Ileostomy Reversal Experiences and Concerns

Has anyone on here had an ileostomy reversal? I was told by my surgeon that mine is reversible, but after being in the hospital for an emergency ileostomy last year because of C. diff and then having sepsis afterward, I'm not so anxious to go under the knife again. Just wondering what the pluses or minuses might be. I'm thinking it would be more minuses than pluses.

Hi JJ. I think it depends on each person. For me, I can have my ileo reversed, but I won't. They tried before, and it leaked. I believe I have more control with the bag than if it were reversed, and I would need the bathroom even more. If my stool were more controllable, then I'd consider it.

My Ostomy Nurse had hers reversed, and she's fine, no issues.

You know your body better than anyone else. Listen to it.

Hi, I think it depends on a lot of things and, like corlsharon said, each person is different. Why do you have your ostomy? Your surgeon says it's reversible, but what is your surgeon's definition of a successful reversal according to the reason why you have an ostomy? Do you want to go through another surgery? It took me two more to get to my j-pouch and then another to remove it and go to a permanent ostomy. Can you take more time off work? Are you okay with your ostomy, and is it functioning well? Consider all of the pros and cons as well as responses from folks on here, and your decision will come more easily.

Thanks for your advice. Just going to stay cool the way I am.