This topic is about what to expect after having an ileostomy reversal, especially when most of the colon and half of the rectum are still intact. The person is preparing for reversal surgery after having an ileostomy due to severe endometriosis, which required part of the rectum to be removed. They are seeking advice and real-life experiences to understand what life might be like post-surgery.

Here are some insights and advice shared by others:

1. The feeling of needing to go to the bathroom constantly might not be permanent. It can vary based on individual anatomy and the type of reconstruction done, such as ileorectal anastomosis (IRA), J-pouch, or straight anastomosis.

2. Lifelong constipation is not necessarily a given. People with an IRA and most of their colon intact can have different bowel patterns compared to those without a colon.

3. Post-reversal hernias are not inevitable. Some individuals have reported no hernia issues even 1.5 years after their reversal surgery.

4. Initially, you might experience urgency, increased frequency, and loose stools, but achieving full continence is possible. For example, one person who had a similar surgery reported no uncontrolled leakage or nighttime accidents just 11 days post-op, only mild urgency and loose output.

5. Hospital stays can be relatively short, sometimes just 2 days, and some surgeons may not impose dietary restrictions after discharge.

6. The surgical wound might be left partially open for drainage, but it can heal well without infection.

7. Feeling anxious about leaving the house is common. Planning outings with bathroom access in mind can be helpful in the early days.

8. Discussing pelvic floor therapy with your surgical team could be beneficial for optimizing continence and control.

9. Knowing exactly how much of your rectum remains can help set realistic expectations and plan for rehabilitation. It might be useful to ask your surgeon for specific details.