Topic Explanation
The discussion centers around experiences with colostomy reversal, particularly at an older age. The original poster, Arline, is 82 years old and has been living with a colostomy for 8 months. She is considering a reversal but is concerned about maintaining her current quality of life. Arline seeks insights from others who have undergone a reversal, asking about their successes and challenges.

Advice and Insights

1. Personal Decision and Quality of Life:
- Many participants emphasize that the decision to undergo a reversal is highly personal and should be based on individual circumstances and quality of life considerations.
- Some individuals, like Iggie and JB, have chosen not to pursue a reversal because they are satisfied with their current quality of life and wish to avoid further medical procedures.

2. Research and Education:
- It is advised to read extensively and educate oneself about the potential outcomes and risks associated with reversal surgery. Understanding that each person's experience can be different is crucial.

3. Surgical Risks and Complications:
- A study mentioned in the discussion highlights that the complication rate after reversal surgery is 23.1%, with surgical site infections being the most common.
- Factors such as increasing age, hypertension, and higher ASA classifications (indicating more severe health conditions) are associated with a lower likelihood of successful reversal.

4. Experiences with Reversal:
- Some individuals, like the 63-year-old male, report successful reversals with no regrets.
- Others, like the participant who had an ileostomy reversed, experienced significant complications and ultimately returned to using a stoma.

5. Timing and Outcomes:
- Delays in reversal surgery are associated with worse postoperative outcomes. The median time to reversal is around 5 months, but waiting longer can increase the odds of complications.

6. Negative Experiences:
- Several participants shared negative experiences with reversal, including severe complications and the need to revert to using a stoma.

7. Hernia Considerations:
- Hernias, such as parastomal hernias, are mentioned as a concern, but some participants have managed them successfully without opting for reversal.

8. Pain and Recovery:
- Recovery from reversal surgery can be painful and prolonged, as shared by a participant who experienced significant pain and a lengthy healing process post-surgery.