Hi all
I am awaiting my ileostomy reversal op date (stoma since August) and have just had a phone appointment where I was told that I would have to push fluids? through my stoma twice a day for 4-6 weeks (something about a catheter?!) before I could have my surgery. I'll admit I wasn't listening too clearly but I thought a reversal would be straightforward without any long prep needed.
I just want all this to be done, has anyone experienced this before or have the hopsital made a mistake!?
Hi Kat3 and welcome to the group.
I haven’t had a reversal myself as I have a permanent colostomy, but I have to say I have never read about instructions like these in the group before for those of us who’ve had their stoma reversed.
It sounds like an irrigation procedure, but this is not used with ileostomies. Irrigation is where water is introduced into the stoma to flush out the contents and then wearing a cap over the stoma instead of a bag. This can be a procedure some of us with colostomies use on a regular basis in their stoma management, but I must stress this process is NOT used with ileostomies.
Do you have the number for the person who called you? If so, I would call them to clarify what they meant. If you don’t know who called, then I’d suggest calling your CNS or speaking with your consultant via his/her secretary to confirm that there hasn’t been a misunderstanding here.
You are correct in your thinking that the reversal should be a straightforward procedure, and I’ve not read before ever in the group of anyone needing what you’ve described.
Hopefully you’ll hear from other members in the group who’ve been through the reversal procedure who might be able to set your mind at rest, but do call tomorrow, if you can, to confirm.
Sarah xx
