Illeostomy reversal

FormerMember over 5 years ago

1 reply
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Had my big op in April. Fitted with a temporary illeostomy bag.

was told it would be reversed in 3 months. No such luck. It is now the end of Oct. the 18weeks target date is all most up and I am no further forward. I know in the big scheme of things I am no longer a priority but the waiting and not knowing if or when, is frustrating. I am told my surgeon has been off sick for 3 weeks with no date yet for return. Management are to have a meeting, don’t know when, to decide if other surgeons can take over his lists or to employ a Locum. Anyone else encountered this problem. Is there anything I can do to move things along a bit.

many thanks Pam

FormerMember over 5 years ago

Hi Pam

I assume that you have had the barium enema which checks that there are not any leaks from the join? Obviously you don't want to have it any longer than you need to. I had mine for nine months because I needed adjuvent chemo before I could be reversed. My surgeon was a bit backed up and I agreed to accept any surgeon from the colorectal group and to accept cancellations. The guy who did my reversal was fabulous and I had no regrets. Can you talk to either your surgeons secretary or the colorectal nurse and tell them you can be flexible with either the surgeon/short notice ops or both? Otherwise I don't have anything else to suggest. As you said they tend to prioritise the urgent ops first understandably.

Good luck with it all

Nicky