I am a 71-year-old woman who had an ileostomy due to diverticulitis complications. My surgery was in August and I have decided I don't want to reverse it. Guess I have two questions. Am I crazy not to want the reversal and will I need to do anything now to keep my ileostomy?
At one time, they thought my stoma would be reversible, and I didn't want to go back to how awful things were. Turns out, I didn't have to make the decision... it can't be reversed. Anyway, I don't think you're crazy, but I don't know if you have to do anything to be able to keep it other than decline the reversal.
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G-Day Mbmach
I think you will be happy with your ileostomy as a permanent fitting. A reversal means you will be tied to looking for a toilet, so be free of your old problems and enjoy life.
Regards, IGGE
Hi Mbmach, I don't think you are crazy at all. I was told I could have my ileostomy reversed, but after doing the research, decided against it. People with colostomies have a much better chance of a successful reversal than someone with an ileo. If you have all or most of your large intestine, and it's in healthy condition, you have a better chance with reversal. Ileostomies reversals are not the same. Aside from a good chance of being tied to your toilet day and night, there is also the issue of the caustic nature of ileostomy output, which is damaging to the skin, as I'm sure you know. If that output is in constant contact with the skin around your anus, you will probably have irritated and raw skin that could be really difficult to manage. For those reasons, I have chosen not to be reversed, and I haven't regretted it. I function really well with my ileo and my quality of life is better than before my ostomy.
Terry