This topic is about people sharing their experiences with having a stoma reversed after dealing with a perforation caused by diverticulitis, which also led to sepsis. Here are some insights and advice from those who have gone through this process:
1. Recovery experiences can differ greatly. Some people recover quickly and smoothly, while others may need more time to adjust. Factors like individual anatomy, the amount of colon removed, and whether the stoma is a colostomy or ileostomy can influence recovery.
2. One person shared their experience with a planned laparoscopic reversal. They had about 8 inches of their colon removed and were advised by their doctor to expect a shorter recovery time. They emphasized the importance of scheduling necessary tests, like a colonoscopy, well in advance and asking plenty of questions.
3. Another individual successfully had their stoma reversed after 8 months without any lingering issues. Their colon perforation was due to a botched flexible sigmoidoscopy, which led to an emergency colostomy. During the reversal, the entire sigmoid colon was removed, and they quickly returned to normal bowel function, despite developing a large hernia before the reversal.
4. Someone else with a diverticulitis perforation and sepsis had their stoma reversed after 7 months. They reported near-normal bowel function six months after the reversal.
5. General tips from the community include:
- Work closely with both your surgeon and gastrointestinal team to avoid scheduling conflicts.
- Be aware of potential complications like hernias, but know that many patients regain normal function.
- Gather information from forums and healthcare professionals, and keep a list of questions ready for your medical appointments.
See full discusison