This topic is about the experiences and progress one week after a colostomy reversal surgery. It includes personal observations, challenges, and insights shared by someone who has recently undergone this procedure. Here are some key points and advice from their journey:

- After stopping the use of Ensure and switching to a usual vegan protein powder, restroom visits have decreased to about four times a day.

- The abdominal muscles feel tight and stiff, with soreness mainly when standing upright, laughing, coughing, or taking deep breaths. However, breathing has become easier.

- Pain in the buttocks is reducing as bowel movements become less frequent, with hopes for complete relief soon.

- There are occasional twinges at the former stoma site, lower abdomen, pubic/pelvic area, and left hip. The hip pain is thought to be due to mesentery swelling, which was also noted after the original stoma surgery.

- There is still some intra-abdominal gas, but it is much less painful than right after leaving the hospital.

- Surgical tape is still on the incision sites, and staples at the stoma-closure site are scheduled for removal soon.

- Shoulder nerve pain continues, but sleeping comfortably on both sides is now possible.

- The surgeon explained why fibrous-food blockages occur with a stoma but not after reversal. Normally, intestines can expand to accommodate contents. However, a stoma passes through the non-expanding abdominal wall muscle, limiting space and increasing blockage risk. After reversal, the intestines can expand freely within the abdominal cavity, reducing the risk of blockages, allowing a normal diet to resume.

- The person feels that their recovery is progressing well and is grateful for the support from the forum, though they plan to provide fewer updates in the future.

Advice and insights shared include:

- Rest and allow time for healing while focusing on regaining strength, as progress is already evident.

- Continue sharing occasional updates, as many find the detailed day-by-day experiences helpful.

- Appreciation is expressed for sharing practical recovery details, reassuring that this information will be beneficial for future patients.