Stoma reversal timescale - advice please

Net77. Yes he’s lovely isn’t he? It’s a bit tricky at the moment isn’t it as it’s not classed as urgent surgery? If it helps I had my reversal nearly 16 months after my op. I attended a Moving on from Cancer course and a lady who was there accompanying a friend had had hers reversed after 5 years! Both NHS and Bowel Cancer UK site say it can be done several years after but I can appreciate that you’re worried that the longer it is the harder it might be to regain bowel control

https://bowelcancerorguk.s3.amazonaws.com/Publications/StomaReversal_BowelCancerUK.pdf

Perhaps you could give the nurses on here a ring for a bit of advice? They’re available 7 days a week from 8-8 on 0808 808 00 00

Take care

Karen x

Hi Nett77

I'm in a similar position as you. My surgeon originally before my LAR said within six months however covid and the cancellations of major ops has put us right back. 
I saw my surgeon two weeks ago and I’ve found him to be very direct, he said that he’d cancelled two operations that day as Omicron had caused theatre staff shortages and that my operation wasn’t top priority. 
So I’m planning trips and a break from thinking about it.

I am expecting to have a tricky time if I have a reversal so I want to enjoy now and forget tomorrow. 

Thank you Karen for taking the time to reply and share your experience.

I agree it’s not classed as urgent surgery and quite right that hospitals are prioritising urgent procedures, especially after I was one of those urgent cases last year, which I’ll be eternally grateful for.

I guess I wouldn’t be too concerned about the delay under normal circumstances as I’d put up with a tricky time after the reversal for as long as it took - I’m assuming a tricky time anyway for up to a year. My biggest concern is that my daughter is getting married in around a year and I’d like to have reasonable bowel control back by then and the longer it takes between now and the reversal operation the less time I’ll have.

I rang the Macmillan nurse this afternoon and we had a good chat about it and that was very helpful, thank yo for suggesting that. I’ll contact the hospital tomorrow and see what information I can get, then decide what to do from there.

Many thanks again for your help & suggestions.
Best wishes,
Net77

Thank you Artsie Ann for taking the time to reply.

As I’ve said to Karen, under normaI circumstances I wouldn’t be too concerned about the delay, like you I expect a tricky time after the reversal and be prepared to put up with it for as long as it took, within reason anyway. My biggest concern is that my daughter is getting married in around a year and I’d like to have reasonable bowel control back by then and the longer it takes between now and the reversal operation the less time I’ll have.

I’ve spoken to one of the Macmillan nurses today and will ring the hospital tomorrow and see if I can get any further information.

Many thanks again for your input and I hope you get a date for your reversal soon, do keep me posted.
Best wishes,
Net77

Nett77

Thanks for your reply.
You definitely need to be squeezed in. Hopefully they’ll be able to put you on the top of the reversals. You have a very good reason as you will need time to adjust and  to train your bowel. 
Good luck. I hope  that they can give you a date 

An update.

I contacted the hospital yesterday and to cut a very long story short it appears I’ve been ‘accidently’ missed of the waiting list for a reversal. I should have gone onto the list after the fluoroscopy (in October) showed the bowel join to be OK. I’m confused to say the least as the surgeon told me in October to chase them if I hadn’t heard anything in 2 months. I chased them in December and I was told the reversal wouldn’t be before Christmas and probably not before February so why or how it wasn’t picked up then I don’t know.

The surgeon’s secretary is going to request I be put on the list and says she is going to try and schedule me for March but can’t guarantee (which I understand). I’ve put my concerns in writing to them today (not as a complaint) but to ensure they check I’m scheduled for the operation.

So, to all you lovely people out there who think they are on the list for a reversal it might be worth checking your name has actually made it onto the list, otherwise you might be waiting indefinitely.

Thanks again Artsie Ann & Karen for your replies.

Karen (I've just read on another thread) fantastic news you've had the 5 year all clear!
Best Wishes
Net77x

Hi Nett77

Thats really good news. I hope you are on the top of their list and get a call 

I know that the Omicron has caused terrible staffing problems in hospitals so now that it seems to be slowing down they’ll be able to fit you in around their bigger ops. 
Good luck 

Net77. Well it’s a good job you checked isn’t it?! Hopefully they’ll be able to fit you in quickly - as Ann says it’s quite a small operation that they can fit in inbetween the bigger ones.

Thankyou for your congratulations - yes 5 years - the prosecco had been chilling while I waited for the results! Hopefully having left hip replaced in March so we can recover together  x

Hi Artsie Ann & Kareno62,

I have a date of 9th March for my reversal  (the apprehension is kicking in now), they have been true to their word for early March.  I'm posting on a new thread looking for any advice re anything to expect which I might not have considered.

Hope you're both doing well. Any news re your hip replacement Karen?

Best Wishes

Net77

Hi Net77 That’s great news and Ive replied on the other thread. I’m having my operation on 7/3. Fed up with not being able to get out and about in this lovely weather and having constant pain. At the minute I feel like ‘bring it on’ although I’m sure nerves will kick in nearer the time. We shall be able to recuperate together!

Take care

Karen x