Color Logo for MeetAnOstoMate
Sponsored by Hollister
Login   |  
Forgot password?
 
Forum
Videos
Reviews
About Us
Color Logo for MeetAnOstoMate
Where Everybody Understands You
40,784 members
Jun 07, 2025

Hartmann's Reversal: Weighing the Pros and Cons

Topic Explanation:
The discussion centers around the decision to undergo a Hartmann's reversal after having a colostomy due to a sigmoid colon rupture from undiagnosed diverticulitis. The original poster (OP) describes their medical history, including emergency surgeries and complications such as septic peritonitis, an abscess, and a bowel obstruction. They have adjusted to living with a colostomy but are apprehensive about the reversal surgery due to potential risks like urgency, leakage, and ongoing pain. The OP seeks advice on the pros and cons of the reversal and whether returning to "normal" is possible given the scar tissue and adhesions.

Advice and Insights:
1. There is no returning to the exact state before the initial surgery. Even with a successful reversal, things will be different, and one must weigh the benefits against the risks personally.

2. Consulting multiple surgeons for second opinions can be beneficial, especially to assess the extent of scar tissue, which can complicate the reversal. Tests like pelvic MRI and PET CT scans may provide more information.

3. If you are managing well with the stoma and prefer to avoid further surgery, it is possible to live a near-normal life with a colostomy.

4. The decision to undergo a reversal is highly personal and should be based on one's own judgment rather than external influences. A positive attitude towards the decision made is important.

5. Post-reversal, bowel habits may change, and urgency can be an issue initially, but it often improves over time. The concept of a "new normal" is emphasized, where adjustments are made to the changes in bowel function.

6. It is important to gather as much information and input from others who have undergone similar experiences to make an informed decision.
See full discusison
Gray Logo for MeetAnOstoMate
Why Join MeetAnOstoMate?

This is a remarkable community of 40,784 members.

You will get real advice from fellow ostomates who truly understand you - things you won't find in the books.

And it's not all about ostomy - there is friendship and relationships too.

Privacy is very important - your profile is not visible to the outside world.

Join Us

Popular Topics

Stoma Placement and Its Impact on Ostomy Success
Improving Sore Skin Around Inverted Stoma: Tips and Experiences
Proctectomy and Colostomy Advice Needed
Saying hello, and asking for advice.
Success Stories with Parastomal Hernia Repair?
Using Hot Glue to Seal Filters: Tips and Tricks
Hydration Tips for Ileostomy Patients
HISTAMINE INTOLERANCE
Coping with Emotional and Mental Challenges
Hello

New Topics

Living a New Life After Surgery and Recovery
Rectal Stump Irrigation for Mucus Removal
Looking for some friends
Opinions on Colostomy Reversal After Hartmann Procedure
VENGEANCE FLICKS
IN PRAISE OF NURSES
HOW DOES IT WORK?
Hello
Marathon purchase?
Good dress to conceal an ostomy bag?
About us | Privacy policy | Terms of use | Ostomy Blogs | Ostomy Q&A | Guides | Contact Us
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Copyright (c) MeetAnOstoMate.org All Rights Reserved
Join
Currently Online: 62  
↑