Deciding whether to go through with a colostomy reversal is a big decision, and it's understandable to have questions about the pros and cons. If you're living with a colostomy after being diagnosed with bowel cancer, here are some points to consider:

- Clarify Your Anatomy First
- It's important to know exactly what type of ostomy you have and how much of your colon remains. This information can significantly impact the success of a reversal. Check your surgical notes and pathology reports to understand which parts of your bowel were removed and whether your rectum and anus are still intact.

- General Success Expectations
- Generally, colostomy reversals tend to have better outcomes compared to ileostomy reversals. The more of your colon that remains, the better the chances for acceptable function after the reversal.

- Possible Functional Outcomes
- Even if the reversal is considered successful, you might experience loose and frequent stools, requiring multiple trips to the bathroom each day. It's important to set realistic expectations, such as aiming to live without a pouch rather than expecting a complete return to pre-surgery bowel habits.

- Risks to Discuss with Your Surgeon
- Be aware of potential risks like infection, anastomotic leakage, fecal incontinence, and the possibility of needing a temporary or permanent stoma if the reversal doesn't work. There's also a chance you might need emergency surgery if complications arise shortly after the reversal.

- Action Steps Suggested
- Collect all your operative and pathology reports to have a clear understanding of your situation.
- Have a detailed discussion with your surgeon about the rates of complications, expected long-term function, and what the plan would be if the reversal doesn't succeed.
- Consider how you feel about potential lifestyle changes, such as increased bathroom visits and dietary adjustments, compared to your current satisfaction with living with an ostomy pouch.

Taking these steps can help you make a more informed decision about whether a colostomy reversal is the right choice for you.