I thought I should update since I am now back from the hospital for the 2nd time. Robotic reversal on August 1st, sent home after 10 days, back in the hospital as an emergency a week later where I have been on IV antibiotics. Released 29th August and feeling much better. Bowels are now working well! Never thought I would say this, but what a joy to sit on the loo again. I can't believe how exciting it is, and I am thrilled with the result as all is working as it should. Just slight cramping, which is to be expected. Got a whole 8 hours of sleep last night, no morphine! It's been a pretty awful 4 weeks, but I can now say it's definitely worth it, and I'm so glad I went for it. Just the old stoma site to heal now, can't wait to regain my strength and get back to my old self. Thank you all for your advice and support, you have been awesome 🤩
MeetAnOstoMate is a remarkable community of 41,407 members.
“Every morning with my coffee, I read here and feel wrapped in warmth - I hardly post, but it still feels like family.”
“Our oncologist literally wrote down the link; they said more patients need this website.”
“This place pulled me out of the dark. I went from lurking to living again.”
“At 3am, someone’s awake somewhere in the world. I’m never alone here.”
I take part in these forums almost every day. They and the people that contribute to them have made all the difference in my having the courage to live a normal life with an ileostomy. The people here are marvelous and come from all walks of life and from all over the world. Hearing what others have lived through has really helped me put my own experience in perspective. I highly recommend all ostomates and caretakers of ostomates to come join us.
Learn all about skin barrier extenders.


