This topic is about a patient's journey through a challenging medical experience involving emergency colostomy, unexpected ileostomy, and two successful reversals. It highlights the ups and downs of dealing with these conditions and offers hope and advice for others who might be facing similar situations.

- The patient initially suffered from diverticulitis, which led to a ruptured colon. Upon arriving at the emergency room, they had a severe infection and a 50/50 chance of survival.
- After spending two weeks in the ICU, the patient went home for a month, receiving daily wound care and physiotherapy. They stress the importance of listening to physical therapists, as the abdominal incision can cause back muscles to work harder and leg strength to diminish quickly.
- Financially, the patient, aged 67, had no disability coverage. They advise younger individuals with diverticulitis to consider both short- and long-term disability insurance, especially if they have families.
- The patient lived with a colostomy for five months, experiencing minimal leaks and even traveling internationally. They used an ostomy "medical device" card, which only caused minor issues during airport inspections.
- The first reversal attempt led to a second intestinal leak, requiring emergency surgery and the creation of a temporary ileostomy. The patient disliked the ileostomy due to frequent emptying, high-volume output, and gas issues.
- Just before Christmas, the ileostomy was successfully reversed. The patient's bowel function returned quickly, with several soft, small, and predictable bowel movements per day, and minimal urgency or pain.
- The patient emphasizes the need for more success stories, as reversals can restore normal life even after setbacks.

Additional insights from the patient's later experiences include:

- A parastomal hernia was repaired during the first reversal, but scar tissue now causes occasional discomfort.
- Regaining overall strength has been challenging, with age being a factor.
- The ileostomy lasted a little over two months, with the worst leaks occurring immediately after hospital discharge. A home-care nurse and insurance were helpful.
- The surgeon reversed the ileostomy through the existing stoma site, describing it as "the easiest operation."
- Knowing the ileostomy was temporary made it easier to tolerate.

Advice and insights from others include:

1. Successful reversal stories are important. If your medical team offers the option, many encourage taking it to regain normal bowel function.
2. It's normal to feel fear and anxiety before reversal surgery. Trusting a skilled surgeon and focusing on recovery can help ease worries.
3. Post-surgery recovery tips:
- Don't rush the recovery process. Accept help, rest, and let others take care of you.
- Gentle walking can speed up healing. One person was walking a mile daily within a week.
- Expect nausea, weight loss, and pain initially, but these usually improve after staples and drains are removed.
- Hospital-issued pouches can be uncomfortable. Securing preferred supplies at home can reduce leakage and improve comfort.
4. Emotional health is important. Feeling anger or resentment about a long ostomy journey is common. Connecting with supportive peers can help lighten the burden and remind you that the situation is temporary.