Hi All,
Just a quick post to assure those who are in two minds about stoma reversal.
I was diagnosed with kidney cancer in June 2016 and successfully had an operation to remove my left kidney, which was completely infected with cancer. During my operation, they uncovered further cancer that had spread to my colon and my pancreas, and parts of the infected areas were also removed. It was quite a complicated operation and lasted about 7 hours, where different surgeons were involved to operate on different parts of my infection. Following my op, I was left with a stoma. Furthermore, I had fistula drains on my front and rear parts of my stomach to remove "unwanted" fluids to drain out of my body. I always wanted a reversal of my stoma as I have a very active and sporty lifestyle, but this reversal could not be performed until my pancreas had completely dried out. Patience was the game!
In Jan 2017, they removed my first drain fistula, then successfully removed the second one in April 2017.
An appointment had been received to carry out my reversal, and this was done on July 20th, 2017. The operation went smoothly and lasted for some 1 1/2 hours. I was discharged from the hospital 3 days later, where I am making a speedy recovery. I was consulted that bowel surgery is one of the most complex as your body learns to discover that you are no longer carrying a stoma bag. The first 2 days I suffered extreme diarrhea motions as the bowels recognized and passed motion through the normal channel.
Two weeks on and my bowels have settled, and timely motions have set a schedule. Although a little sore from the operation as the healing process takes place, this was a walkover in comparison to my first operation.
The staff at the General were all absolutely brilliant and gave me full support.
I would recommend anybody who is in similar circumstances as me that a reversal is not as daunting as it first seems.
There is a lot of support from staff and Macmillan who have been fantastic to support me through this trauma. I was also reassured from posts on this website who underwent the same procedures as me.
As they say, "you are not alone" in fighting cancer, and this was very comforting to know, just how much help there is out there. As for the NHS, I truly appreciate what they do and just how much they are dedicated to their jobs, from the surgeons right down to the staff aftercare!!
I do hope fellow ostomates find this helpful and wish you all a successful fight.
I have attached 2 photos of my stoma reversal, at the day of my reversal and 2 weeks on. (Only view if you can bear this)
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day of operation
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2 weeks on
Regards
Sude
