal operation. And 2 weeks after the op, all is well. I'd have to say it is not a walk in the park, but worth the pain and discomfort in the end. At 44 years old, it wasn't really an option to keep the ostomy, even though I would have considered it had I been 20 years older. In truth, life with the bag became a lot more acceptable after a month or so than I ever thought could be possible at first. Should I ever have to go back (to life with the bag), I won't be too worried now I know what it all entails. I think the hardest bit was going to work with the bag, but you know what, all my workmates just accepted it and some never even knew it was there. The hardest bit was having a medical (I work offshore and have to fly in helicopters, etc.) and showing the bag off to the doctor, but he'd seen it all before, not a problem. All in all, life was fairly normal other than I never went swimming (favorite sport) during the bag days. So apart from a rather large scar (or 2), I'm back to status quo and looking forward to getting training again. To anyone who is about to undergo the initial Op to have an Ostomy, DON'T WORRY, it will give you a new lease of life, you will feel better, and you will come to accept your new bottom, as will others around you. As for the reversal, I think this is a personal and individual decision, I'm glad I've done it and happy the operation has been a success, but I would seriously have considered NOT reversing had I been at an elder age. Now .... where's my trunks and goggles :)
Take care everyone and enjoy every day ...
Jase

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We conducted a survey to better understand the impact that living with an ostomy has on sleep.
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Talking about having an ostomy can be uncomfortable for most people. Still, it's something you can't always avoid.
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Learn about some strategies that can make it easier to talk about your stoma.