Ileostomy Reversal After 7 Years: Is It Possible?

Is it possible to have an ileostomy reversal after 7 years?

Good question.

Brave of you to even consider it so late in the game.

I have seen why you would want it done because of your partner; his repulsion sounds like a cosmetic reason for you to do it because of how he feels.

We have been on that receiving end.

Just saying.

Mechanically, if you still have your parts—even a rectal stump—it could be done, but how much colon is left? Do you have IBD? What was the reason for the ileo?

Seven years for a dormant colon to be "jump started" sounds risky to me.

Hey there, Warrior. Cosmetic? Maybe! It could just be I'm clutching at straws, but hey, surely everyone's got to have hope, right? It's not looking likely, though, considering the points you listed. Just good to know there are similar folks to talk to on here to give and receive support. Thanks, all.

Hey there, Warrior. Cosmetic? Maybe! It could just be I'm clutching at straws, but hey, surely everyone's got to have hope, right? It's not looking likely, though, considering the points you listed. Just good to know there are similar folks to talk to on here to give and receive support. Thanks, all.

Of course, it can't hurt to ask, and you might learn something too. I was just questioning the logic... or motivation behind it.

Your state of mind right now is influencing you.

Get your research done and make an informed decision, which is why you are here. 🤔

There are so many factors involved when considering a reversal.

Others will chime in on that to help you out. Sit tight.

Tips on Hernia Prevention with Collin | Hollister

I know someone who had a reversal after having an ileostomy for 10 years. They waited until they retired. They had problems with urgency at first, like a lot do, but manage quite well now. What has your consultant said about the chances of a reversal being successful in your case?

Wow, Ben.. after ten years, a successful hook-up? Your friend's plumbing situation??

Still had most of the colon left? Or a stump?

G-Day Gnomao,  I had a J-Pouch for 18 years and had 18 years of problems. I now have an Ileostomy and wish I had got it 18 years ago. Gnomao, if I was you I would stay with the Ileostomy and get rid of the guy. Regards IGGIE

Hi Gnomeo, I read your other post too, so this will be a combo answer. Was a reversal discussed as an option when you got your ileostomy 7 years ago? I believe it was Caz who mentioned the other week that after a certain age, it takes 2 years to fully heal from a surgery (Caz, correct me if I'm remembering something wrong). In regard to what you shared in your other post: I'm not sure what is bringing up all these negative feelings for you…I hope your partner's issues are not the reason behind them. I was going to offer to come have a talk with this partner of yours, and then I saw you live in Wales. So let me speak some truth to you for now. I don't know why you have an ileostomy, but it tells me you went through something really hard. You've had to adapt and learn to take care of your body in a different way. If you think about what you have learned to do and what your body has been able to do, it's remarkable. All of us here have or have had an ostomy of some type, and it was either to give our bodies time to heal from something or it's the reason we are still alive. Your body has been through it, but it sounds like your present issues are not so much physical, but your mind is really struggling with how you see yourself. Gained some weight? Do some extra pounds make you any less worthy? Does a bag? No! If you decide to call your surgeon and ask if a reversal can be considered after 7 years, make sure that you are making that call for YOU.

Yes, Jodi. You nailed it perfectly. I wish I had said it. I tried in fewer words.

Tony, isn't it amazing all the words I can make into sentences when I can focus for 5 minutes straight? 😜

🎵Maybe I'm amazed 🎶Maybe I'm amazed you help them sing a song..Maybe I'm amazed at how 5 minutes won't be that long.🎵🤗

Haha, good song.

No matter how bad a day you are having or whatever health issues we face daily, there is always a smile from a song. It can turn

you right around. The Beatles have a song for everyone—any day—any time.

"Help" comes to mind often.

"Something" and "Let It Be" strike a nerve now and then.

They started it all.

Flirt alert..⚡

"If I Fell...😍

Not the Beatles, but this is a good one. I have an epic Beatles station curated on my Pandora.

Favorite Beatles song

Hmm, a wannabe Jackson 5 group? Never even heard of these guys. Must be an Ohio thing. 🤭

I'm from Chicago; still won't claim OH even though I've lived here a few years now. ;)

Ben38,

The 10-year 'rest' of a tract is an interesting equation.

What was the base diagnosis for the person known to you who had a reversal after 10 years of a colectomy?

What was their lifestyle during the 10 years of colectomy?

An unexpected topic of sharing - thank you for bringing this to the forum's attention.

Best wishes

Jayne

UK

Reply to Jodie's post of Mar 07, 2024, 2:01 pm .....

Yes, pertinent advice - make sure that what you do is for the right person [You] and for the right reasons - consider all scenarios - past, present, and future, and then make time to learn to love yourself; you will be in a better position to assess if one can truly suspend a judgment based on feelings outside of oneself.

All those subscribing to this forum know that we are all learning to become the best that we can for ourselves, and in so doing, we can be true to ourselves, and then we may be truly in the best position to give love and receive love .....

Please, when considering life-altering surgical interventions, make sure that one's decision is a fully informed one and one that can be the best for one's own psyche over time - long after other people either remain or depart from your intimate circle of sharing.

We all need intimacy, and we all need to be at one with ourselves in order to make the space for such intimate sharing.

Best wishes

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ waves from the Mid Wales Hills of Radnorshire ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Jayne

Hi Jodie

Yes, it takes the body two years to fully recover from major surgery. Xx