This topic is about a 74-year-old person who has been living with an ostomy and is considering a reversal surgery. The surgeon has mentioned that the procedure is possible now but won't be performed after the age of 75. The person is seeking advice from others who might have had a similar experience.

Here are some insights and advice shared by others:

1. Many people who have had reversals report that while the initial results were positive, issues often arose over time. These issues include chronic pain, frequent bowel movements, incontinence, or needing to return to an ostomy.

2. Recovery can be more challenging with age. Older bodies tend to heal more slowly, and major surgery might lead to a long or complicated recovery. Some feel that the risks might outweigh the benefits for someone in their mid-70s.

3. There is some curiosity about the surgeon's strict age limit for the procedure, with questions about whether it's based on medical reasons or related to insurance or Medicare policies.

4. Potential complications from the surgery include unreliable sphincter control, frequent bathroom visits, pouchitis, and the possibility that a pouch may only last 10–15 years before another surgery is needed.

5. One person, despite the warnings, plans to go through with the reversal. They describe the process as involving two staged operations that are more delicate and painful than the original surgery. For them, living without a bag is the most important factor.

6. When comparing quality of life, several people prefer their current ostomy, especially when using colostomy irrigation, over the unpredictability they experienced after a reversal.

7. For those considering surgery, especially younger or fitter individuals, some general advice includes:
- Prepare a detailed list of questions for the surgeon.
- Carefully weigh all pros and cons, including statistical complication rates.
- Optimize health beforehand with good nutrition, supplements, and a positive mindset.
- Remember that personal stories from message boards are not a substitute for personalized medical advice.