Topic Explanation
The forum discussion centers around a user who is scheduled for surgery to remove their rectal stump and reform a failed ileostomy. The user has had an ileostomy for over 30 years, which has now become blocked with scar tissue. They are seeking advice and reassurance from others who have undergone similar procedures.

Advice and Insights

- Pre-Surgery Preparation:
- Engage in cardio, leg, and core workouts to build endurance before surgery.

- Surgical Experience:
- Surgeons are capable of performing the combined surgery in one go.
- Expect recovery similar to other major surgeries.
- If you already have a stoma, the butt surgery part may not be a significant additional challenge.

- Post-Surgery Care:
- Prepare to avoid sitting or sitting normally for a while post-surgery.
- Use a waffle cushion instead of a donut cushion to avoid spreading the butt cheeks, which can cause pain and potential stitch breakage.
- Request dissolvable stitches to avoid the discomfort of having regular stitches removed.

- Recovery Tips:
- Recovery can be quick with minimal pain, especially if the surgery is laparoscopic.
- Ensure your vitamin D3 levels are good, as this can aid in healing. Consider getting your levels tested.
- If taking vitamin D3 supplements, opt for gel capsules over pills for better absorption. Combining D3 with K7 can enhance effectiveness.

- Personal Experiences:
- Some users have had similar surgeries with successful outcomes and only one post-operative period.
- One user mentioned having multiple procedures done in one surgery, including hernia repairs and ileostomy relocation, with an estimated operation time of around 8 hours.

- General Encouragement:
- Acknowledgment of the bravery required to deal with such medical conditions and surgeries.
- Encouragement and well-wishes from others who have undergone similar experiences.