This topic is about the experiences and challenges faced by someone who has undergone ileostomy reversal surgery. After living with an ostomy for three years, the person had the reversal surgery on July 9. They encountered some complications, including an infection at the surgical site, which required further medical attention and care at home. Here are some of the ongoing issues and advice shared by others who have been through similar experiences:

- Persistent diarrhea is being managed with medication like Lomotil.
- Severe stomach cramps and soreness occur after meals.
- The surgical wound is still healing, and there is generalized numbness in the abdominal area.
- There is some regret about having the reversal due to the pain and frequent bathroom trips compared to life with the ostomy.
- Doctors have advised that recovery takes time, but the person is seeking real-world experiences from others.

Additional insights and advice include:

1. Eating small, frequent meals can help avoid overloading the bowel.
2. Three months post-surgery, numbness and soreness at the former stoma site may persist, but the wound is almost closed.
3. The person is now back home in Utah and looking for a new physician to assist with recovery.

Advice and insights from others who have experienced similar situations:

- Early recovery can be challenging, with unpredictable bowel function, including diarrhea or constipation, as the bowel adjusts after surgery.
- Pain, rectal soreness, and wound discomfort may continue but usually decrease over several months. Full adjustment might take a year or more.
- Wearing disposable absorbent underwear, like Depends, when going out can help manage accidents until bowel control improves.
- Dietary tips include:
- Start with cooked vegetables and avoid raw ones initially.
- Limit sugar and carbonated sodas to reduce urgency, gas, and diarrhea.
- Gradually introduce small amounts of raw fruit and monitor the body's response.
- High-fiber foods can help ease stool passage once they are tolerated.
- Some people find daily probiotics and digestive enzymes before meals helpful in slowing transit and improving control.
- Pelvic-floor exercises are recommended to improve control, though accidents may still happen. Consistency in these exercises can lead to gradual improvements.
- A history of radiation can prolong healing and reduce muscle control, so patience is important.
- It's common to feel anxious and regretful about the reversal in the early months, but many people report feeling glad they went through with it after 8-12 months.