This topic is about someone who had an ileostomy retraction after an emergency surgery a year ago. They are now preparing for a consultation with a surgeon to discuss a possible revision of their stoma. The person is seeking advice and insights from others who have experienced a similar situation. Here are some key points and advice shared by others:

- The ileostomy retracted shortly after the initial surgery, which was performed under emergency conditions due to a burst bowel and severe infection.
- At the time, the surgeons couldn't correct the stoma because the patient was very ill, having undergone multiple surgeries and a lengthy recovery period.
- The patient was advised to wait about a year to allow their body to recover and to avoid complications from dense scar tissue before considering a stoma refashion.
- An appointment with the surgeon is scheduled to discuss the revision, and the patient is looking for guidance on what questions to ask.

Additional questions and information include:

- The reason for the one-year wait was to allow the body to heal after numerous life-saving procedures.
- The patient is not yet on the surgical list but hopes the upcoming appointment will initiate the process. They are feeling nervous about it.
- They are seeking practical details about the revision surgery, such as how long it typically takes, the expected hospital stay, and recovery time.
- The surgeon is also expected to address other issues like removing scar tissue and repairing an abdominal hole during the procedure.

Advice and insights from others include:

1. Retracted stomas may require more than one revision, so choosing a better site and an experienced colorectal or ostomy surgeon is crucial.
2. Suggested questions for the surgeon:
- Why did the stoma retract, and what factors contributed to it?
- What can be done during surgery to prevent future retraction?
- How will scar tissue be managed, and how much small bowel will be mobilized?
3. One member shared their experience: at age 68, they had open surgery lasting about 3 hours, stayed in the hospital for 11 days, and took about 4 months to feel "normal" again.
4. Extensive scar-tissue removal may increase the duration of the surgery and the recovery time.
5. Emotional support is important. It's reassuring to know that waiting to stabilize health was a wise decision. It's also encouraged to have a clear plan and to express all concerns during the consultation.