This topic is about a person who is preparing for a colostomy reversal surgery and is seeking advice and insights from others who have gone through similar experiences. The individual had a colostomy due to perforated diverticulitis and is now looking forward to the reversal after some delays. Here are some helpful points shared by others:

1. Pre-surgery nerves:
- It's completely normal to feel anxious before surgery. Many people find comfort in knowing that their surgeon is confident and that recent tests show positive results.

2. Hospital stay and early recovery:
- Be prepared for the possibility of an extended hospital stay if complications arise, such as internal bleeding. Recovery might feel slow, especially after a second surgery, but improvement will come with time.
- Focus on making small daily improvements and take recovery one day at a time.

3. Emotional well-being:
- It's important not to feel guilty about regaining normal bowel function. Everyone's journey is unique, and people can thrive with or without an ostomy. Concentrate on your healing and enjoying life.

4. Possible post-reversal issues:
- Some people experience severe diarrhea for several months after the reversal. It's helpful to carry skin-friendly cleansing supplies.
- There are varied outcomes; one person developed an anal-vaginal fistula and chose to return to an ileostomy, highlighting that experiences can differ greatly.

5. Skin care and comfort products:
- To protect irritated skin from frequent stools, consider using baby diaper-rash ointment.
- Preparation H ointment and Huggies baby wipes can be gentler alternatives to toilet paper when dealing with constant diarrhea.

6. Peer support:
- A recent reversal patient is available to answer detailed questions, offering support and shared experiences.
- Others who are scheduled for their own reversals appreciate the shared experiences and progress updates, creating a supportive community.