Canceled Surgeon Appointment: Choosing to Live Pain-Free

I made a decision today, one that has been weighing on my mind for a while. I had an appointment with my surgeon scheduled for this Friday to discuss reversal surgery. After my colonoscopy last month, my GI doctor gave me the thumbs up, saying everything looked good and green-lighted a reversal and recommended I talk to my surgeon.

I was under the impression that I was not a candidate for surgery, and honestly, until my GI doctor mentioned it, saying he couldn't see a reason why I shouldn't at least talk to the surgeon, I gave it thought and made an appointment.

Believe it or not, my recent bout of the dreaded stomach bug hitting everyone has played a part in my decision today. The pain and discomfort I just experienced a few weeks ago with that illness reminded me of how my life was pre-colostomy surgery. I was in constant pain, not living, merely surviving.

Thinking about that and the fact that life had been pain-free since the colostomy, and that my diverticulitis nor my IBS will ever go away, and how much I hate hospitals and all that go with that, I decided to cancel the appointment with my surgeon and move on with life.

If you had asked me this a year ago, right after my colostomy surgery, my answer would have been so different. But knowing what I know now, and living pain-free and not tied to a bathroom for the past year has made a world of difference.

You are stuck with me. 😊

Good!!!!! :)

It sounds like you've made the right decision for you!

I believe my colostomy cannot be reversed, but if they offered, I think I'd make the same choice. I lost it due to cancer, which is no more likely to return if I reverse it, but I just don't want the hassle and the possible complications. I'm comfortable as I am.

Definitely a consequential decision. Your reasoning is sound.

I faced a similar choice. In my case, possible radiation complications and the unwillingness to hop on the surgery/hospitalization merry-go-round again cemented my decision to live with what I've got.

I completely understand your decision and reasoning, as early in my journey I followed the path you speak of for a very long time. The decision-making was almost as bad as the little foreigner on my stomach. My final decision came in the form of what I called “signs,” and I wrote about it at length. I then gave up on the idea of a reversal.
With all the changes in medicine, technology, and research, who knows what is next? Excruciating pain and 911 are the only things that would drive me back to a hospital. However, in the words of George Carlin, “just because you got the monkey off your back doesn't mean the circus has left town.” ….jb

My Ostomy Journey: Bruce | Hollister

I'm sure I speak for many folks here that stuckiness is contagious. Just like your smile, kiddo.

You are stuck. We are stuck. Everyone's here a stuck, stuck, stuck. And old McDonald? He can take a flying hike.😉

Welcome back, Nini.

Your post is particularly relevant to me. Today I was told by my surgeon that I am not a good candidate for a colostomy reversal. It could possibly be done, but due to the radiation I had in 2020 for rectal cancer and the perforation in my colon that precipitated getting the stoma, it would be a difficult procedure and it would be a long recovery. At 74, it's not what I want to go through. I live a relatively happy life with my stoma and don't want my abdomen opened up again. Thanks for posting, and I think you made the best decision for yourself. It's all about weighing the pros and cons and reflecting back on what your life was like before you got your ostomy. Cheers!

Good for you, Nini4.

You have taken charge of your life and are doing things your way based on your own reasoning and logic. Also, down the road, who knows what new developments could come along with these procedures? My surgeon always says, "never say never," and no more surgery—woo hoo!

G-Day Nini,

Great decision; you can now relax and be a full member of the "Front Butt Club."

Regards, IGGIE

Hi Nini, you're a good person to be "stuck" with. My grandson was a candidate for reversal, and he decided not to have any more surgery. I know much thought went into your decision.