Today is my 10-year ostomy anniversary. I have long avoided serious consideration of reversal surgery because it's difficult to imagine my quality of life being more comfortable than it is today with a bag. I am left with a rectal stump to deal with, however, and it feels overdue for a decision. I don't presently have any issues but it has atrophied and narrowed last I had it examined 2 years ago. I was meant to have it expanded but my paperwork got lost and I have yet to reschedule. I read somewhere that you can have a surgery that leaves the anus intact. Is anyone familiar with this? As I understand, complete removal can be quite painful and long to recover from. Hoping to hear from patients who are living with their remaining bit of colon, people who have had j-pouch surgery, and those who have decided to have complete removal. Thanks for your time!

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Caz67
Well it's just coming upto a year since I had my emergency stoma. Since joining MAOM I have learnt all different kinds of ideas to help with the stoma. Not only that I have made a lot of good friends who I can talk to. The beauty of this site is it's not just giving tips and ideas we talk about anything and everything. So thank you for giving us a great site. XX