Recovery after reversal surgery can be a challenging journey, and it's natural to have questions about when certain symptoms might improve. Here's a look at some experiences and advice shared by someone who is six weeks post-reversal surgery:

- They are experiencing painful bowel spasms and urgent trips to the toilet right after eating. It can be difficult to tell the difference between gas and stool. There's also a sore, tender spot to the left of the belly button. They're curious about when these symptoms might settle down.

Additional insights from their experience include:

1. The surgery was done on February 3, 2012, and bowel activity has calmed down significantly since the early days post-op.
2. Alcohol can trigger up to 16 bathroom visits in a day, and spicy foods like chili can pass through quickly.
3. In the first four days after surgery, there was no passage of gas or stool, but once it started, there was a lot of urgency and poor control.
4. They used panty liners in the back of their underwear to prevent accidents.
5. Initially, there was significant pain, and they advise against using morphine as it can slow down the bowel.
6. Now, they go to the bathroom three times upon waking instead of six, and the clinic is pleased with their progress.
7. Full recovery can take up to two years.
8. They use a single 2 mg loperamide when the output is too loose or before going out in the evening.
9. There's still frequent wind, but they are happy to be without a bag.
10. It's important to stay hydrated, so remember to drink plenty of water.

Some helpful advice and insights for others going through similar experiences:

- Start pelvic-floor and anal-sphincter exercises before the reversal surgery to strengthen the muscles for better control afterward.
- Many surgeons recommend avoiding alcohol after colon surgery, as it can speed up transit or cause extra urgency. Beer, spirits, and even orange juice might have this effect.
- Identify and limit foods that trigger increased frequency, such as hot curry, chili, and acidic juices.
- Even months after reversal, sudden urgency and occasional near-misses are common, so plan bathroom access accordingly.