It's funny how I can still relate to my ostomates. It's been almost 7 years since my reversal from an ileostomy due to cancer and a lower anterior resection. Sometimes when I am having a bad day, I like to come on here and it brings me a sense of comfort. It's hard to explain. It has gotten better but definitely still not a bed of roses. Due to my resection being so low, I still have a lot of bowel movements and rectal nerve pain from the surgery. I somehow power through it. Do I sometimes wish for my ostomy back? Many times for sure, but I am grateful and somehow the good days outweigh the bad. Just know that someone thinks about you (even though I don't personally know you) and says a prayer. Life is hard but it's for the living and I will try to live it to the fullest!
Wonderful attitude, congrats on your successful reversal :)
Latina63.... Hi, so many had reversals and never looked back. It's nice of you to think of us... I do hope your health continues to get better. Good luck!
Angelicamarie
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I am one of those few people who still have a lot of output at night. However, I suffer from short gut syndrome after seven bowel surgeries that led to the loss of much of my small intestine as well as my large intestine from the initial bowel cancer surgery. It does get better over time as your system adjusts, but an ileostomy can be a challenging adjustment. It's important to connect with a good Enterostomal Nurse - ET nurses who can help you problem-solve over time. It's been five years since my initial surgery, and I had a great visit with a new ET nurse in December. He really helped me with the problem of high output at night. I had been getting up every 90-120 minutes to empty my high output bag because of filling. If I slept for three hours without emptying, I would have problems. My ET nurse helped my husband and me make a nighttime collection system using a Rubbermaid juice container with a handle and my old CPAP hose. This is connected to one of my two-piece high output bags and allows for continual drainage. It isn't pretty, but it has been a real lifesaver. I guess the real message I want to share is to stick with it, find a nurse who you can work with, and together you will find solutions to whatever challenges you face. This website is also an important support for me and others. There is nothing you will go through that others haven't already faced and figured out. There is so much wisdom here. Read the materials they've put together for newbies. There are a lot of great suggestions to use. I hope things get better quickly for you.
Karen
As Angel said, I think it's really great that you still think of us and that you still get some comfort from this site. Life is for the living and you have the right attitude to make the most of it! Way to go! Best of luck to you in the future.
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Just goes to show that we all have issues to overcome! Some are big, or seem big at first and once we adjust our attitude, the issues become smaller! I don't mind small issues, so I keep a big attitude! Lol
Puppyluv
My Ostomy Journey: Jearlean | Hollister
Reading your post made me think of me and my daughter's situation. I have a permanent ileostomy since 2014 (ironically..... today is my 5th-year anniversary!!) My daughter had a temporary ileostomy for a year and reversal surgery resulting in a J-pouch. We have both had complications but in general, I think her situation is more complicated than mine. She often says to me.......I think having your pouch on the "outside" is easier in many ways!! When I think back on the day she had her reversal surgery, I remember that she was concerned about going through with it because she read about so many complications from reversal surgery. I told her that I would try reversal if I had the chance. Don't get me wrong. I see myself as a success story and I live my life to the fullest today!
I guess it's all in the perspective, right? Thanks again for sharing your story. I'm always happy to read about different life experiences!!