This topic is about the journey of recovering from a colostomy reversal, which is a surgical procedure to reconnect the bowel after a temporary colostomy. The discussion includes personal experiences, recovery updates, and advice for those going through similar situations. Here are some helpful insights and advice shared by others who have been through this process:

1. **Diet Progression After Reversal**
- Start with clear or full liquids until bowel sounds return, then gradually move to soft foods. Introduce regular foods slowly, in small, cooked portions.
- Avoid large meals early on and choose easy-to-digest foods to minimize cramping and gas.

2. **Stool Size, Form, and Frequency**
- It's common to have "finger-sized," thin, or multiple small stools for several weeks. Many people notice a gradual widening over three months, sometimes up to a year.
- Initial bowel movements may be loose and blood-tinged, with dark-brown loose stools around day 4–5 being typical.
- Expect fluctuations, such as constipation one day and diarrhea the next, with urgency often preceding gas.

3. **Managing Looseness or Sluggish Bowels**
- A fiber trick, like eating 1–2 bran muffins, quickly firmed output for some.
- Some surgeons recommend dietary fiber or prune juice over laxatives. Prune juice in moderation can soften stool without causing severe diarrhea.
- Miralax helped some but caused frequency and urgency for others, so it's important to dose carefully and stop if symptoms worsen.

4. **Cramping, Urgency, and Rectal Pressure**
- Cramping often decreases as narcotic pain medications are discontinued.
- Urgency, rectal pressure, and "false alarms" are common up to 8 weeks, and sitting for long periods can make it worse.
- Vary protein sources like fish, poultry, and lean beef, and reduce heavy foods to help with pressure and urgency.

5. **Healing Time and Expectations**
- Many surgeons advise patience, as it can take 3–6 months for the bowels to adapt, with some needing a full year to reach their "new normal."
- Tenderness around the former stoma site and tightness or sharp pains when stretching can persist for several weeks, generally as part of the healing process.

6. **Activity and Strength Rebuilding**
- Gradually returning to exercise, such as snowshoeing or cross-country skiing, can help build stamina without worsening bowel symptoms.
- Focus on regaining lost weight and muscle with a balanced diet while monitoring foods that might trigger loose output, like sugars and ice cream.

7. **Blood in Stool**
- Dark or brown-tinged blood early on is usually not a concern, but bright red bleeding should be reported. Some noted occasional blood without physician concern.

8. **Emotional Support**
- It's normal to focus on bowel issues frequently. Sharing experiences on forums can provide crucial support that might be lacking after discharge.
- Expect a possible "new normal," but most report gradual improvement and a return to daily life.

9. **Products and Supplies Mentioned**
- Miralax (polyethylene glycol) laxative.
- Hollister convex barrier/plate, donut seal, and support belt (used by another member with a current colostomy).