This topic is about a person's experience with an ileostomy reversal and their early recovery journey. They share their personal insights and advice for others who might be going through a similar process. Here’s a summary of their experience and some helpful tips:

- The ileostomy was in place for 8 months before the reversal surgery. The surgery went well, with minimal adhesions and a good connection of the bowel. Pain was much less than the initial emergency surgery, with only some bowel urgency that is expected to improve.

- The person had four small laparoscopic incisions, and the stoma site was left open to heal naturally without staples or sutures. They were discharged home on the second day after surgery, once they were able to eat and pass gas and stool without any issues.

- After surgery, they caught a virus from their spouse, leading to a low-grade fever, sore throat, and persistent cough. They were concerned about the risk of developing a new parastomal hernia, as they had one before. They managed the symptoms with cough medicine containing codeine and occasional oxycodone.

- Pain management was minimal, with only two oxycodone tablets needed since leaving the hospital, and little need for acetaminophen or ibuprofen.

- Bowel function returned to 2-3 normal bowel movements per day. They could distinguish between gas and stool after the first few days. The surgeon allowed a normal diet, but they chose to stick to a low-fiber diet for now.

- They experienced a tape allergy around the former stoma site and used an ostomy skin barrier and adhesive remover with each dressing change.

- A custom-fit Brava support belt, sized and cut by a wound nurse, was worn during the day and removed at night for comfort and support.

- The bowel prep experience was challenging, involving multiple laxatives, antibiotics, and a large amount of Miralax/Gatorade, which led to severe nausea, migraine, and vomiting, requiring IV fluids. They suggest asking for anti-nausea medication, drinking water between Gatorade, using a high-capacity drainable pouch with extension tubing, and applying barrier cream to protect the skin.

Advice and insights from their experience include:

1. Rest, stay hydrated, and avoid over-exertion. Recovery is a gradual process.
2. Wearing an abdominal or support belt can protect the incision and help when coughing or sneezing, potentially reducing the risk of hernias.
3. Drinking plenty of fluids and maintaining good nutrition can aid in healing. Celebrate small milestones along the way.
4. When coughing or sneezing after abdominal surgery, brace the abdomen or use the belt to reduce strain.
5. A high-capacity drainable pouch with tubing is useful during bowel prep or periods of high output.
6. Keep barrier cream handy post-reversal to prevent soreness as bowel function returns.
7. Positive outcomes from reversals are common, with many people reporting normal bowel function and full activity within months. Patience and following medical advice are important.
8. Custom sizing through a wound or ostomy nurse can ensure a proper fit for support belts when standard options don’t work.