Stoma Reversal waiting times

My surgeon shared my disappointment- he did the initial surgery- and has already contacted the cardiac guy to get things moving. And has promised me first dibs on his elective days!

so fingers crossed

a real blow though - having built expectations 

cheers 

nick

Hope things have moved on since Nick.

As a result of comments and advice from this thread I kept calling my surgeon's PA and finally got my reversal appointment. This was successfully done on 31 October 18 albeit the procedure taking slighltly longer due to adhensions. Recovery was not as straightforward and I struggled to keep food down/distending stomach etc but eventually got better and was discharged yesterday (6th November 18). BM has  been erratic but managing so far and hopefull all fully settles in the next weeks/months.

All the best to those still awaiting reversal.

Good to hear progress - albeit not straightforward

Still waiting on a date - chased secretary to no avail.  I guess surgeons idea if urgent not mine!

i will continue to chase and update.  

Cardioversion is also planned - but cardio guy confirmed this should not delay operation

on the positive side 3 monthly lymphoma check clear!

Nick 

Ramzy

Hi

So pleased to hear that your reversal surgery has taken place and was successful. No doubt you are glad to be back home and have started to get into some form of routine.

Please remember to take it easy and be aware that recovery time is not a precise science and varies from person to person.

I hope you don't mind me adding the information below which probably duplicates the information received from your hospital.

Medication
Anti–diarrhoea medication, softeners, or bulking agents may be required to improve consistency.

Dietary Advice
Following a reversal it may take time to get back to eating a normal, healthy diet.
The digestive system may be quite upset and temperamental. This will mean that a ‘settling–in’ period is required for both the stomach and bowel. During this period it is sensible to limit the intake of foods that can irritate the gut. These include:

• Acidic/ citrus fruits e.g. grapefruit, oranges, strawberries or grapes.
  • Highly spiced foods e.g. curry or chilli con carne.
  • Big fatty meals.
  • Vegetables with a high ‘flatulence factor’ such as, cabbage, Brussel sprouts or onions.
  • Large amounts of beer or lager.

Skin care
When bowel movement is loose or if problems occur with soiling in the area around the back passage, irritation or soreness can occur. To prevent skin excoriation, diligent skin care is essential. Washing thoroughly with warm water and ‘patting’ dry with a soft cloth after each bowel movement is necessary.
Applying a protective cream will help minimise any skin problems. If these measures prove inadequate then you should contact your stoma care nurse for specialist advice.

I hope you continue go make good progress and regain your old life soon and don't miss your stoma bag too much.

Please keep in touch and keep us informed of your progress over the coming months.

Regards

Ian

Hi Ian,

Thank you very much for that information...much much appreciated! It is no duplication at all and did not get anything near that level of detail on discharge. 

I welcome any tips and will share with others experiences on my recovery path. Funny I still feel the right side of my abdomen time to time thinking the bag is still there 

Many thanks

Just to update - RUH has mega wait time and while I am led to believe I’m on a list the helpful PaLS contact indicated no timeline for my reversal- so depressing 

I am on a list such that I may get a cancellation spot.  No idea of the chances on that - and as I need a longish op - 5 hours - it will need a lot of cancellation time I guess

Interested if anyone has experience of getting a cancellation spot and if it’s worthwhile keeping on touching base with ‘elective surgery’ office.

happy days and appreciate others are in much worse position - my stoma is well behaved even if I continue with weight gain 

nick 

Hi Nick

In 2016 I was on an elective waiting list for back surgery the time scale I was given was the then 16 weeks. As the time approached I got the name and direct telephone number of the surgeons waiting list clerk and phoned her at regular intervals and she was able to tell me how far up the list I was then eventually she phoned me to give me my date for pre op and surgery date.

Might be worth your while going along the same route as above.

Hope this helps and that your date comes along soon.

Regards 

Ian

Sounds a plan thanks  - I’ll make a call to the elective team 

cheers

Nick

I agree. I had to keep nagging my surgeon's PA by email and phone until I eventually got a date.

Good luck Nick!

Cheers 

do you think chasing surgeon’s secretary or the elective surgery department is best?  Maybe both! I know when I last spoke with secretary she said he could do no more...but phoning at least makes it seem something might happen

i tried another private hospital last week - who said it would be best if the original surgeon did the op. Hmmmm

i imagine most hospitals are overflowing with flu and suchlike - so us back of the queue electives can whistle