What to expect post stoma reversal.

Hi 

This all sounds very familiar your insides  will take a while to settle my consultant suggested when you go to the loo to sit there for a bit rather than be going in again very quickly your capacity is reduced in the short term but further up your bowel will soon start to stretch out a bit have plenty to drink keep mobile and keep meals simple and smaller to start with and don't eat too late in the evening - another really helpful tip was to use a hair dryer to dry yourself as all the wiping makes you sore.

Hugs to you 

Sarah xxx

Hello I am new to this. Last summer I had an occurrence of a twisted bowel. It was untwisted at the local

Hospital and I was told that the likelihood of it was reoccurring was slight.  I was booked in for an operation

In 6 weeks. However it happened again and now it was an emergency . It had bursed and things were not

Good. My wife had cancer and the thought of leaving her meant I refused the ambulance.  However in the morning I had to call the G.P. And in the Hospital I went.   Recovery was long and hard.  My wife regrettably passed away before Christmas.

    I am now waiting for the reversal and welcome reading the comments of all the subscribers.  You really don’t get much information from the doctors...

Once again many thanks for everyone’s contributions.

Hi Raypark

So sorry to hear about your wife's passing, it must have been an awful year for you, but glad to hear that the board has been of some support.

There is also a section called 'colostomy, illeostomy and stoma support' if you've not seen it which might also be of some help.

I've had my illeostomy since the end of November 2016 and I'm due to have a reversal very soon - in fact my pre-op assessment is tomorrow!

Take care

Karen x

Hi Karen

All the very best with your future operation ,I’m sure it will be a complete success.

Ray x

Hi Karen and Ray,

All the best for the upcoming reversals. 

Be strong and patience. You will experience the abnormal bowel temperaments. Do not worry. I am sure you will recover and overcome. 

I had my reversal a month ago and I am doing well, albeit the bowel temperaments.

Just remember, you are not alone. 

Think positive. 

Luv..

Hi. Thanks for your reply. I just want the reversal as soon as possible.  Yesterday I had a Colonoscopy and 

Everything was fine although I must say the taking of the laxative was not something I would like to do 

Very often. 

How long did your recovery take after your operation ?

I think I am a bit apprehensive because of the emergency operation I went through with the twisted-

Burst colon.

Ray x

Hi Ray,

“Recovery” of a reversal is very subjective, if you allow me to put it that way. 

Generally the surgical wound is not really an issue. A bit of pain is natural but you will have painkillers prescription. Sneezing may give you quite pain. 

I was on IV drip for about two days after surgery. Which basically means I don’t have stool during that period. Just urination only. 

After that I was put on soft diet. This is when the real recovery part comes. You will experience very erratic behavior of your bowel/anus. For me, I was going in and out of the toilet god knows how many times. However, please be patient. Do not be embarrassed. It’s perfectly normal. I’m now into second month after my reversal and going in toilet averaging 6 to 8 times a day. I would say I am positive and satisfied with this progress. I guess different person may experience differently. 

Stay positive! You are not alone!

Luv.

I see it has been some time from post to post.  I am new to the back to normal club.....May 29th was the day that I had my surgery.  Still on the toilet every hour or every 30 minutes.  Hope that the stitches are ok and I a not leaking internal and that all this going is good.  I am going to Google the diet that everyone is talking about and give it a try.  I think I am good!!  Pain yes, sore butt hole is the worst.  Walking!  Dropping weight...well I guess that is normal?  Any hints on that?

I feel like I am a survivor and wishing all well in health.

Diagnosed with colorectal cancer in sigmoid and upper rectum.  April 2017 stage 3

Radiation 28 days 

Surgery, November 17th 2017 removal of sigmoid and upper rectum Doctor said she got it all but not declared cancer free for 5 years after all is said and done. with blood test on regular basis.

chemo six treatments. and finally reversal.  

I experienced the sneeze and cough pain....ugh I am afraid that I tore something!

Karen,

How did the pre-op assessment go?