control after reversal op

Hi kath3345, sorry to hear of your problems. I had my ileostomy reversed 15 months ago and it took a bit of time to settle down, but can I ask when you had the reversal and what sort of problems are you having, is it urgency, lack of control or what? Was your op one that left you with little rectum such as a LAR?

When I had mine initially I had the urge to go very often and produced small bits. I found that it helped to try to hold on as long as I could before going and then sitting and waiting for a while as otherwise as soon as I stood up I wanted to sit down again! Gradually things bulked up and I am down to twice a day. That is until I eat something that affects me, so diet is important and you just have to find out what you can eat. If necessary I controlled the output with loperamide.

It will take time but you will get there.  All the best, John

Hi John Thank you for your reply It's about 20 months since I had my reversal but it was about a year after my cancer op I believe it is best to get the reversal in the first 6 months My reversal op was cancelled 3 times I seem to have the full gambit of problems ranging from urgency to very fluid  I find that I cannot eat veg as it goes straight through and I love home made soup so that's off the menu Fruit also so I am taking vitamin pills I have had a hip replacement as well and find I cannot take painkillers Some make me constipated and others diarrhea If I am going out I have to make sure that I eat mostly carbohydrates for a couple of days before so there are no mishaps Just as I think I'm getting there it all goes wrong again 

thank you   Kath

Hi Kath, my reversal was held up by Covid as well and I had to wait a year for it. One thing that a chemist friend suggested I took was a probiotic which I still take daily. otherwise I do much as I said before. For the urgency I certainly tried to hold on as long as possible, without risking an accident! Certain foods will affect me still and if I think I might have a problem such as being out for the day I might take loperamide as insurance.

I have seen other posts suggesting products that help bulk up the output, though I haven't tried them myself, and hopefully you will get some more suggestions from the group. 

All the best, John

Hi cath 3345

Sorry to hear about your problems also everyone else's, 

I have just had my bowel cancer op beginning of Nov this year  and stoma fitted,  I'm already hoping I can get my reversal ASAP,   but listening to everyone it seems not as straight forward,

At the moment I have to rush to the toilet for a bowel moment but it is the liquid that surrounds the poo that comes out,  there is no warning it just comes away like you have a dose of the runs so in my handbag I carry wipes extra underwear and trousers it is a total ordeal if I don't make the toilet in time,

I hope all probs with yourselves settle soon and you all have a peaceful and happy new year 

Hi I can't understand why you have a stoma and bowel movements When I had my stoma everything went into the bag Have I just misunderstood? You're right When you get your reversal you think everything is going to be normal You just have to find what works for you and it's not always easy Happy and healthy New Year to you 

Why do you have to rush to the toilet when you have a stoma? Is it just me but I dont understand.

All the best anyway and hope you manage to sort it.