This topic is about a patient's journey through a challenging medical situation involving both a Hartmann’s reversal and a hysterectomy. The patient shares her experience over a 12-month period, starting with undiagnosed abdominal pain and leading to a series of complex medical procedures. Here’s a summary of her story and some helpful advice she offers:

- The patient began experiencing abdominal pain in September 2022, which was not diagnosed until February 2023 as diverticulitis. Shortly after, she suffered a perforation and underwent an emergency surgery that resulted in a colostomy, known as Hartmann’s procedure.

- She faced complications such as a seroma, a parastomal hernia, and worsening gynecological issues, including fibroids, cysts, and rectovaginal endometriosis. Local surgeons were only willing to reverse the stoma, while gynecologists refused to perform a hysterectomy with the stoma in place.

- Four months after the colostomy, she found a surgical team willing to perform both the hysterectomy and the colostomy reversal in one operation. The procedure involved:
1. A total hysterectomy performed by a gynecologist.
2. A colostomy reversal by a colorectal surgeon.
3. Discovery of significant rectovaginal endometriosis during surgery, which caused the rectum to adhere to the vagina.
4. Re-opening of the abdominal incision due to adhesions, followed by a 3-night hospital stay and a quick discharge.

- Her recovery included initial watery stools, 6-7 small bowel movements per day in the first week, and transient constipation that was managed with prune juice. By the fourth week, her bowel function normalized, and at 3.5 months post-surgery, she felt like her old self again. She managed occasional constipation with prune juice and was thankful to have avoided two separate major surgeries.

Advice and insights from her experience include:

1. Self-advocacy and persistence are crucial. Patients should actively seek second or third opinions and continue searching for surgeons willing to handle complex, combined procedures.

2. Surgeons' willingness to perform such operations can vary. Some may decline due to the high risk or length of the surgery, while others may be more willing to take on the challenge. Legal liability concerns can also play a role.

3. Undergoing combined surgery can save patients from a second hospitalization, additional pain, delayed symptom relief, and a prolonged recovery period.

4. Be prepared to travel if necessary, as specialty centers or surgeons outside your local area may offer options that are not available nearby.

5. Networking with others who have undergone similar procedures can be beneficial for sharing experiences and getting recommendations for surgeons.