Ileostomy reversal questions!

Hi Jools63

I had my reversal  at the beginning of August last year, I too read lots of info and googled as much as I could, however you will keep hearing things like "everyones different" etc , this is very true.

I received a phone call from my colo-rectal nurse, approx 7 days before my op. I had an illeostomy and had a bag for 17 months prior to my op. I had virtually no pain after the operation and started to feel like going to the toilet again approx 2 days later.I only eat mainly soup and ice cream for the first few days whilst in hospital so that is wasn't a shock to my system.

Recovery went really well and got discharged after 4 days in hospital.

What they don't tell you in hospital is that your wound , especially after having metal staples put in , is that you might end up like me and that was one night approx 2 days after coming home I was bendind down to stroke my little dog when all of a sudden my tea shirt was absolutley soaked in liquid which was coming from a tiny hole made by one of the staples on my wound on my abdomen.

I was completley freaked out by this , but apparantley it is a normal event which might or might not happen.Just wished someone had made me aware of it, thats all.

Went to the district nurse regularly for dressing changes for about a week and they kept their eye on it, it somehow just healed its self.

I now have much smaller meals, which help with the digestion and now I'm 5 months post op and feel more or less fine.

Just remember one thing , people do heal differently and I'm sure you too will be just fine and then its your turn to tell others about your op .

GOOD LUCK FOR THE FUTURE

Hi dylanbasil 

Thank you so much for your response! I was wondering whether or not to agree to the reversal, or postpone it. I healed really quickly from my major surgery, so remain hopeful that  it will be the case next time. I live in a village in the middle of nowhere, so not sure how I’d get dressings changed if needed, as I won’t be able to drive. You’ve really helped to make me more optimist again that it’ll all be okay. Thanks a million!

Hi Jools63. Yes I think I had a phone call and about a weeks notice. My surgeon describes a reversal as a ‘nice little op to do inbetween the biggies’. My wound was sewn up with almost a drawstring effect - surgeon calls it a cats bum effect as it creates a sort of puckering effect and I had no problem with it. I was given a handful of dressings on discharge and told to change it every couple of days. 

Have you seen the post that Ian aka did about reversals? Hopefully I’ve linked it in below

https://community.macmillan.org.uk/cancer_experiences/ileostomy_and_colostomy_discussions/f/ileostomy_and_colostomy_discussions-forum/188680/part-2---the-faqs-of-having-a-stoma-reversal

Hope everything goes well - things can take a while to settle down but I’ve no regrets

Take care

Karen x

Thanks Karen. I was a bit worried about how long things could take to settle down, but if you say you have no regrets, then I’ll try and stay hopeful. Really pleased that you responded to my post. Ihink I did see Ian’s post about reversals, but found the format a bit difficult to follow! I’ll have another look when I get some sleep.

Hi Jools63, I had my reversal at the end of August last year. My surgeon did a ‘purse string’ suture. I was in hospital for 6 days as my bowel stubbornly refused to start working  but 2 - 3 days is the norm. I actually found it extremely sore for a couple of weeks but it was manageable with paracetamol. I drove after about three weeks. I changed the dressing myself & had a weekly check up with my stoma nurse for the first few weeks. I stuck to plain, low fibre food at first but gradually reintroduced fibre & by the middle of October I was eating pretty much anything, with one or two normal loo visits daily. I do know that I am fortunate though, as others have more problems getting their bowel to settle. A lot depends on how much if your rectum you have & your bowel habits pre surgery. God luck, get in touch if you need more help. x

My mum had reversal 6 weeks ago and is struggling with digestion and acid/feeling of food sitting in tummy/ bloating. We are trying a day of very small portion meals to see if things settle, but how can you get the weight back on? I think 6 weeks is still very early days.....did it take you a full 5 months to feel better? 

Hi Jersey Lily

It was lovely to get your response. I’m really pleased that you seem to be getting on so well. I was lucky after my surgery last time, so hope I can be again! I feel a lot more hopeful after readingour post. I got a letter from my surgeon this morning assuring me that I will have my reversal as planned, which should be in a couple of weeks time. I must admit I’m worried that my bowels won’t pl ball! I hope you continue to do well. Thank you for sharing!