This topic is about Chris, who has been living with a stoma for seven months and was initially told that a reversal might happen around the one-year mark. However, Chris has learned that the original surgeon will not be performing the reversal, leaving some uncertainty about who will handle the scheduling. Additionally, Chris has developed a new parastomal hernia, which raises concerns about waiting another year and the potential for long-term complications.

Here are some helpful insights and advice:

1. It's common to wait at least a year after major bowel surgery for a reversal. Typically, the wait is between 6 to 12 months, but it can extend to 18 to 24 months if there are issues like infection, inflammation, age, or local NHS backlogs.

2. The quality of healing, overall fitness, and consistent rehabilitation activities, such as daily walking, can help shorten the wait time. Conversely, poor health or significant infection can extend it.

3. It's normal for a different surgeon, often a specialist in colorectal or reversal surgeries, to perform the reconnection instead of the original emergency surgeon. You should ask your original surgeon, stoma nurse, or GP about who will manage your referral and ensure you're on the waiting list.

4. Experiences with the NHS can vary by region. Elective reversals are often lower priority than urgent cancer cases, leading to long waiting lists. Regular follow-up with the surgical team can help keep you on their radar. If you have private insurance, it might reduce the wait time.

5. In the US, some centers have dedicated "reversal specialists" and offer robotic (laparoscopic) procedures, with typical intervals of 6 to 12 months.

6. Weighing risks and benefits is important. Some people, especially those aged 65 to 81, choose to keep their colostomy permanently if their health is good, to avoid potential issues like incontinence, high stool frequency, or serious complications such as MRSA or C. difficile.

7. Parastomal hernias are usually addressed during the reversal unless the hernia is severe. It's important to have your stoma or wound nurse monitor it.

8. Choose a surgeon with extensive experience in reversals, as the operation can take up to 5 hours and is often more complex than the original Hartmann’s procedure.

9. Outcomes can vary: some people return to a near-normal life post-reversal, while others may experience frequent bowel movements or, in rare cases, require a second stoma if complications occur.

10. Key action steps include:
- Clarifying the type of stoma (colostomy vs. ileostomy) and the exact procedure performed.
- Contacting the original surgeon’s office and your GP to confirm the referral pathway.
- Maintaining physical conditioning to support healing.
- Keeping records of all appointments, imaging, and test results for the eventual reversal surgeon.