This topic is about a young person who has been living with a loop colostomy since 2010. Instead of just passing mucus, she is experiencing daily fecal fluid and full bowel movements through her rectum. This happens because some of the output bypasses the stoma and travels down the inactive limb. This situation has led to several challenges:

- She constantly needs to use pads or nappies, which has resulted in nappy rash, wound infections, and worsening of an existing perineal wound that the colostomy was supposed to help heal.
- Attempts to control the issue with suppositories have failed, and a nurse suspects the bowel might be twisted.
- She is experiencing significant emotional distress and frustration from spending so much time in the bathroom.

A surgeon has proposed a relatively simple operation to staple or suture the distal limb closed, which would stop the rectal outflow. This procedure is scheduled for April 7 and can be reversed later if the rectal wound heals and a full stoma reversal becomes possible. She is seeking advice on whether this plan makes sense, if others have had similar experiences, and any general advice.

Here are some pieces of advice and insights shared by others:

1. Keep your long-term options open, especially when you are young. Permanent solutions, like removing the rectum or opting for a permanent ileostomy, can be postponed unless absolutely necessary. Medical techniques are continually improving.

2. Be aware of the trade-offs before considering reversals. One person mentioned that their surgeon warned a second reversal might result in a very small pouch and compromised sphincter control, leading to frequent bathroom visits.

3. Emotional support is crucial. Several people have shared that they have been through very tough times, moved their stomas, or chosen permanent ileostomies but now lead active lives. This serves as reassurance that quality of life can improve.

4. Practical tips for any future hospital stays or reversals:
- Bring plenty of baby wipes.
- Use Sudocrem cream to prevent or soothe perineal or skin irritation.

5. General encouragement: Recovery can be slow after stoma revisions, but perseverance and maintaining a positive attitude can make a big difference.