Tips for Recovery After Reversal Surgery

Replies
18
Views
268
Bajan
Feb 20, 2025 8:55 pm

Hi...

I am new to this forum and just wanted to ask people who have gone through reversal surgery if they had any tips for the days and weeks after surgery. I have gotten a bit of info from the net, but any and all help would be great.

You have no idea how much I am looking forward to having this 'astern'...as Jimmy Buffett would say..!

Lynn

Hi Bajan,

You've come to the right place! This community is full of people who are more than willing to share their experiences and offer support.

As for recovery tips, it's important to take things slow and listen to your body. Rest is crucial, but gentle movement like short walks can help with healing. Stay hydrated and follow any dietary guidelines your doctor provides. It's also helpful to keep a journal of your progress and any questions you might have for your follow-up appointments. Remember, everyone's recovery is different, so be patient with yourself.

Congrats on being part of this community! You'll find a wealth of support, information, and some really great people here. Looking forward to seeing you around the forums!

Justbreathe
Feb 20, 2025 10:21 pm

I have no input on your upcoming reversal as I opted out - wishing your “astern” is as happy and easy as any Jimmy Buffett song - he was my idol and the best philosopher ever!!! Best wishes… keep us posted….jb

Gray Logo for MeetAnOstoMate

MeetAnOstoMate.org is the only place where people truly understand you. It's because everyone here has an ostomy.

Many come here for advice or to give advice, others have found good friends, and some have even built long-lasting relationships.

Privacy is very important - there are many features only visible to members.

Create Account

Join our website with 39,389 members. You won't regret it.

IGGIE
Feb 21, 2025 12:39 am

G-Day Steve,

It all depends on whether you have an ileostomy or a colostomy. Can you let us know, please?

Regards, IGGIE

amkevergreen
Feb 21, 2025 2:24 am

I reversed last July..... It will take a few months to get somewhat "regular" again, and sometimes it is frustrating to retrain that issue like a baby, but MARCH THROUGH IT!!! ....... It will be OK ........ A buddy of mine was an oracle about the situation.... Dude wipes!!! Damn, that was a lifesaver, and I strongly suggest A&D ointment because it WILL get sore..... You will figure it out...... Trust me!! best of luck

Arnold

Jayne
Feb 21, 2025 2:37 am

No info .............

But

Sending you

Good luck

 

How to Manage Emotions with LeeAnne Hayden | Hollister

Play
corlsharonl49
Feb 21, 2025 1:29 pm

I cannot provide any advice but want to wish you the best of luck and a quick, event-free recovery! My ileostomy is temporary, but I do not plan to have a reversal - too many issues every time my body has surgery.

Bajan
Feb 21, 2025 3:57 pm
Reply to IGGIE

Hi Iggie... Thanks for the reply.

I have an ostomy. Soon to be gone... :)

Bajan
Feb 21, 2025 4:02 pm
Reply to amkevergreen

Yes... I watched a few YouTube videos, and it was mentioned that your butt would get very sore. I have already picked up a tube of Calmoseptine cream and a can of Durmoplast spray. Have you heard of these products? I will look into your suggestions too... Thanks...

Jayne
Feb 21, 2025 4:26 pm
Reply to Bajan

Fate favors those who are prepared

Good luck

BW

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Waves from the UK ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Jayne

IGGIE
Feb 21, 2025 11:31 pm
Reply to Bajan

Bajan, all stomas are called ostomy, but do you have an ileostomy or a colostomy? Is it on your left or the right side? Left is normally a colostomy and right is normally an ileostomy. It makes a big difference if you're having a reversal.

Regards, IGGIE

Beachboy
Feb 22, 2025 2:29 am

Good luck on the reversal. Do you have an ileostomy or colostomy? Why do you have an ostomy? Accident? Disease? How much intestine was removed, and where?

All this info makes a big difference.

I refused reversal for my colostomy. I've had too many surgeries already.

Newhere
Feb 23, 2025 9:41 am

I had my colostomy reversed about 18 months ago. It all went well for me. As someone already said, wet wipes will be your new best friend. Also, when I got home from the hospital, I slept in a recliner for the first week or so. My advice would be to rest and don't rush things; let your body heal. Good luck with it all, and let us know how it all went.

lorgriffin
Feb 23, 2025 4:36 pm

I had my ileostomy reversal nearly 5 months ago, and it was plain sailing for me. Bowels returned to normal pretty quickly; pain was minimal. Just take your time reintroducing foods, etc. I got all the wipes and creams suggested to be prepared, but thankfully didn't need them. Hope it all goes well for you.

DexieB
Feb 24, 2025 6:25 pm

Hi, I had my colostomy reversed and it went great. You may be able to look up my old posts about it. Best of luck to you!

Bajan
Mar 05, 2025 4:33 pm
Reply to IGGIE

Hi Iggie... Had no idea on the terminology, but mine is a colostomy. On edge here waiting for the hospital to call...

On another note, I saw the pic of your truck. Is it a Land Rover... International...?

I was lucky enough to have a place in Barbados for about ten years and picked up a Toyota Land Cruiser Troup Carrier from the CBC when they were getting rid of it. Fabulous truck. Would climb Mt. Everest...

Would send a pic, but no idea how to do that...!

IGGIE
Mar 06, 2025 1:10 am
Reply to Bajan

G-Day Bajan,

My 4x4 is a Toyota Landcruiser Troop Carrier 75 series. It has a pop top and is set up as a sleeper with a bed, cooker, fridge, and everything I need to travel the outback of Australia.

It has never let me down, and being a diesel, it can and does climb the steepest of hills.

Regards, IGGIE

asa14of17
Mar 06, 2025 1:37 am

Hi all,

I've had an urostomy and a loop colostomy since cancer surgery in November and just had the colostomy reversed two weeks ago. So far, everything has gone well, but the pain of the wound is pretty bad. Some of the worst pain I've ever experienced, and I've had 5 children. I have a hole in my belly about 2 cm in diameter x 2 cm deep that needs to be packed and dressed daily. That is painful. It is getting smaller, but not fast enough. I just want to be done with it.

amkevergreen
Mar 06, 2025 2:58 am

Stay tough, my lady. The wound needs to heal from the inside out. My prayer to you is that sometimes my stoma scar is sore from time to time. You survived!

Bajan
Mar 06, 2025 5:01 pm
Reply to IGGIE

Just got a call from my surgeon's office. My reversal, which was to happen within a week or so, has been put off to at least the end of April... and the way things go... probably longer than that.

...bummed out at the moment...