This topic is about someone who had emergency colostomy surgery due to diverticulitis without having health insurance. They are now seeking financial assistance and practical support for a colostomy reversal surgery. The initial surgeon promised a reversal after a few months but later classified it as elective, requiring the patient to pay off a large medical bill and pre-pay for the reversal. Here are some insights and advice shared by others:

1. Since the surgery, the person:
- Spent 11 days in the hospital, missed over a month of work, and eventually lost their job.
- Has to buy ostomy supplies out-of-pocket while paying off medical debt.
- Was denied Medicaid and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) despite efforts to qualify for state medical assistance.
- Faces anxiety and social withdrawal due to the ostomy but has support from family and friends.

2. The person is looking for financial help for the reversal surgery, affordable supplies, or other assistance programs. They also shared:
- A grandmother working at a nursing home helps get ostomy supplies at a discount.
- They are searching for a new surgeon, feeling misled by the first one.
- They continue to fight for a state medical card and prefer not to rely on long-term SSI.
- They are interested in collaborating to raise awareness about the challenges faced by ostomates.

3. Advice on SSDI/SSI:
- Expect initial applications to be denied; keep appealing.
- Obtain letters from doctors stating the inability to work.
- After a second denial, consider hiring a lawyer specializing in Social Security cases on a contingency basis.
- Use concrete examples of hardship as documentation.

4. Sources for free or low-cost ostomy supplies:
- Visit online forums and websites like uoaa.org for resources and assistance programs.
- Some forum members offer to share surplus supplies.
- Nursing homes and long-term care facilities may sell supplies at discounts or donate extras.

5. Reversal surgery experiences:
- Some members were initially afraid but satisfied with the reversal, reporting quicker recovery and manageable pain.
- Others chose to keep a permanent colostomy due to cost, surgical risks, and lifestyle adaptation, noting that life with a pouch can become routine.

6. Day-to-day living tips with a colostomy:
- If you can't smell your pouch, others likely can't either; clean and change it discreetly.
- To save on costs, rinse and disinfect used pouches, use stoma powder, and manage flange changes efficiently.
- Regular exercise and a healthy diet help maintain bowel regularity.

7. Emotional support and community:
- Many people live successfully with ostomies, and anxiety tends to lessen over time.
- Online videos and community support can provide encouragement.
- Opportunities to meet online or in person for mutual support and advocacy are available.

8. Alternative financial and medical avenues:
- Consult a social worker to explore benefit programs.
- Consider having the reversal at a different hospital or with a different surgeon to avoid prior debt issues.