Considering Colostomy Reversal: Weighing My Options

I just met with my surgeon this morning about the results of my MRI and PET CT scans that she ordered. She wanted to know as much as possible about my insides before she considered reversing my colostomy. She is telling me that she is willing and able to do it, with the caveat that my hernia behind my midline might complicate the surgery in terms of what she can see once they fill my belly with gas, and that complication might lead to another midline incision - which was a bear for me to heal the last time they did it. She told me that with my current status in terms of scar tissue, I will most likely (more than 50%) have to have a temporary ileostomy while my reconnected intestines heal. Also, at 69 years of age, I am healing a little slower, so when she says 6 weeks, she also says it might take 12 weeks for me to heal enough to reverse the temporary ileostomy. I have some time to consider my options; my next appointment with her is in September, and if I decide to go ahead with this surgery, it will become my colonoscopy before surgery appointment as the prep will be the same. I really like my surgeon; she is realistic and at the same time still positive, and totally understands that this is a big decision I need to make.

EDIT: For those who know my sad skin saga already, the temporary ileostomy would be in the exact troublesome spot as my current colostomy.

It's a huge decision. I think you've seen the pros and cons on this board, so you are as well informed as you can be to make this choice.

Good luck, whatever you decide.

G-Day,

This one is up to you.

But if it were me, after reading some of your other notes that you have now found a good-fitting stoma bag, I would consider keeping my stoma and not going through a lot of invasive surgeries.

Think deep and hard.

IGGIE

Hi D, I agree with Iggie and BB. When I had resection surgery, I was 67, twice as old as when I had my original surgery, and it took longer to heal.

My Ostomy Journey: Jearlean | Hollister

Hi D

You have well defined the upshot of your consultation - and clearly have an experienced and measured surgeon, whom you like and feel comfortable with. This alone is probably the most important part of the equation - certainly from the point of a solid foundation for what is under consideration.

Clearly no one but you can make the decision for you, as it's a very personal call; listen to your heart as well as your intellect and try to move in alignment with your own 'gut' feelings..... and I mean this in the multi-sense implied....... for IMHO our bodies are capable of 'telling' us much - once we learn to 'listen' to them and work with our own 'inner' needs both on a practical, but most importantly on an emotional and spiritual basis.

You have time - so long as you retain focus and come with grace to your own point of understanding and feeling of what is best for you.

Hugs

~ ~ ~ ~ Jayne ~ ~ ~ ~

Although not in the position of considering a reversal - we are of similar age - but very different histories, and I can only iterate, do what you feel is best for you [not for others, but for you].

BW,

J.

Hi. I am in a similar situation in terms of deciding 'to reverse or not reverse.' I had an unexpected stoma last November. I also developed a hernia I would like reduced. However, I had a colostomy and only recently had an endoscope, which determined that most of my rectum was removed. My surgeon says reversal is feasible, and they suggest I go for it as I am still young (I am 63). But I fear the risk of LARS and being in a worse situation lifestyle-wise than I am now with the bag. The stoma has functioned fine. Although I have developed considerable physical fatigue, which I did not have before the operation.

So, it's decision time. All I can say is to reiterate what many others have said: each of us is in a totally unique situation, and our decision is our own. I am giving myself more time to decide. I won't be rushed into it. I guess it is about weighing how much I don't wish to live with a stoma versus accepting the risks in reversal surgery and the risk of possible negative impact on lifestyle afterward.

Good luck with whatever you decide. Philip

Many thanks, Jayne

:-)

Good luck

BW

J

Hi. Just wondering if you have decided to go with the reversal?

Philip