This topic is about deciding whether to keep a colostomy or undergo a reversal to restore intestinal continuity, focusing on which option might offer a better quality of life. A new ostomate, just a month after surgery, is seeking advice and personal experiences to help make this decision. They are aware of potential complications after a reversal but also find living with a stoma challenging.

Here are some points to consider:

1. The stoma was created after emergency surgery for peritonitis, following years of digestive issues, low body weight, and a hernia. The surgeon has indicated that there is enough colon left for a possible reversal, but the timing will depend on the body's healing process.

2. The individual is also considering future hernia repair and feels self-conscious about clothing options with a pouch.

3. Due to limited access to online forums, they plan to attend a public ostomate gathering in Tokyo to gather more information.

Advice and insights from others include:

- Take your time to heal, regain strength and weight, and conduct thorough research before making a decision. Only you can determine what feels right for your body.

- The suitability for a reversal depends on several medical factors, such as the reason for the original surgery, the health of the remaining colon, absence of radiation damage, and having an experienced colorectal surgeon.

- Many people report successful reversals, although complications can occur. However, success stories seem to be more common.

- Some individuals who have the option to reverse choose to keep their colostomy and are satisfied with their decision. It is possible to live well with a stoma.

- Consider whether you might regret not trying a reversal when you were medically able if you wait many years with a stoma.

- Example cases include:
- A person with an emergency ruptured colon underwent a reversal after 3 months, faced a difficult recovery, but had a positive outcome.
- Another individual with colon damage from a car accident had a reversal after 6 months and was very happy with the result.
- Someone who had long-term radiation to the pelvis found a reversal too risky and opted for a permanent colostomy.

- Use all available resources, such as old forum posts, medical consultations, and in-person ostomate meetings, to gather balanced information before making your decision.