Ileostomy Reversal

Hello, I had my ileostomy reversed on July 28th, and things are going well. I had a colostomy for 15 months, then that was reversed, and a temporary ileostomy formed. I had that for exactly 12 weeks, and now I have no appliance anymore. I was back to work within a week, and my wound is closing itself. I'm not on full duty yet, but very soon I will be. The surgery was much easier this time. I wasn't scared to have the final reversal because I trusted my surgeon completely. I still wish I would have known about this group at the start of my journey instead of near its end. Thank you for all the good advice I did read, and I wish everyone well. I guess I don't qualify to be in this group anymore. I will never forget this experience; it's changed me.

Pleased to hear how well your reversal has gone. You should stay in the group; your experience and knowledge of ostomies and reversal surgery are always needed for other members preparing for surgery or who have recently gone through it.

Really happy for you that the reversal went so well. Ditto what Ben said about staying and sharing your experience.

Congratulations on a successful reversal!

I agree with the others... please hang around! We aren't picky about whether you currently have an ostomy or not. You know what it's like; you are still in the club.

Your experience with reversal will be very helpful. We get a lot of people asking about those.

As someone about to schedule my own reversal, I would love to hear from you. My surgeon says I will most likely have a temporary ileostomy using the same hole for my colostomy, and it might take me 12 weeks to heal internally, so it sounds like I might be similar to you - I can hope so! My colostomy hole has been a huge problem for me and my skin, so hopefully I have it figured out to protect my skin from the ileostomy!

My Ostomy Journey: Bruce | Hollister

Thank you, I really didn't want to leave!

I understand the skin issue; the burning feeling was awful. I have a closed colostomy and a healing ileostomy presently. It seems like I feel phantom pains as if the ileostomy is still there, and the skin around the closing dirty wound feels slightly numb. I had bad issues with skin problems the whole time. God bless us, everyone.

Awesome, good for you. I hope you get all you wish for.

Thanks for reporting in on your successful reversal, and congratulations! Best wishes for a healthy future…jb

Thanks for your very informative and important comments regarding “the other side of reversal.”

In my opinion, the decision to reverse is a major step and should be thoroughly investigated. Some surgeons have a very cavalier attitude in advising reversal. Initially, I was told I could be reversed (ileostomy) in 6 months. I could hardly wait—acting like a kid waiting for Christmas! Fate, or as I refer to it “signs,” delayed my reversal for almost a year… I spent this time pouting and researching. Bottom line (may be a poor choice of words), I decided against reversal. At the time, I was in my late 70s, so much of my decision was based on my age.

To anyone considering reversal, I'd say do not throw caution to the wind… research this decision thoroughly and how it may affect your life after reversal. jb

Wow, I am sorry that didn't go well for you. I hope I wouldn't steer anyone in the wrong direction. My colon perforated suddenly, and we don't know why; I didn't even have diverticulitis. I'm still doing fine and now am in the process of donating a kidney to a stranger, which I had to put on hold until all of this was taken care of. I said it before, I'll say it again: I am changed. Warm wishes to all.

I certainly agree that if I were older, I'm 58, and didn't have the burning skin issues, I would have just left things as they were. My skin was a problem from day one; I can barely tolerate a band-aid. The appliance would leak at times, and I would just start crying. Luckily, it only happened once at work, but thankfully before patients arrived. I work at a clinic.

I am so sorry for the many issues you are having. I believe your posts on this site can help many who may be seeking information about a reversal. Your straightforward experience is a good example of what can actually be the end result. As well, those commenting about the success after having the surgery may help someone in making a decision on their own reversal.

Two of the surgeons I spoke with about reversal (early on in my stoma-daze) had an attitude of “nothing to it.” Nothing to it for them - their lives go on as usual.

My guess is reversal may be successful for someone whose initial surgery was without complications and who has good health and youth on their side. Again, I reiterate my final decision not to reverse was based mainly on my age. I was healthy, active, and not on any medications. I decided I could live with a stoma as opposed to spending any amount of recovery time from major surgery. Yes, major, because I believe all surgeries are major. I did not wish to relinquish any more of my life/time to hospitals, doctors, or drugs. Had I been a younger person, this may not have been the case. It is such a personal and important decision, and all outcome possibilities should be carefully considered.

Finally, the utmost confidence in your surgeon's honesty, advice, and reputation in terms of skill in performing a reversal is critical.

Just my 2 cents worth….jb

I think the posts on this site are mostly negative on reversals. However, they do work out for some people, so I'm glad to have that perspective here.

I think the surgeon should explain all risks and possible benefits, then ask... "Do you feel lucky?" Because choosing reversal is a gamble. Some people win, and others lose.

I do think that the OP's situation is probably a best case: relatively young with no pre-existing bowel disease. An older person or someone with a bowel disease or a history of radiation to the pelvis will have a lower probability of success.

We are each unique with very individual circumstances. I appreciate having a wide variety of perspectives.