This topic is about a person who had an emergency sigmoid colectomy, which is a surgery to remove part of the colon, due to a diverticular perforation. They now have a temporary colostomy and are considering reversal surgery. However, they are concerned about potential complications and are unsure what to discuss with their surgeon. They are also facing challenges with managing their stoma, dietary issues, and worries about affording ostomy supplies due to a lack of insurance and employment.

Here are some helpful pieces of advice and insights:

1. Preparing for Surgical Consultations
- Write down your questions beforehand and bring someone with you to the appointment to help listen and ask follow-up questions.
- Discuss with your surgeon the specific risks of the reversal, expected changes in bowel habits, the possibility of needing a temporary ileostomy, hernia risks, and the recovery timeline.

2. Typical Reversal Experiences
- Many people report positive outcomes and would choose to have the surgery again. Typically, they experience 3-4 bowel movements a day with occasional urgency.
- The first week after surgery can be painful with frequent bowel movements, so plan to spend a lot of time in the bathroom and use barrier creams to protect your skin.
- Take prescribed pain medications to help with recovery, and make sure to rest and avoid heavy lifting to prevent hernias.

3. Managing Stool Consistency and Blockages
- Keep a food diary to identify foods that cause issues. Common triggers include onions, garlic, raw broccoli, cabbage, nuts, corn, seeds, and peppers.
- Use stool softeners at the first sign of constipation to prevent blockages.
- Reintroduce foods gradually and eliminate those that cause problems.

4. Stoma Leaks and Appliance Selection
- Experiment with different pouching systems. Many companies offer free samples, so search online for "free stoma bag samples" and try various brands and styles.
- Keep an emergency stash of supplies, such as pouches and wipes, in case of shipment delays.

5. Supply-Cost Strategies for the Uninsured
- Reach out to manufacturers' patient-assistance programs when requesting samples, as some offer discounts or free supplies for those in need.
- Keep documentation of your income status, as charitable supply banks may require this information.

6. Psychological Perspective
- It's normal to feel anxious after reading negative stories online, but many people have smooth recoveries. Remember that outcomes can vary based on age and overall health.
- Take your time to make the decision about reversal surgery. Ensure you are both mentally and physically prepared and fully informed before proceeding.