This topic is about recovering from major colostomy surgery after dealing with severe diverticular disease. The person sharing their experience had a tough time with diverticular problems, which led to a significant surgery three weeks ago. During the surgery, parts of the colon were removed, and there were complications like fistulas and the colon being fused to the bladder. The recovery process is expected to be lengthy, with the possibility of a reversal in 6 to 12 months, though a year is more realistic. The person is eager to learn as much as possible during their recovery.

Here are some insights and advice shared:

1. It's normal to feel uneasy about the stoma at first, but learning self-care can help reduce discomfort over time.

2. Despite the surgery, the person is determined not to let the ostomy limit their life. They are planning a move to Wyoming and have already taken a 250-mile road trip to a microbrewery just three weeks after the operation.

3. A strong support system is in place, including a spouse, close friends, and quick access to a top surgeon.

4. Working from home makes managing daily life easier.

5. The person's bowel routine returned to its pre-surgery pattern quickly, with morning coffee followed by output.

For those in a similar situation, here are some helpful tips:

- Utilize forum resources and premium content to learn and find support. Venting can be therapeutic.

- It's common to initially dislike the appliance, but acceptance usually grows over time, especially with the support of family and friends.

- Modern supplies, like disposable pouches and accessories, have improved significantly, making management easier.

- Adopting a practical mindset can help: treat the process as routine hygiene.

- Consider colostomy irrigation to regulate output, which can lead to more predictable and manageable results.

- Be prepared for accidents, but don't let the fear of them limit your activities.

- Keep asking questions and seek advice from experienced members who are willing to share their knowledge.