What to expect post stoma reversal.

Hi everyone, I haven’t posted for quite some time. I’m now almost 1 year post reversal and am happy to say things do eventually settle down. My surgeon said things can improve for up to 2 years post-op however if I don’t experience any further improvement I can live with what I’ve got. The only problems I have now are when I have very spicy food. Usually I try to avoid it but every now and then I throw caution to the wind and have a curry or chillie. You never know one day I might be able to take it until then I’ll just suffer because I would hate never to enjoy these foods again. 

Best wishes to all who are following this.

Kazza

Thanks for the positive report Kazza- as someone waiting for the reversal it is good to know that things can improve!

Hi

Saw my surgeon yesterday who has put me on his reversal list for August or September  - hurray (10 month’s after original ileostomy).  

Good stuff in this site re the reversal op activities

I gather he will be using porcine skin mesh to cover and seal the site where stoma emerges!  

Interested in any experience of this - which apparently reduces hernia risk  - but pricey at c£4K I gather 

Cheers - just waiting....

Nicholas k 

Hi I am also coming up for a year now post my reversal(10mths) my surgeon too said I would gradually improve over the next 18mths. He was right I would say I have about 90%control of my bowels now as apposed to 55% post op. life is good I went back at work at 3mths post and it gets better each month. Like Kazza I too have problems with certain foods, you will learn which foods to go easy with. I eat and drink what ever I like but adjust the amount depending on.. If I'm at home near the loo or out with friends.My iliostomy site healed within 8wks from the inside up.

Hope this helps.

All the best

I have my reversal scheduled for mid september.. after reading this tbread I thibk i may cancel it and stick eoth my stoma :/ 

Hi Willow

I didn't need a stoma, but I do feel you should have a talk with your Cancer Specialist Nurse or Key Worker before you make a final decision.  They might be able to arrange for your consultant to phone you to discuss your concerns.   Everyone is different and outcomes are different too, 

Take care

Vickizlynne

Hi Willow

it amazing how you get used to a stoma bag and I almost kept mine but believe me I'm so glad I had the reversal life is so much better without a bag. Do have a chat with your stoma nurse they will be there to support you whatever your decision.

love Sarah x

Hi KazzaB

I had my reversal 4 weeks ago and I must admit the first few days were not good and I lived on the loo.

I started to play around with Loperamide trying to get what was right for me and found that I was constipated and having fragmented poos!

I went to Sainsburys and brought some Fibrogyl to see if that helps and blimey what a godsend as my bowel movements are now more controllable.

I have since tried drinking beer to see the effects and lucky me id doesn`t  it seems not to upset me.

I had rectal cancer and had all my rectum removed September 2017 and was diagnosed stage one which was lucky for me.

I went to the gym whilst waiting for my reversal to strengthen up my pelvic muscles which I believe has helped big time.

So for it`s Happy days and exercise and messing about with Loperamide and Fybogyl has been been my saviour!

Hope this has help Rich. 

Hi Willow,

 I am a little surprised you made your decision just by reading this thread. I am not an expert but based on the fact that you had an appointment for a reversal means that your doctor thinks that you have a choice. I had my reversal done seven months ago. I am still adjusting my lifestyle. Frequent toilet visits, incontinence, etc... But I think it is still worth it. 

Luv, Frankie. 

Hi Sarah!

My Dad really wants to have his stoma reversed but I am so worried that he might live in the restroom all his life. How long have you been off the bag?

Hampsbarbs