This topic is about someone who has decided to postpone their ostomy reversal surgery after consulting with their surgeon. The person feels content with their current situation and is hesitant to undergo another major surgery due to the potential complications and recovery time involved. Here are some insights and advice shared by others in similar situations:

- Allow your body enough time to heal. Many people have been advised to wait 6-12 months or even longer after complications like fistulas, abscesses, or multiple surgeries before considering a reversal.

- Consider both aspects of the reversal process:
1. The surgical reconnection of the bowel.
2. The long-term bowel function, which might be affected by issues like strictures, adhesions, scar tissue, or ongoing conditions such as Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, diverticulitis, or IBS.

- Age and overall health are important factors. Older individuals or those who have had prior radiation treatments may experience slower healing and a higher risk of permanent urgency or incontinence.

- Compare the quality of life with a stoma versus after a reversal. Living with a reliable stoma and pouching system can sometimes be easier than dealing with unpredictable bowel movements post-reversal.

- If you have a peristomal hernia or visible bulge, these can often be managed with stoma revision and hernia repair instead of a full reversal.

- While some surgeons advise against waiting too long for a reversal, many people find they can live well with a stoma indefinitely. It’s important to trust your own circumstances and the advice of your healthcare provider.

- Remember that any surgery, even those considered simple, carries risks such as anesthesia complications or clots. Many people find that living with a stoma is preferable to facing life-threatening surgical complications.

- Emotional support is crucial. Trust your instincts, acknowledge that stomas save lives, and remember that "no one ever died because of a stoma.