Topic Explanation
The forum discussion revolves around experiences and advice related to ostomy reversal surgery. The original poster, Kim, is scheduled for reversal surgery and seeks personal stories and insights from others who have undergone the procedure. Kim is particularly curious about how bowel function will be affected post-surgery and the overall recovery process.

Advice and Insights

1. General Information and Risks:
- Reversal surgery involves joining the intestine and ensuring the bowel operates correctly.
- Potential complications include leaks at the join site, infections, and bowel function issues.
- Outcomes can be unpredictable, with varying levels of success and potential for incontinence or further surgeries.

2. Personal Experiences:
- Positive Outcomes:
- Some individuals reported successful reversals with normal bowel movements resuming within a few weeks.
- Healing time for some was quicker than the initial surgery, with main discomfort at the old stoma site.
- Trust in the surgeon and thorough discussion of potential risks and benefits were crucial in decision-making.
- Challenges and Considerations:
- Initial instability in bowel movements is common, but it often normalizes over time.
- Some experienced frequent bowel movements, urgency, and accidents post-reversal.
- Incisional hernias and other complications can occur, often related to previous surgeries or health conditions.
- The decision to proceed with reversal should consider personal health, age, and the potential impact on quality of life.

3. Preparation and Post-Surgery Tips:
- Write down and discuss all questions with the surgeon to understand personal risks and expected outcomes.
- Be prepared for initial bowel instability and consider using barrier creams and protective wear like Depends.
- Avoid coughing post-surgery to prevent complications like hernias.
- Ensure a commode is available if mobility is an issue immediately after surgery.

4. Alternative Perspectives:
- Some individuals chose not to undergo reversal due to the risks and their ability to manage well with a colostomy.
- Personal health history, age, and previous surgical experiences influenced the decision to avoid reversal.
- The importance of researching and understanding the procedure, success rates, and personal health conditions was emphasized.

5. Emotional and Psychological Considerations:
- The decision to undergo reversal can be influenced by the desire for normalcy and the psychological impact of living with a stoma.
- Support from healthcare providers and personal trust in the surgical team