Colonoscopy Prep and Wafer Security Tips

I'm having reversal surgery in less than 2 weeks and a colonoscopy the day before. Should I use the ring and paste to secure the wafer? I know I'll be up all day and night but don't want any leaks. I bought the extra long irrigation bags. What comes first, the ring on the skin and paste on the wafer, or reverse? I will bring an extra regular bag and supplies. I'm a nervous wreck.

I would use exactly the same process you've been using with your regular bags. This is not the time to experiment with a new process.

If it's been working for you, there's no reason to change now. You'll find we all have our own ideas about how things should be done, and they aren't the same. My system works for me, but it might not work for you.

I agree I had my reversal 4 months ago, and they never removed my wafer during the colonoscopy. It was intact, which really surprised me.

They didn't remove my wafer during my colonoscopy either, but I really didn't expect them to. I have a 2-piece system. They took the bag off and put a new one on when finished (I brought a new bag with me).

It would be more surprising with a 1-piece system, but I think it could be done by threading the camera through the bottom of the bag.

Hi. I just put the sticky ring on the wafer and then used a little powder around the stoma. Once you put the bag on, hold your hands on it for several minutes.

Peace

My Ostomy Journey: Jearlean | Hollister

Are you worried about the colonoscopy prep? If so, I just used large drainable bags and emptied them as required. You won't want to be far from a toilet, but it was fine. And I was squeaky clean afterward!

Please do not reverse. It will not work. I know.

I sure hope you are wrong. My husband is having his reversal in 2 days!

Lots of discussion on reversal here. Search the history.

In short, some people get lucky. It works fine with no problems. Life is good. For other people, it is a nightmare with nothing but problems. Most people probably land somewhere in between.

Hopefully, your husband's doctor explained the risks and potential problems from a reversal, and your husband has made an informed choice.

I'm afraid this is too late, but just in case... paste first for any crevices, ring on top, then the bag. Good luck! I envy you the reversal!

Hi, I had my colonoscopy done earlier this year, and my reversal is for this September 19th. (I had mine done earlier because I had bleeding, and they checked it; it was polyps.)

For the colonoscopy, I just put on a new bag as usual. Following it, there was a lot of air in the bag. There was no removal of the bag for it. It stayed on fine, and I had no problem with it. I carried extra supplies just in case.

For my surgery, I will put on my bag as usual. I would do whatever has worked for you.

When I did my colonoscopy for the reversal, I just did my bag as I always did it. It's not a sterile procedure, meaning they go right through your bag (poop and all). It was the easiest colonoscopy I've done. Watch Netflix while you eliminate in the bathroom. Also, no uncomfortable feelings after the colonoscopy with a bag. Way easier than when they did it through my okole.

My reversal and several people I know who reversed have done just fine. Not sure why Florida would have suggested you shouldn't. That's an individual decision that your husband had with his doctor. Best to you both!

As a user of one-piece closed bags normally, I got some drainable bags from the hospital for use only during the preparation. My bag with an integral wafer was removed for the procedure.

Hi, my reversal is in 6 weeks and I can't wait! My surgeon first suggested doing the colonoscopy the day before surgery, then decided she would perform it with the reversal surgery, first the colonoscopy through my stoma, then moving on to the reversal. Only one prep day and all in one procedure! Maybe check with your surgeon to see if you can do the same.