Hi, can biofeedback be done while having an ileostomy? My surgeon wants me to try biofeedback before he does the reversal to make sure that I won't have muscle issues when he does the reversal. I would like to know if anybody has had a reversal and had fecal incontinence and leakage come back.
Micky25
Sep 19, 2025 8:03 pm
Dwild-WA
Sep 20, 2025 3:59 am
I'm considering reversal, and my surgeon tested the internal muscles of my rectum to see if I can control it.
DeMaGo
Sep 20, 2025 5:20 pm
Hi Mickey,
I just had my reversal yesterday and didn't know about this or have it, but I can say I've gone once since without any trouble. I did get up to go, thinking I had to before that first one, though. I have been doing clenching of the muscles to help.
I've had my ileo for just over a year.
If I had the opportunity, I would do it.
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Hi All, If you have an " old" or recent ostomy, this is the place for you. I think I've been a member for more than 15 years, but I have had my surgery, since I was a kid of 15 ( do the math-that's more than 60 years ago). As a teen, with a new ostomy ( for Ulcerative colitis) my parents dragged me off to my first ostomy association meeting. I wasn't happy, but in the long run, it's the best thing that happened to me. I met others, older, and teens like me, adjusting to the changes. A group of us started a Young adult group, and helped each other, and even visited kids who were new to the world of ostomies. But soon I married, and moved out of state, and although made some connections with other NJ ostomates, I became pretty much isolated. Until I discovered MaO. By then, I was having a myriad of other medical issues, and my aging stoma " wasn't doing well". I received a lot of help and support from members! I was pleased that I was also back to supporting others. I met a gal on line (from Papua New Guinea) who was trying to help ostomates in her country. There is a scarcity of supplies in some other countries, and unlike the US, insurance to pay for supplies isn't available. When my son followed his "love" twenty years ago, and moved to Australia I took advantage of an opportunity to help other ostomates. On one of my first visits to Oz, I brought a suitcase full of Ostomy supplies, handed them off to an Ostomy assoc. On the Gold Coast, who then had a friend take them to PNG. They were grateful for the help, and Janet and I still write.. This is the place to be, if you need help, and it also gives you the opportunity to provide help and support to others. Feel free to write, if you'd like to chat, about things ostomy, or life in general. Best REgards to all.. Marsha
Martles
Sep 23, 2025 11:53 pm
I had a bad experience with my reversal. I couldn't leave my house for very long without the fear of needing a bathroom. If I had a flight, I would not eat any food the day before the trip. I could only go on very short car rides.
I was eating very little but had to go to the bathroom a lot. The reversal ruined my social life. At some point, I begged my gastro surgeon to replace my ileostomy so I could have a more normal life. I am much happier now, even though I can no longer wear bikinis.
Hope you have much better luck than I did. I don't think my problem was muscular.
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Amac
Sep 24, 2025 7:37 am
Hi micky25
Had my reversal done on July 25th last, after having a colostomy for 18 months and an ileostomy for 9 months. The surgeon never mentioned what you are asking about, so I can't reply, but he did say "urgency and frequency" will be part of the process. I definitely have frequency and a little leakage (not much), but I do have a burning/itching in my rear area after bathroom breaks, so I check myself regularly. Quite sore, I'm waiting for an appointment to address these issues. I use "Sudocrem" now after movement to ease the burning. On the other hand, I do operate as normally as I can, but it's about management. I am fearful of wind as I'm unsure if it's just wind????
If I had to make the decision again, I'm really not sure which decision I would make. At 58, I thought I was young enough to try. I do try to eat a high-fiber diet to help, and nothing bad can be avoided. I hope this information helps,
My Ostomy Journey: Kimberly | Hollister
