This topic is about someone in Australia who had a surgery called an ultra-low anterior resection, which involved creating a temporary ileostomy. They are now facing a long wait, possibly up to two years, for a stoma reversal surgery due to delays in the public health system, largely because of backlogs from the Covid pandemic. They are also dealing with a parastomal hernia and are concerned that the delay might affect their bowel function recovery. The person is looking for advice and experiences from others who might have faced similar situations.

Here are some insights and advice shared by others:

1. Delays in the public health system are not unique to Australia. For example, someone in the UK has been waiting since the summer of 2022 without a surgery date, and another person had to wait 18 months.

2. It might be helpful to check if the long wait times are specific to public hospitals. Exploring options with private surgeons or private health insurance could potentially reduce the waiting period. Some people have reported quicker access to surgery through private healthcare, although current shortages of beds and staff in Australia might still pose challenges.

3. Surgeons have advised that waiting too long can lead to complications, as the bowel might not function as well after a prolonged delay. If possible, seeking earlier intervention could lead to better outcomes.

4. Persistence can sometimes help. While multiple letters from a general practitioner (GP) might not have much impact, some have found that going to the Emergency Department and refusing to leave without treatment has led to immediate action, such as surgery. This approach might also work for stoma reversal, but its success can depend on the availability of hospital resources.

5. The main issue in hospitals, especially in Victoria, is the shortage of beds and staff rather than funding. This means that the difference between public and private healthcare might not be as significant as it used to be.