The topic at hand is about someone who needs surgery to revise their stoma due to complications like fistulae, which are causing chronic leakage and sore skin. While the surgery itself seems manageable, the person is very anxious about undergoing general anesthesia again. This anxiety stems from a previous experience where they stopped breathing during emergency surgery and spent four days on life support. Despite wanting to fix the stoma issue and return to an active life, they are uncertain about proceeding with the surgery.

Here are some pieces of advice and insights shared by others who have faced similar situations:

1. Some people have experienced serious complications with anesthesia, such as allergic reactions or respiratory arrest, but have had smooth surgeries afterward. This shows that bad outcomes don’t always repeat.

2. It's a good idea to arrange a meeting with the anesthetist who will be handling your case. During this meeting:
- Discuss exactly what happened during your last surgery and any documented reactions.
- Ask about the drug combinations used previously and explore alternatives or changes in monitoring that could reduce risks.
- Provide a full medical history so the team can prepare for any allergic or respiratory issues.

3. Consider asking if a lighter "twilight" or conscious-sedation anesthetic is an option. Many shorter or localized operations now use this approach, which carries less risk than full general anesthesia.

4. Ensure that all your previous surgical and ICU records are available to the anesthetist. Precise documentation allows them to adjust drug formulas and increase vigilance during the operation.

5. Approach the operation with a positive mindset, focusing on how the repair will improve your quality of life. While anxiety is normal, informing the medical team and getting your questions answered can help you regain a sense of control.

6. Be prepared for a potentially lengthy recovery from stoma re-siting. Gradual improvement is typical, even if the initial recovery involves a liquid diet or other adjustments.

7. Plan your post-operative pain management in advance and insist that nurses address severe pain promptly.

8. Living with an ostomy can involve ongoing challenges like leaks, skin issues, hernias, and fistulas. Facing these challenges requires resilience, and community support, humor, and staying engaged in enjoyable activities like golf, dancing, or riding motorcycles can be very helpful.