I was told my ileostomy reversal was programmed for approx end of Jan/early Feb '24, 8 months since the LAR op last June. I called the CAT 3 team yesterday as I hadn't heard and now they are saying 'maybe' April '24. I am keen to get it reversed ( yes I've read up about LARS syndrome!) and have had the pre op assessment and prep phone calls. I'm listed as urgent due to hernia and will accept short notice in case of a patient cancellation. I am fearing I will get to April and they will say June/July maybe.
I appreciate that the op is low priority and am eternally grateful that my cancer was killed off with Chemo/radio and site of tumour removed in speedy fashion last summer. But it's not having a date and hanging around in limbo waiting is taxing mentally. I feel bad to feel this way after the amazing way I was treated last spring/summer. I just feel I can't move on with things I want to do, no mojo!!
Am I wrong to feel this way, should I look to go private? Has anyone got any advice on this please.
Hi Richard21
I’m sorry I’m not able to help with advice as I have a permanent colostomy so reversal is not something I can ever have, but I appreciate it must be tough waiting with no date, especially when your pre op assessment has been done. At my hospital, I’ve had to have a pre op assessment redone when my surgery was more than 12 weeks after the pre op had taken place.
I’ll tag in my friend Ann Artsie as she had her reversal done a year after her original surgery so she might have some more thoughts.
Sarah xx
Thanks Sarah
Hi Richard21
No you’re not wrong to feel the way you do it’s the uncertainty of it all can really make you feel in limbo
I was told three months but would be six then a year
At thirteen months I wasn’t sure I wanted to get reversed I just wanted to book holidays and plan my future
So I can really feel for you
I went in at six thirty in the morning and was kept until 4.30 pm I didn’t think it was going to happen I nearly did a runner
I have to admit I was a Drama Queen But I’d had enough I was so stressed and was convinced they were going to send me home with Whoopi (stoma)
After all of the stress it was worth it
Im keeping everything crossed for you keep chatting if it helps
Ann
Ann
