I found out this morning that on October 8th I will be admitted to the hospital for my sigmoid loop colostomy reversal! I am very excited and extremely nervous. This is definitely what I've wanted since getting the colostomy, but now I'm scared. What if it doesn't go well and I have problems with incontinence? That is my worst nightmare! I'd rather have a stoma and a pouch than poop my pants. I realize at first it's going to happen; I just hope and pray everything remembers how to function since it has only been about 6 months. I'm also worrying I will miss my stoma. I hated it at first, but he has a name now and I have accepted it as part of me. It is definitely a him because a lady wouldn't act like that. Ha ha. My husband named him Butt Butt, and I pat him and talk to him like he is a living person. It's kind of crazy, but it has helped me deal with having one. I am wondering if any of you have any advice for me going into this? I have only had a small part of my intestine removed and have everything else intact. I ended up with a stoma because of a blockage and my colon tore. Any pre-op advice or post-op advice? What will I be facing after surgery? If everything goes well and functions properly, how long do most people have to stay in the hospital afterward? How bad is the pain afterward? Will it hurt when I poop? How long will the recovery be if there are no complications? Mostly, when will I be able to lay on my stomach again? I miss that so much. Any advice is appreciated!
G-Day shonakipfer,
If you're having doubts about getting a reversal and you're okay with your stoma, you can, like a lot of us, stay with the stoma. At least you know where you're at with your stoma, but the reversal is unknown. Like Marecat17 above, I also went back to my ileostomy as my reversal was a long, drawn-out problem after problem. It's up to you.
Regards, IGGIE
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Hi Shona
It sounds like you had minimal surgery in the first place, if there is such a thing, which would indicate you are up for a roaring success in October. It's good that you have options, and going for the reversal means you won't spend forever wondering what might have been. I have had a type of reversal, and it was the easiest of operations that I have had, and it won't be long before you are on your way. I think I was in for four days, ileo reversal, and yeah, it hurts for a while. I was up and walking four hours after most of my ops; it's good to be up and about as soon as you can, although cautiously. I hope you get all you wish for.
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Shonakipfer, whatever your decision is, I wish you the best of luck. I will be praying for you….🙏
Hi Shonakipfer, I'm very excited/nervous too because my reversal is 9/30, and I only found out the other day. Your surgery seems as if it'll go very smoothly.
I'm a lot older and have health issues, but also a desire to ‘lay on my tummy' again without concern :). I'll try to remember to let you know some info after the surgery, but I may be distracted and forget. I anticipate basic pain, emotions up and down, toileting issues, which should clear up in a week or two, and wound care for the hole left by the stoma. I have also searched online for ostomy reversal and found a bit to help my expectations… soft bland diet and lots of liquids for the first month.
In case I don't get back to you, good luck and I will pray for you!
Words of Encouragement from Ostomy Advocates I Hollister
It helped me line my underwear with Charmin Ultra Soft T.P. Wipe with Charmin Ultra Soft toilet paper, and wipe with Cottonelle wipes. I would dab clean toilet paper on some coconut oil just for the bathroom. Apply to anus. It helps prevent butt burn. I used to have a J-pouch/fake colon. This helped me out before major complications with the J-pouch. Not sure if this will help? 🙏 Hope you have a speedy recovery 💪.