This topic is about the experiences and considerations surrounding Hartmann's reversal, a surgical procedure to reconnect the bowel after a previous surgery that resulted in a colostomy. The discussion includes personal experiences, potential challenges, and advice for those considering the procedure.

- Returning to what you might consider "normal" is often not possible. Many people find that life after a reversal or with a stoma becomes a "new normal." It's important to adjust your expectations accordingly.

- The decision to undergo a reversal should be yours alone. Weigh the risks and benefits carefully, and choose what feels right for you, rather than being influenced by surgeons, friends, or family.

- It's wise to seek opinions from multiple surgeons. An experienced colorectal surgeon can perform imaging tests, like a pelvic MRI or PET-CT, to assess scar tissue and other potential issues, such as cancer recurrence, before you decide on a reversal.

- If you are comfortable living with a colostomy, keeping the stoma is a valid choice. Many people lead near-normal lives without opting for further surgery.

- Allow yourself enough time to heal before considering a reversal. Many people are advised to wait 6 to 12 months after the initial surgery.

- One person shared a success story: their reversal surgery took 8 hours due to heavy scar tissue, and the first 4 to 6 weeks were challenging with extreme urgency to use the toilet. However, this urgency decreased over time. While bowel habits changed from before the surgery, they were able to achieve continence with some adjustments.