This topic is about a person who has a temporary loop ileostomy and is considering having it reversed. They are paraplegic and had the ileostomy to protect a surgical flap used to heal a pressure ulcer near the anus. Now, they are looking for advice from others who have gone through a similar experience, especially concerning bowel function after the reversal, the risk of incontinence, and how the bowel might react after being inactive for a while. They are also concerned about how their limited mobility might affect their ability to manage frequent bathroom trips, as well as the potential impact on the newly healed flap and surrounding scar tissue.

Here are some insights and advice for someone in this situation:

1. After the reversal, there is usually a transition period where the bowel takes some time to "wake up." This can take days to weeks, and during this time, frequent trips to the bathroom are common.

2. Since the ileostomy was created only to divert the bowel and not due to an intrinsic bowel disease, the chances of normalizing bowel function might be better compared to those with conditions like Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis.

3. If the outcomes after the reversal are difficult to manage, such as persistent incontinence or skin issues, it is generally possible to create a new loop ileostomy.

4. Expect significant discomfort for several weeks following the surgery, but this should gradually improve as the intestine adapts to its new role.

5. It is advisable to seek at least one more opinion from a colorectal or general surgeon to fully understand the risks, benefits, and possible contingency plans before proceeding with the reversal.