This topic is about someone considering colostomy surgery to help with slow-transit constipation and pelvic floor dysfunction. They are feeling anxious about whether the surgery will actually help relieve their symptoms. Here are some insights and advice from others who have been through similar experiences:

1. One person shared their success story with a colostomy. After dealing with an anal prolapse due to years of constipation, they found immediate relief from pain, incontinence, and prolapse discomfort after the surgery. They even wished they had done it sooner.

2. Others have had positive long-term outcomes with an ileostomy. People who have had the surgery for over 10 or even 30 years say it gave them their lives back after dealing with colitis or similar bowel issues. They mention:
- There is a learning curve for taking care of the appliance, but modern resources like the internet and local ostomy nurses make it manageable.
- Occasionally, there can be complications like blockages from adhesions, but these are treatable.
- They have been able to travel, work full-time, and maintain normal activities.

3. A new ileostomate shared their early post-op experience:
- They needed pain medication only for the first week.
- Abdominal swelling is normal and can come back if you increase activity too soon; a six-week recovery period is realistic.
- They have not experienced any leaks so far and are trying out free samples of different pouch sizes and styles. They also use panties with an internal pocket to secure the bag.

4. For practical resources:
- You can contact the United Ostomy Association of America (UOAA) for a DVD called "Living with an Ostomy."
- It's helpful to try multiple pouching systems through manufacturer sample programs to find the most comfortable fit.

5. If you experience unresolved pain after surgery, it’s important to investigate further. One person had unexplained left-sided abdominal pain two years after their ileostomy. After some tests, they discovered Pelvic Congestion Syndrome and Nutcracker Syndrome. Endovascular treatment resolved the pain, and they were able to successfully reverse the ileostomy. The takeaway is that persistent pain after ostomy surgery should be evaluated for possible vascular or gynecologic issues.