The topic is about people sharing their experiences with ileostomy or colostomy reversals, particularly focusing on positive outcomes. The originator of the discussion is feeling anxious about their upcoming reversal surgery and is seeking reassurance from others who have had good experiences.

Here are some helpful insights and advice shared by others:

1. Consider your decision carefully:
- A reversal is an elective procedure, and its success can depend on your lifestyle and how close you are to a bathroom. It's important not to proceed just because your doctor says you can.

2. Typical early recovery timeline:
- Expect about 2 to 3 weeks of initial recovery, which may include temporary pain, nausea, bloating, and a "sleepy" bowel (post-operative ileus).
- Night-time trips to the bathroom, about three times per night, often decrease after several weeks, and stools gradually become more formed.
- Many people return to normal activities, like going to the gym, around week 5 and report feeling more confident and able to enjoy activities they avoided with a pouch.

3. Age and diagnosis considerations:
- Younger patients and those whose original disease was inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), such as ulcerative colitis, tend to experience faster and more durable success.
- J-pouches are often more successful for younger IBD patients, while surgeons may advise against them for older patients or those who have had prior radiation.

4. Long-term considerations:
- Even if a reversal is technically successful, there can be later issues like scar tissue, radiation damage, or abdominal adhesions. Some people may eventually return to a permanent stoma.
- It's important to approach the decision with flexibility, understanding that needing an ostomy again in the future is not a failure.

5. Overall sentiment:
- Many people report very positive short- to mid-term outcomes and would definitely recommend trying a reversal, while acknowledging that results can vary and risks are present.