Reversal operation (i.e. to remove stoma bag)

Hi . I would be guided by the medical team on this. As you may remember the bowel does not like being manhandled and may go to sleep again. After my reversal I had totally liquid stools and would not have thanked anyone for a laxative!  

You might find this post useful too

https://community.macmillan.org.uk/cancer_experiences/ileostomy-and-colostomy-discussions-forum/f/ileostomy_and_colostomy_discussions-forum/188680/part-2---the-faqs-of-having-a-stoma-reversal

Take care

Karen x

Glad I asked!  Thanks for that.

That’s wonderful news.
Congratulations 

Good Luck.

I’ve heard it’s a quite small operation so you should be able to enjoy the new year and look forward to 2022. 
Sorry I’ve not had the experience to advice but just wanted to wish you well 

 I went in for my reversal mid July 2021 which was a simpler op… about an hour & half.  Was in hospital for nearly 2 weeks though, as it took nearly a week for the bowel to start working. Those 2 weeks were not great. Little or no warning that things were coming out, was just liquid & felt a bit like passing razor blades. Would advise using a good barrier cream & I sometimes used germolene as well, helped sooth the area. Gradually over about 6 weeks things started to settle down. I took Fybogel during this time to help things along but have now stopped that as output was too loose. Currently I’m pain free, can eat what I like( within reason, not went down the curry root yet) & I’m getting about.. first 6-8 weeks I couldn’t really leave the house & if I did had to wear incontenance pants. My output is a bit irregular & quite liquid most of the time, though I think that’s quite common. I got off the pain killers as soon as I could… within a week or so as the reversal op was more straight forward. One thing you’ll need to get used to is the wind which again I think is common. Go easy on the diet to start with & gradually introduce different foods. Try not to restrict what you eat as you want the bowel to be able to cope as normally as possible. If something disagrees with you, stop it for a while but gradually reintroduce it. Keep plodding away & hopefully things will settle into your new norm. 

Hi Dpondulik  Good news  for you Everone has a different story about the reversal operation . As for the toilet  it all depends on how long you had your Stoma remember that have to get use to going  When you have go Go Your Bowel is shorter and things come out quicker  , l Think about it .

It takes  a long time to get used to it   My busy time is the morning and going up n down the stairs  ( It's the left right movement). You will find your new normal ,won't be the same as before you had your Stoma operation.

Go easy on the food for the moment  Stay away from salads  Hard to digest .White meat  A little bit often before you know it you have be eating better than before  and you will find your no go food 

As for pain relief of your given something that doesn't work for you ask for a stronger type.You should be able to phone your contact Nurses mine were excellent and they got them for me through my GP  Don't buy them or anything that's their job .

I hope this helps .Ask me about anything 

Ps I had my reversal in March this year and everything is going great. Alaine...thanks to our NHS. .xx

That's encouraging. Thanks.

Many thanks for that full explanation. Not looking forward then, to first few weeks but it'll be worth it.

Oh you will  It's amazing how we adapt.When you think of what our bodies have gone through .My Consultant told me most people think that they open up for the operation and everything is sitting waiting for it to be reversed  forgetting all the layers ,muscles to go through .Hence the back pain 

Remember that you now have to do the hard work again   easy on your self.xAlaine

Hi! I can't help re painkilkers but I am 2 months out of my reversal so let me know if and when you need any support or info!

Hi Chocoblanc you are just a few weeks ahead of my hubby and his reversal. Can I ask please did you or do you have any problems with wind. and if so how do you manage it to help resolve the problem. Thanks