This topic is about someone who has been living with a colostomy for five years and is now considering a reversal. Initially, the possibility of a reversal was there, but fear of surgery held them back. Now, an uncomfortable hernia is making them rethink their decision. The big question is whether a reversal is still possible after all this time, or if it's too late.

Here are some pieces of advice and insights that might help:

- Start by having a conversation with your stoma (ostomy) nurses. They can provide a comprehensive overview of your options and help you understand them before you meet with a surgeon.

- Seek multiple professional opinions:
1. Talk to colorectal surgeons to see if a reversal is technically feasible.
2. Consult with one or more gastroenterologists to check if the original disease has resolved and to evaluate your current bowel function.

- Keep in mind that surgeons are inclined to suggest surgical solutions, as that is their expertise. It's important to balance their advice with input from other healthcare professionals.

- Consider and weigh these three main options:
1. Keep the stoma and manage the symptoms as they are.
2. Repair the parastomal hernia without reconnecting the bowel.
3. Go ahead with the colostomy reversal, possibly combined with hernia repair.

- The success of a reversal largely depends on whether the original condition that led to the colostomy has been resolved. If the condition is still present, a reversal might not be advisable or could fail.

- A forum member shared their experience of undergoing a reversal last year with a very positive outcome, highlighting that successful results are possible when the medical conditions are right.