Stoma reversal

FormerMember over 3 years ago

3 replies
113 subscribers
792 views

I have had robot assisted op to remove a tumour from my rectum. The op went well and I am recovering very well

I saw my consultant and agreed to the reversal of my ileostomy only because without the reversal can't have colonoscopy and early signs of recurrence might be missed.

I'm quite comfortable with my stoma and tbh not looking forward to the reversal as told it can take 1 to 2 years before normal function.

I would be very interested in others experience of reversal and am particularly concerned about inconvenience being a problem.

Thanks in advance

FormerMember over 3 years ago

Sorry that should read incontinence

Kareno62 over 3 years ago

Hi . I thought it was possible to have a colonoscopy through a stoma - some people have APR where the anus is sewn up and they have a permanent stoma and still have colonoscopies? I’ve attached a link to a post from a couple of days ago asking about reversal experience

https://community.macmillan.org.uk/cancer_types/bowel-colon-rectum-cancer-forum/f/new-here-say-hello/221651/ileostomy-reversal

Yes it can take quite a while to settle down. I found doing the sphincter exercises to help as I could hold things in when the urge came although I did have to stop what I was doing in the early days! I was told my bowel habits would never go back to normal but I would get used to a new normal. I’ve maybe had a couple of accidents in the 3 years since my reversal but not major ones and I certainly wouldn’t describe it as incontinence.
If you type reversal in the search box at the top of the page it will bring up lots of previous posts

Take care

Karen x

ps. www.colostomyuk.org/.../Colonoscopy-through-the-stoma.pdf

Macmillan Support Line - 0808 808 00 00, 7 days a week between 8am-8pm

FormerMember over 3 years ago in reply to Kareno62

Hi thanks Karen

I think the difference may be that I have an ileostomy. My friend who has a colostomy has been told that she will have colonoscopy through her stoma but I was told that for me not an option.

I will look at the search you suggested and I thank you again for your reassuring reply