This topic is about someone sharing their recovery journey after undergoing a Hartmann’s reversal surgery. This procedure was necessary following an emergency surgery earlier in the year due to a perforated bowel and peritonitis. Here’s a glimpse into their first month of recovery and some advice they received from others:

- The initial surgery required a week in the ICU and another week in the hospital ward. The reversal surgery took place on August 3, 2023, and although it started smoothly, a paralytic ileus developed after 48 hours, necessitating a nasogastric tube for four days. The total hospital stay was eight nights.

- Upon returning home, the first ten nights were spent sleeping in a recliner because lying flat was too uncomfortable.

- Bowel movements were frequent and challenging at first, with up to 12 acidic, low-volume movements per day during the hospital stay and the first two weeks at home. Essential supplies included baby wipes, barrier cream, and adult diapers. However, after two weeks, there was a rapid improvement to 2-3 formed bowel movements per day with minimal urgency.

- Pain was moderate and concentrated at the former stoma site, particularly intense at night, often waking the person around 2 a.m. It lessened after early morning activity but persisted. An appointment with the surgeon was scheduled for further evaluation.

- The purpose of sharing this experience was to thank the community for their support and to promise another update in a month.

Here are some pieces of advice and insights shared by others:

1. Stay positive, as many symptoms, especially pain at the stoma site, often decrease naturally over the first few weeks.

2. Keep track of bowel movements, and celebrate the first “normal” one as it can be a significant morale booster during recovery.

3. Continue engaging with the community for mutual support, whether online or through email, while awaiting further healing or a reversal.