Recovering from an ostomy reversal can be quite a journey, and it's not uncommon to face some unexpected challenges along the way. Nine days after the procedure, one person shared their experience of dealing with recovery hurdles, especially after indulging in Thanksgiving food. They experienced severe diarrhea, stomach cramps, and frequent bathroom visits. While Gas-X and Tums offered some relief, they are considering using Metamucil before meals to help firm up their stool, though they are cautious about the risk of causing a blockage. Their current approach includes eating very small meals, like leftover turkey and potatoes, and avoiding food after 5:30 p.m. They plan to try hot cereal with brown sugar the next day. Emotionally, they feel self-conscious about their visible abdominal scars but appreciate having some time alone to recover without the pressure of well-meaning but tiring comments. Despite the challenges, they remain determined and send good wishes to others awaiting reversal surgery.

Here are some helpful tips and insights from others who have been through similar experiences:

1. To manage diarrhea, many have found that Imodium (loperamide) can be effective in reducing excessive output and the discomfort of frequent bowel movements during the early weeks after reversal.

2. For skin care and comfort, using very soft toilet paper along with a barrier cream can help protect irritated skin around the perianal area when bowel frequency is high.

3. When it comes to diet and meal timing, it's important to stick to a sensible, low-volume diet and be patient as your gut takes several weeks to readjust. Occasional flare-ups may still occur months later, but they tend to become less frequent and more manageable over time.

4. If you're concerned about the appearance of scars, know that abdominal incision and laparoscopic port scars often fade significantly or even disappear over time, which can help ease cosmetic worries.