This story is about a person who went through a challenging but ultimately successful journey of ileostomy reversal. It’s a tale of resilience and recovery, offering hope and insights to others who might be facing similar situations.

- The journey began with an emergency loop ileostomy in March 2011 due to a volvulus caused by abdominal lymphoma, which was initially misdiagnosed as Crohn’s disease. This led to a six-day stay in the ICU and repeated fistulas during chemotherapy.

- The reversal surgery took place in March 2013, two years later, with a new surgeon. During the surgery, the right half of the colon was resected, and the right kidney was removed. Although there was a possibility of needing a temporary second stoma, the surgery was completed without one.

- In the immediate post-operative period, the patient received epidural pain relief for the first few days. They developed an ileus, meaning the bowel was inactive for nearly two weeks. A fluid collection in the area where the colon had been removed required a drain, which alleviated severe pain. A hot-water bottle also provided some relief.

- Bowel function began to return after about two and a half weeks, allowing for a gradual reintroduction of food. The output was loose, so nappy-rash cream and moist wipes were used for comfort.

- The patient was discharged after four weeks. Initially, they experienced bowel movements eight times a day and had one episode of a presumed stomach bug, with liquid stool every 30 minutes, which improved within a week.

- About three months post-operation, the patient had five bowel movements a day with less urgency, occasional cramps, and gas. They considered using loperamide or Imodium to thicken the output and used a hot-water bottle for cramps. No other medication was needed, and all surgical biopsies were lymphoma-free.

- The wound healing process involved a midline incision that wept briefly, and the stoma site, which was stapled but opened, required packing and was fully healed by eight weeks.

- The patient was cautious with high-fiber foods but otherwise had no dietary restrictions.

- Quality of life improved significantly, with a return to work at eight weeks, slightly earlier than planned due to financial reasons. The patient felt better than they had in years and was thrilled to live without a stoma. They were also planning a wedding for late August, which had been postponed since the diagnosis.

- The patient shared their experience to help inform others and expressed gratitude to the supportive community that provided emotional support, congratulations on their recovery, and encouragement to others considering reversal surgery.