Seeking Personal Experiences with Colostomy Reversal

I am unsure about getting my colostomy reversed. I don't trust that the doctors are including everything about the reversal, both pros and cons. Would appreciate your input about yourself (not others). Thanks very much!

I think they overlook a lot of things not intentionally but because they either 1) don't know or 2) don't find little things as a priority like a patient does when dealing with all this gibberish, especially at home and on your own. I have no possibility of a reversal, but I'd have to really think about having one for a number of reasons if I could. 

My surgeon was quite straightforward about what life may be like with an ileostomy reversal. His input, plus the input of many members here, helped me make my decision to not have a reversal. But, I do not have a colon, and a reversal for me would mean a constant need to know where a bathroom is, plus the high probability of nighttime accidents. You have a colostomy, so you have at least some colon left. It would be helpful to know how much. If you search this site, you will find a number of posts about colostomy reversal. The more colon you have, the better your chances are to return to something resembling normal. But, none of this is set in stone. Hopefully, others with actual experience will chime in, but I suggest you search the site. There is a lot of information here.

Daniel

My wife and I spent an hour consulting with an excellent surgeon about reversal. I have a colostomy with plenty of rectal stump remaining. But, I underwent 46 Tomo radiation treatments for prostate cancer, three months prior to undergoing surgery resulting in a colostomy.

The surgeon warned me that tissues have permanent damage from radiation, reducing healing. As much as I would love to get rid of the stoma, I chose to refuse reversal. My surgeon was willing to do it but admitted later that he wished more patients would not push for reversal. Outcomes vary widely.

Research as much as possible, and ask pointed questions. A tough decision for sure.

Good luck.

We need to remember we're not all the same and we might not respond the same as others. Though we might feel similar in age, gender, size, and diagnosis, there are so many variables among us it's just impossible to predict precisely how we will fare based on someone else's experience. It certainly improves our odds if we listen carefully to the experts who studied and learned the science and art of treatment and those who experienced it.

Wish you the best,

Mike

Words of Encouragement from Ostomy Advocates I Hollister

You nailed it, Mike.

I was told they could technically reverse my colostomy, but I would need diapers for the rest of my life (I don't have a sphincter, though!). Everyone has different circumstances, though, so you may have success. How wonderful if you can!

Thanks very much for your reply!

Thanks so much!

Appreciate your reply!

A very thoughtful commentary.