This topic is about the journey of someone who has recently undergone a successful ileostomy reversal after a series of abdominal surgeries. The writer shares their experiences and challenges during the early stages of recovery. Here are some key points and advice from their story:

- After adapting to life with an ostomy, living without a pouch feels unusual. The writer found managing a colostomy easier than an ileostomy, as the latter required more frequent emptying and was less comfortable.

- They are experiencing alternating bouts of diarrhea and constipation, which they expect will stabilize over time.

- There is some incision pain, but it is manageable. The writer hopes to return to work in about four weeks.

- They express gratitude for the support received from a forum and feel stronger and more appreciative of life after these experiences.

Additional insights and advice include:

1. Experiencing sharp abdominal pain near the old stoma site is common before staple removal. This discomfort usually subsides once the staples are out.

2. Swings between diarrhea and constipation, along with incision soreness, are normal and typically improve with time. Patience is key.

3. Maintaining a positive attitude and using humor can be helpful during recovery.

4. When considering a return to work:
- Desk-based roles might be manageable sooner if you take frequent breaks to stretch.
- Jobs that involve standing, walking, or lifting may require a longer recovery period.
- It's important to listen to your body and discuss your real-world tolerance with your surgeon before getting clearance to return.

5. For exercise during recovery, start with gentle walking. You can add slow, limited sit-ups to strengthen abdominal muscles, but only if it doesn't cause undue strain.

6. Don't rush your recovery timeline. Taking a few extra weeks can ensure full healing and help avoid setbacks.

7. Comparing experiences, managing a colostomy can be simpler than an ileostomy, especially with techniques like irrigation and using stoma caps or plugs. Forum members with permanent ostomies emphasize that acceptance and adaptation can lead to a fulfilling life, even if reversal isn't possible.