This topic is about someone who is considering going back to using a colostomy bag after having their ostomy reversed. They are finding life without the bag more challenging than they anticipated, with frequent bathroom visits, anxiety about food, and a generally lower quality of life.

Here are some insights and advice shared by others:

- Many people who chose not to have a reversal, or were unable to, report a better quality of life with a permanent ileostomy or colostomy. They find it easier to eat, move around, and experience less pain and worry.

- Recovery after a reversal can take a long time and varies greatly from person to person. Some people have 4 to 6 bowel movements a day as their new normal, while others initially experience 30 to 40. Surgeons often say it can take anywhere from 3 to 6 months to several years to fully adjust, with one even mentioning up to 5 years. Fatigue is common, and only light activities are recommended at first.

- Medications like Loperamide (Imodium, Gastro-Stop) can help slow down bowel movements, though they may cause drowsiness. Some people take them only at night or before work.

- Dietary suggestions include starting with a low-fiber diet for the first 6 weeks and then slowly reintroducing fiber. Unsweetened probiotic yogurt or kefir, low-sugar foods and drinks, and psyllium husk to thicken stool can be helpful. It's best to avoid raw vegetables, dried fruit, and too much fiber early on. For those with persistent watery output after a J-pouch or loop ileostomy, the low-FODMAP diet might be beneficial. Eating small, frequent meals is often easier to manage.

- Age and surgical risk are important considerations. Some older individuals, particularly those in their late 70s, have opted against reversal and additional surgeries due to past complications and low survival odds.

- Complications that might lead to a permanent stoma include strictures, fistulas, abscesses, necrotizing fasciitis, repeated hair loss, and hernias.

- On a psychological and lifestyle level, a stoma bag can be managed and even personalized. It can become a "badge of honor" and help reduce social anxiety once you get used to it. Hospitals are often seen as high-risk for infections, so some surgeons recommend early discharge. Accepting the bag can also help strengthen support networks by filtering out superficial friendships.

Overall, the message from others is to carefully consider the surgical risks, potential complications, and realistic recovery times. Many find stability and a better quality of life with a permanent ostomy, making it a valid and often beneficial choice.