Hi Folks
I had my ileostomy in June and, at that time, the surgeon reckoned that there was only a 50/50 chance of reversal (I'm not sure why other than my tumour was very low down in the rectum).
Anyhow, I've carried on with the stoma with the view that it might not be reversed so I really needed to get to terms with it and learn to live with it. It definitely hasn't been easy but I think I turned a corner about 6-8 weeks ago when I finally got a stoma bag which didn't leak so felt a lot more confident about things. Anxiety levels really improved too which was a real bonus as I've had days where it was crippling. So, things have been jogging along nicely until I had my follow up appointment with the surgeon recently. I went in somehow expecting him to say that the reversal wouldn't happen (subconsciously, that would have saved me making a major decision, phew!) but, no, apparently a reversal is possible. Before I knew where I was, and feeling that I'd hardly had time to think about it, I'd signed the consent form. I did ask how successful he thought it would be, what would be the likely outcome etc but the answers were very short and fast. Basically he said that initially I'd likely be running to the loo around 20 times a day and, if I was lucky, it would reduce to around 5 times a day. In his words it was "time to get my life back".
Pre-op assessment is next week and I've still to get the x-ray to check the join in my bowel but it all seems to be moving very fast. I know from this forum, and others, that most folk do have problems after the operation but that things settle down. What happens if it doesn't and has anyone regretted having the op? My real concern is that, having come to terms and feeling settled with the stoma, I might be left in a worse situation. I know that I'm very lucky to be offered the chance of a reversal but worry that I'll make the wrong decision (and the anxiety levels are rising again).
Any words of wisdom would be hugely appreciated.
I was so lucky that my Consultant was the top man right from the start .What he said his team did . He even did the surgery .Unfortunately they have so many people to see and save . You have to get 
know them as I was in for a month it makes it easier for you to talk to I saw him every day He even phoned my husband to keep him updated. .Alaine
Hi BlueBlue
I am in your position though I have longer to wait for my preop. My consult was 5th Jan and he was really detailed and supportive As my blue dye test showed the join looked good there is gas near so I need an EAU and they’ve decided that whilst under GA if the joins good they’ll reverse me if not I’ll wake up with Whoopi I’m a candidate for LARS so I will have support from them then the gastric clinic Then I asked if it was unbearable could I have a colostomy He said yes.
He did say that I didn’t have to be reversed.
I’ve decided to try.
Ann
hi BlueBlue
I think that’s the best way to think of it. I’m think I am same. They told me that I’m on a very long list and others would be priority. I totally agree with that.
I think we should enjoy our Spring and Summer this year. I intend to have trips away and just enjoy my garden.
Us both having Cancer treatment and the panic that can cause this next step isn’t really a worry. It can wait.
Ann
