This topic is about people sharing their experiences with ileostomy reversal surgery after the age of 50. They discuss how the surgery went and what life has been like afterward. Here are some insights and advice from those who have gone through it:

1. Positive outcomes have been reported by individuals aged 54 to 69:
- Reversals were typically done 4 to 7 months after the original ileostomy, with hospital stays ranging from 1½ to 4 days.
- Postoperative pain was minimal or nonexistent, with most challenges related to bowel management, such as loose stools, urgency, and "clustering."
- Many noticed continual improvement over the months, with several feeling "almost normal" now.

2. Bowel-management tools and medications:
- Anti-diarrheals like Imodium (loperamide), Pepto-Bismol (bismuth subsalicylate), and Lomotil (diphenoxylate/atropine) are helpful.
- Fiber or bulking agents like Metamucil (psyllium) can help thicken output.
- These are used as needed, with frequency decreasing as the bowel adapts.

3. Diet and hydration tips:
- Limit drinking during meals to just sips to slow transit and allow stool to firm; resume full fluids about an hour later.
- Identify and moderate foods or drinks, especially alcohol, that speed things up.
- Maintain healthy, balanced meals but allow for occasional treats.

4. Bathroom strategy:
- Spend a little longer on the toilet to reduce repeated urgent trips, especially when rectal reservoir capacity is reduced.
- In the early weeks, wearing overnight protection like adult diapers can be helpful until continence feels secure; accidents were rare and short-lived.
- Knowing the location of nearby restrooms is useful, though true emergencies become infrequent.

5. Physical activity precautions:
- Resume gentle exercise, such as cycling, soon, but delay heavy abdominal work or weight-lifting until cleared by the surgeon to protect the new connection.
- Gradually return to full gym routines with caution.

6. Recommended reading:
- "Bowel Management After Colorectal Surgery" by Fairfax Colon and Rectal Surgery is recommended for its useful explanations of clustering and step-by-step normalization.

7. Overall take-home:
- Successful reversal after 50 is common and can restore near-normal life.
- Expect an adaptation period; a disciplined diet, targeted medications, and patience make the transition smoother.