This topic is about a person seeking advice on managing their health after an ostomy reversal, dealing with Crohn’s or colitis, and reducing reliance on medications. Here’s a summary of their situation and the advice they received:

- The individual, who is 46 years old and otherwise healthy, had emergency surgery six weeks ago. This surgery involved removing part of the colon and appendix and repairing a fistula. They now have a temporary ileostomy and are considering a reversal soon.

- Initially, the surgeon suggested a reversal in 2 to 6 months, but now recommends around 2 months. The person is worried about potential negative outcomes after reading others' experiences and is seeking advice from the community.

- The pathology report suggests inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), possibly ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s, but no cancer was found. The person believes that diet, supplements, and lifestyle changes can manage IBD and is hesitant about long-term use of immunosuppressants.

- After meeting with a gastroenterologist who recommended immunosuppressive drugs, the person declined and is looking for a medication-free or low-medication approach, questioning if this is realistic.

- There is some confusion about their anatomy, as the surgeon’s notes mention an "end ileostomy" and a mucous fistula from the transverse colon, with about half of the colon possibly remaining. They are considering a second opinion from the Mayo Clinic but are unsure about insurance coverage and whether Mayo supports non-drug options.

- Two weeks after the reversal, the colon was successfully reconnected, and the surgeon described the bowel as "pristine." The person started taking various supplements and follows a wheat/gluten-free, mostly Paleo diet. They have moved to a rural area with well water.

- One year after the reversal, they experienced a minor hernia and a Crohn’s flare, which was treated with a short course of Prednisone. They are now on 6-MP and have been in remission for seven months, with no regrets about the reversal.

Advice and insights shared by others include:

1. Consider getting evaluated at a major tertiary center like the Mayo Clinic or Dana-Farber/Brigham & Women’s in Boston for a second opinion, as they offer both conventional and some complementary approaches.

2. Bring printed research with highlighted key points to medical appointments to facilitate informed and respectful discussions with clinicians.

3. Understand the roles of different specialists: colorectal surgeons handle anatomy and reversals, gastroenterologists manage medical therapy, and ostomy/WOC nurses are valuable for day-to-day stoma care. Consider consulting an immunologist and geneticist for complex immune issues.

4. Many people report that long-term control of IBD often requires medications, and stopping them abruptly can lead to flares or emergency situations.

5. If offered immunosuppressants or biologics, carefully weigh the benefits against the risks, as some people tolerate them well and avoid recurrences.

6. Complementary strategies include eating whole, unprocessed foods, following a wheat-free or Paleo diet, juicing, preparing homemade frozen meals, limiting sugar, and managing stress.

7. An Australian member shared success with IV immunoglobulin for severe immune deficiency, finding it safe and effective.

8. A success story from a member who had a 90% colectomy with immediate anastomosis in 1982 and has been in drug-free remission for decades, avoiding only red wine and peppers.

9. Ostomy hernias are common after surgery, and some people combine hernia repair with reversal.

10. Emotional support is important, and standing firm on personal treatment choices may attract pushback. Staying informed and respectful helps maintain autonomy.