As most know here I had a LAR August last year and before the op I was told two to three months however with the Covid situation it would be six
I had the blue dye test January that showed I would need an EAU to check that all was clear for a reversal. I was also told at my follow up that they thought that whilst under a GA if all was clear they would reverse me.
I thought that makes perfect sense as why have two lots of GA but it would mean I wouldn’t know before going in if I was able to be reversed. So I was told I would need a pre op
That was January
Previously my surgeon had said that reversals are best at two months and a maximum of six. Twelve months was not so successful
So here I am a couple of weeks away from the year and all my diary dates that were planned have been deleted. There’s not going to be a colonoscopy August because I haven’t been reversed. I’m waiting for a CT scan appointment and my CEA levels are due August
I am in a state of limbo really
How long did others wait before having a reversal and if over twelve months was it really difficult to gain bowel control?
Im seriously thinking of not bothering and booking a holiday!
Hi Kath
Thanks for the message.
Well it’s been unbelievable, the improvement is vast. Though I am frightened to say such a positive thing.
The first few days were horrific and because I was so spaced out and dehydrated I only had liquid entering the body so obviously that’s all that came out. Once I started to put some stodgy beige food in that’s what I produced. Funny really I didn’t realise that before I had the reversal. Bit dense really probably the medics think that I would realise before the reversal but I didn’t.
Since then I am still cautiously optimistic!
I have a hole were Whoopi was, she’s left her mark. It’s being dressed and filled ( they don’t pack it now they fill it with gel) every other day so I’m hopeful that I repair from the inside out.
How are you ?
Hopefully you have some sunshine today. It’s bright here. I always feel more positive when surrounded a blue sky
xx
Ann
Hi Ann-so glad to read how much you are improving-sounds like things are so much better now for you. Blue skies here in Nottinghamshire but the wind is sharp-a real chill in the air now, but appreciate seeing the sun!
Sarah xx
That’s a good decision Cloe
I was maybe chemo after but it wasn’t needed. I was a little confused as to whether I would or would not. One minute it was yes then it was no I wanted to see my grandchildren in Ireland. As it turned out I didn’t need it and I couldn’t go to Ireland because of Covid.
I think I would have gone for it. I’m one of those no regrets chuck everything you can at it.
My reversal offer came as a surprise I was set to keep Whoopi but there you go I had to try and my goodness I’m three weeks on and it’s becoming such a good choice. I am doing far better than I thought.
You go for it. Don’t worry about a reversal they’re not emergency and they’re bottom of their lists. I got a cancellation as he’d examined me the week prior so he must if known I was good to go
Mine was thirteen months after my LAR. I’m not on any meds and managing my BMs with diet though it was really challenging for the first two weeks
Hope that chemo is bearable there’s masses of advice here
Have a good day x
Ann
Hi Luddy
You sound fed up with it and I can understand how you feel. I found the reversal is a very different experience to the LAR I had August last year. That was positive to get rid of the cancer. The reversal was definitely maybe maybe not. The cancellation policy they use in Bristol isn’t actually a cancellation it was a squeeze in maybe if there’s a bed or if there’s a theatre. So my stress levels were on a different level and part of me wanted to run and keep Whoopi (my stoma) however the calmer side told me to wait which I did and they squeezed me in at the end of the day.
Why do you feel like a prisoner in your own home.?
Is there an issue with your stoma as they may get you put up higher on their list.
Its strange because the reversal is not classed as an emergency so I think we tend to feel in limbo and it’s difficult to plan anything. I was going to Spain right up to getting in for my op. It was about a two week notice.
Maybe ring them regularly explaining about your mental health.
I pulled my home life card out when I talked to my nurse so maybe that helped.
take care
Ann
I phoned my nurse before booking Spain and was told 18months I said that as my husband had Parkinson’s I wasn’t sure that I would be able to wait until then as I am his carer.
I had thought that I needed him fit which he is for me to be BM training. So maybe my circumstances got me in. They also said that I’d had an EUA so I didn’t need a pre op. They called me in for another one anyway
I had my op Aug 4th 21. Reversed Sep. 2nd 22
Ann
