Topic Explanation:
The forum topic is about a user seeking encouragement and advice for colostomy reversal and hernia repair surgery. The user shares their experience with a perforated bowel, colostomy, and the upcoming surgeries. They express fear and anxiety about the procedures and seek support from the community.

Replies - Advice and Insights:
- Encouragement and Support:
- Several users offer words of encouragement and support to the original poster, sharing their own experiences and expressing understanding of the challenges.
- The importance of remaining positive and seeking comfort from the community is emphasized.

- Surgical Considerations:
- Some users share their experiences with waiting for surgery dates, emphasizing the need to be patient despite the discomfort caused by the hernia.
- Advice is given to maintain a food diary to identify trigger foods causing pain and to be cautious with lifting heavy objects to avoid exacerbating the hernia.

- Mental Preparation for Surgery:
- Suggestions are made to mentally prepare for the upcoming surgery by maintaining a positive attitude and repeating affirmations such as "this too will pass."
- Practical tips for post-operative care, such as using oxygen when getting out of bed and ensuring a clear bowel before the operation, are provided.

- Sharing Experiences:
- Users share their personal stories of dealing with colostomy, hernia repair, and reversal surgeries, offering insights into the challenges and successes they encountered.
- The importance of seeking specialized care from a colorectal specialist for laparoscopic procedures is raised, highlighting the potential benefits of expertise in the specific area of surgery.

- Community Support:
- The forum is acknowledged as a source of support and understanding for individuals facing similar health challenges, providing a space for sharing experiences and seeking advice.

- Positive Outcomes:
- Some users share positive outcomes after their surgeries, including being bag-free and receiving clear cancer scan results, offering hope and inspiration to the original poster and others in the community.