This topic is about someone considering a colostomy reversal and looking for personal stories to help make their decision. They feel their medical team might not be giving them the full picture of what to expect. Here are some insights and advice shared by others:

- Surgeons might not mention some "little things" that can become significant issues at home. This is often because they lack personal experience, not because they intend to withhold information.

- The amount of colon you have left is crucial in predicting how well things will work after the reversal:
1. If you have more colon remaining, you might experience bowel control that is closer to normal.
2. If you have little or no colon left, like in an ileostomy reversal, you might face frequent urgent trips to the bathroom and a higher risk of nighttime accidents.
3. Looking through past forum posts about colostomy reversal can offer more personal stories and insights.

- If you've had pelvic or abdominal radiation, such as Tomo radiation for prostate cancer, it can permanently weaken tissues and complicate healing. Some surgeons might advise against a reversal in these cases, even if it's technically possible.

- Outcomes can vary greatly from person to person. It's important to do thorough research and ask specific questions before making a decision.

- Everyone is different, with factors like age, anatomy, underlying health conditions, and sphincter function affecting results. Listening to both medical professionals and patients with similar situations can help in making a more informed choice.

- If you don't have a functional sphincter, a reversal might be technically possible, but it could mean needing to use diapers for life. This underscores the importance of having honest discussions about what to expect regarding continence.