This topic is about a person preparing for an ileorectal reversal surgery, which is scheduled for October 10th. This procedure is being planned after a successful sigmoidoscopy showed a healthy section of the rectum. The surgery will reconnect the small intestine to the rectum, following a previous total colectomy and the creation of an end-ileostomy. While the person is happy about the progress, they are not particularly looking forward to another hospital stay.

Here are some thoughts and advice shared by others:

1. The person is a bit nervous about adjusting to the changes in stool consistency and frequency without a colon.

2. They are already engaging in floor exercises and walking 3 to 5 miles daily, which the surgeon believes has kept their pelvic muscles in good condition.

3. The rectal capacity is similar to the volume of the current ileostomy pouch. The person typically empties the pouch when urinating and once during the night.

4. A major concern is managing the urge to pass gas, especially at night, and whether they will have enough control to avoid needing diapers.

5. Currently, they have a standard end-ileostomy on the right side, with the entire colon removed and the rectum stapled shut, with no prior internal connection.

Advice and insights from others include:

- Starting or continuing pelvic-floor physical therapy before and after the reversal can be beneficial. Exercises and regular walking (at least a mile a day) help strengthen the sphincter and improve control after surgery.

- Initially, it might be challenging to distinguish between gas and stool, but with time, muscle training and healing will make it easier.

- Hospitals usually discharge patients once they can pass gas, so be prepared for this as a milestone before going home.

- A real-world recovery example shared was of a patient who spent 8 nights in the hospital after an open reversal, felt sore for two weeks, and had their first satisfactory bowel movement shortly after returning home, with daily improvements thereafter.

- Positive outcomes are often linked to having a skilled surgeon, allowing the new internal connection time to heal before use, staying active, and maintaining open communication about needs and limitations.