This topic is about a person who had a successful colostomy reversal surgery over a year ago. They are now living a normal life and are grateful for the support they received from their community during the process. Here are some insights and advice shared in the discussion:

- The individual initially developed acute diverticulitis, which led to a month-long hospital stay and living with a colostomy for six months.
- Before the reversal surgery, they underwent some tests:
1. A hospital "flush" prep, which was tolerable.
2. An in-hospital test involving a balloon inserted rectally, filled with liquid, and imaged to ensure healing and bowel strength. Holding the balloon was uncomfortable but necessary.
- Two weeks after passing these tests, they had the reversal surgery:
1. They stayed in the hospital for 3 days.
2. They had their first normal bowel movement 2 days after being discharged, and they recommend staying close to a bathroom during this time.
3. A hernia at the stoma site was also repaired during the surgery, leaving a scar about 3 inches (7–8 cm) long.
- The person found the reversal surgery to be less complicated and the healing process faster than the original colostomy surgery.
- They offer words of encouragement to others waiting for their reversal, urging them to stay positive and share their experiences.

Additional advice and insights from the community include:

- Members who are scheduled for reversals often feel anxious due to past surgical complications, but maintaining a positive outlook is seen as beneficial.
- One member points out that successful outcomes are often under-reported, so sharing positive experiences is valuable for the community.