This topic is about preparing for a colostomy reversal surgery, which is scheduled for January. The person involved had their original surgery due to a perforated bowel caused by a Crohn’s-related fistula. Their surgeon has advised them to perform water enemas twice a week leading up to the reversal. They are curious about whether these enemas are meant to cleanse the bowel or help the colon start functioning again.

Here are some insights and advice shared by others:

1. The water enemas are generally recommended to help stimulate the colon, which has been inactive, so it can start functioning again before the reversal surgery.

2. One person shared their experience of severe fecal incontinence after an initial resection. They decided to keep their ostomy permanently after a second surgery because it improved their quality of life. This is something to consider if continence issues arise after the reversal.

3. Another individual described undergoing a full open surgery with multiple resections, including the ostomy. Although they never regained normal stool consistency, they enjoyed about two years of mostly pain-free living before Crohn’s symptoms returned. This highlights that surgical outcomes can vary, and symptoms might recur even after extensive procedures.

The person preparing for surgery is also considering the possibility of keeping the ostomy permanently if the reversal proves problematic. They are interested in hearing about others' experiences with laparoscopic or full open surgeries and how long they remained symptom-free afterward. They have been healthy aside from joint pain and plan to start azathioprine after the reversal to manage Crohn’s and relieve joint pain.