Topic Explanation:
The discussion in the forum revolves around personal experiences with ostomy reversals, specifically asking if anyone has had a positive outcome after undergoing such a procedure. The original poster is scheduled for a reversal in a few months and is seeking reassurance and insights from others who have gone through similar surgeries, given the potential complications involved.
Advice and Helpful Insights:
1. Recovery Time and Experience:
- One individual shared that their recovery from the reversal surgery took about 2-3 weeks, with a return to normal activities like gym workouts within 5 weeks. They noted improvements in their condition each week post-surgery.
- Another person mentioned that their spouse experienced initial post-operative symptoms like pain, nausea, and bloating, but these resolved within 3 weeks, and bowel function returned to more normal states.
2. Lifestyle Impact and Management Post-Reversal:
- It was highlighted that lifestyle choices post-reversal can significantly influence the success of the surgery. Being close to a restroom was mentioned as a consideration for some.
- One individual noted that they initially needed to use the restroom multiple times at night following their reversal, but this frequency decreased over time. They also mentioned an increased ability to control bowel movements as time progressed.
3. Age and Health Considerations:
- Younger individuals might recover quicker and manage better post-reversal, as suggested by one person who underwent the procedure at a young age and recommended it regardless of age, albeit with potentially longer recovery times for older people.
- Another contributor shared their experience with a colostomy reversal, indicating that such procedures might be more successful in younger individuals or those with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) rather than issues stemming from cancer treatments like radiation, which can cause complications like scarring and adhesions.
4. Long-Term Outcomes and Reversibility:
- A participant shared a story of someone who lived with a J-pouch successfully for 20 years before choosing to return to an ileostomy upon retirement, highlighting that reversal outcomes can vary widely and may not be permanent solutions for everyone.
- Emphasizing a flexible attitude towards the potential of becoming an ostomate again in the future was advised, suggesting that reversals, while beneficial for many, are not definitive cures and should be approached with open expectations.
5. Personal Confidence and Quality of Life:
- The psychological and emotional benefits
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