This topic is about a person who is preparing for surgery to repair an abdominal hernia and undergo an ileostomy reversal. They are feeling anxious about the potential complications and the recovery process after the surgery. Here are some insights and advice shared by others who have been through similar experiences:

1. The surgery will involve repairing the hernia first, followed by closing the ileostomy in the same operation. The person is worried about the enlarging stoma and hernia, which might lead to a longer hospital stay.

2. Some people with ostomies decide not to have a reversal if their stoma is functioning well. They find it helpful to hear about others' experiences with reversals.

3. One person shared that they had 15 good years after a successful colostomy reversal before needing a permanent colostomy due to radiation damage.

4. Recovery from hernia repair can be painful, and it is important to strictly follow lifting restrictions afterward to avoid complications.

5. Bowel function after an ileostomy reversal can vary greatly:
- One person experiences up to 12 urgent bowel movements a day, uses Imodium to manage it (with a risk of constipation), fasts on travel days, and is considering returning to an ostomy for a better quality of life.
- Another person had an uncomplicated reversal and is completely satisfied with the outcome.

6. Those with a permanent colostomy often find benefits such as being able to eat anything, travel freely, and experience minimal leaks, suggesting that staying with an ostomy can be a practical and low-impact choice.

7. It's important to keep the community updated, adhere to postoperative restrictions, and understand that individual outcomes can vary. There are both success stories and challenges, and sharing these experiences can be encouraging for others.