This topic is about sharing experiences and offering tips for those who have undergone or are considering a colostomy reversal. It includes personal stories, advice, and encouragement for a smoother recovery process.

The original poster had a significant surgery on July 1, 2009, which included a colostomy reversal, hernia repairs, and abdominal reconstruction. Here's a summary of their journey and some helpful insights:

- Hospital stay lasted 5 days, with discharge once bowel sounds returned.
- Early recovery involved staple removal at 2 weeks, daily showers, and dressing changes. An elastic abdominal support was required, and internal stitches caused discomfort until they were removed at 6 weeks.
- At 8 weeks post-operation, the individual was pain-free, still wearing the girdle, and feeling wonderful. Bowel function was regular with the help of Dannon Activia yogurt with Fiber, avoiding the need for laxatives.
- They were cleared to resume normal activities, like league bowling, by September.

Pre-surgical concerns included severe COPD, which made general anesthesia daunting, but the surgery and recovery went smoothly. The time between the temporary colostomy and reversal was 9½ months.

Additional information shared later includes:

- COPD did not cause the intestinal problem; it was due to intestinal perforations after medication during a previous hospitalization.
- An emergency colostomy was followed by peritonitis and sepsis, requiring another emergency surgery and a month-long hospital stay.
- The individual received 2½ months of home-infused high-dose IV antibiotics, which cleared the infection.
- Comprehensive pre-reversal testing confirmed fitness for surgery, and the anesthesiologist was informed of the COPD status.
- At 8 weeks post-reversal, the surgeon confirmed full healing, an unrestricted diet, and a return to exercise and bowling. The abdomen was flat, and bowel habits were regular with the continued use of Activia with Fiber.

Advice and insights from the community include:

1. Encouragement and Mind-set
- Anxiety is normal, but many more reversals succeed than fail. Trust your surgeon and ask questions. Being informed helps combat fear, and reading success stories can be reassuring.

2. Medication to Speed Bowel Recovery
- Consider asking your surgeon about Entereg (alvimopan). It has been reported to restore bowel sounds and gas quickly, potentially shortening the hospital stay.

3. Post-op Diet for Regularity
- Dannon Activia yogurt with Fiber can help maintain regular bowel movements without the need for laxatives.

4. Typical Hospital Stay and Recovery Timeline
- Uncomplicated reversals often involve a 4–5 day hospital stay. Normal activities, including exercise and sports, are typically resumed around 6–8 weeks if healing is satisfactory.

5. Success Stories
- Many members have shared positive outcomes after colostomy or ileostomy reversals, highlighting that successful results are common.