This topic is about the early recovery experience of someone who has just undergone an ostomy reversal surgery. Here’s a look at their journey and some helpful advice they’ve shared:

- The patient is 48 hours post-surgery and is generally doing well, although they have experienced some painful vomiting. They suspect the salty hospital broth and leftover anesthesia might be to blame.

- A friend brought homemade chicken stock with grated ginger, which helped ease the nausea. The nurses were kind enough to reheat it in the unit microwave.

- The patient has noticed some blood passing, but the medical team assured them this is normal at this stage.

- The first passage of gas happened on day 3, and the patient will remain in the hospital until they have a bowel movement.

- Their diet has been advanced to soft foods like mashed potatoes and meatloaf to help stimulate bowel activity.

- At the stoma site, there is a small opening with some light seeping, while the rest of the wound is closed using a "purse-string" technique.

- They are experiencing "phantom ostomy" moments, instinctively checking for pouch supplies even though the stoma is closed.

Additional insights and advice include:

1. The patient has not yet had their first post-surgical bowel movement and has been advised to expect frequent movements and possible control issues until the nerves and unused section of the colon "wake up."

2. They found the pre-op bowel prep awkward with a two-piece pouch system and recommend starting the prep earlier in the day to avoid nighttime issues.

3. The hospital team emphasized the importance of frequent walking and chewing gum or sucking on Life Savers to help trigger gut motility.

4. The surgeon suggested drinking Ensure three times daily for the week before surgery to improve nutrition, but the patient forgot.

5. Kegel pelvic-floor exercises were recommended by the surgeon to help re-engage nerves that control continence.

6. The patient plans to use Family & Medical Leave Act (FMLA) time to allow their bowel habits to stabilize before returning to work and advises others to discuss leave and benefits with HR.

7. They continue to experience a reduced urge to urinate and now make scheduled bathroom visits to avoid retention problems similar to previous catheter experiences.

For those recovering at home:

- Expect 8-12 bowel movements per day initially. Taking Imodium as instructed by the surgeon can help slow output.

- Loose or runny stools may persist for several months, with many people seeing improvement after 3-4 months, eventually averaging 4-5 movements daily.

- High-fiber foods like bran, oatmeal, fruits, and vegetables can help thicken output, while skipping meals can reduce urgency when traveling.

- It’s important to respond immediately to any urge to defecate, as delaying can lead to accidents.