This topic is about a person's journey five weeks after having an ileostomy reversal, which is a surgical procedure to reconnect the bowel after a temporary ileostomy. The person shares their experiences, challenges, and progress, along with some advice and insights from others who have gone through similar situations.

Here are some key points from their update:

- The stoma site is healing well, now just a small pink scar.
- They are planning to move back upstairs but need an ADA-height toilet with rails for easier access.
- They are keeping track of every bowel movement, which is about 16 times a day, including many at night.
- They have tried various medications to slow down bowel movements:
1. Metamucil pills (9 per day) with little effect.
2. Lomotil and Imodium together, which worsened diarrhea.
3. Cholestyramine powder, which was ineffective and had an unpleasant texture.
4. Considering Tincture of Opium, a narcotic, but had not started it yet.
- Their diet includes peeled apples, bananas, raspberries, strawberries, fish (especially salmon), with limited green beans and potatoes, and no salad yet.
- They exercise on a treadmill for 70 minutes a day, which helps with mood and flexibility but not with swelling.
- They are dealing with persistent fluid retention since surgery and are considering finding a new primary care physician to check kidney function.
- They have had no accidents, can manage stairs, and are grateful for support from the forum.

Additional updates include:

- They have filled a prescription for Tincture of Opium, which costs $1,284 per month, but their co-pay is $80 with insurance covering the rest.
- The current combination of Opium, Lomotil, and 9 Metamucil pills has reduced bowel movements to 10-12 times a day, with a target of about 7 times a day, which may take up to a year according to their surgeon.
- They were able to sit through an entire movie without needing a bathroom break, and the stoma scar is fully healed.

Advice and insights from others include:

- Tincture of Opium has been effective for some in controlling diarrhea with minimal side effects.
- Tracking bowel movements using a blackboard with check-boxes for consistency can help monitor patterns, with frequency expected to decline over time.
- Regular physical activity and increased water intake have helped others with post-reversal constipation.
- Outcomes can vary widely, as one person with a similar surgery experienced high-frequency bowel movements for years before opting for a permanent solution.
- Emotional and practical support is important, with encouragement to stay positive, rely on faith, and take enough recovery time before returning to work.

Products and medications mentioned include ADA-approved elevated toilets with rails, Metamucil tablets, Imodium, Lomotil, Cholestyramine powder, and Tincture of Opium.