This topic is about the experiences and recovery process of someone who is three days into their recovery after a colostomy reversal surgery. Here are some insights and advice based on their journey:

- The person is not feeling hungry yet but is making sure to stay hydrated, which is important for recovery.

- They are experiencing severe gas pains throughout the day, with noticeable noises and the sensation of air moving in the abdomen.

- For pain management, they are using Extra-Strength Tylenol every six hours instead of the prescribed oxycodone, as the pain feels more like soreness than sharp pain.

- The stomach and torso feel sore, similar to the feeling after doing many crunches, and they are walking slightly hunched over due to stitches.

- Diarrhea is present, but they have full bowel control and have not experienced any accidents.

- The surgeon has confirmed that these symptoms are normal and has approved the use of a heating pad to help with gas pain.

- To alleviate the fear of accidental leakage while passing gas, they wore an adult diaper, but only air was released, with no stool loss.

- Drinking several cups of hot peppermint tea has provided personal relief from stomach discomfort.

- They hope that sharing their detailed recovery experience will reassure others who are considering or awaiting reversal surgery.

Advice and insights from others who have gone through similar experiences include:

1. Pain-management choices:
- Many people used few or no opioid tablets after discharge to avoid constipation. Extra-Strength Tylenol or other non-opioid pain relievers were sufficient for them.

2. Gas, bloating, and abdominal pain:
- Peppermint tea and gentle heat from a heating pad are commonly helpful for easing postoperative gas discomfort.
- It's common for pain to peak around day three as the surgical abdominal nerve block wears off, but it typically improves afterward.

3. General recovery tips:
- Be cautious while moving to avoid falls; posture and strength should improve each day.
- Get plenty of rest and be patient, as each day generally gets better.
- Community support and sharing progress can help ease worries for both the patient and others facing reversal surgery.