Positive Thoughts on Ileostomy Reversal

Hi Y'all! I had my ileostomy reversal done on March 9th and just thought I would write some encouraging words for anyone else facing the same.  I was only in hospital three days and had very little pain.  I appreciate that I have been extremely lucky.  Once I got home I had no problem at all with diarrhea, butt burn, etc......my problem was actually the opposite...constipation.  Once I got things moving it was fine and has been ever since.  I just have to be careful not to let myself get constipated.  For this I use ground flax seed daily and prune juice when I feel I need it.  Other than that things are so GREAT!!  I just wanted to post the experience I had with it so that it hopefully may encourage others facing reversal in the near future.  I am so happy I had it done and full of gratitude for each day.  I feel great and very very blessed!!~~~Cheryl 

I had my reversal on April 13th. I spent 8 days in the hospital. My doctor took it very slowly with me, because of all the problems I had that caused me to have an ileostomy to begin with. I had bowel perforation, with over a liter of pus in my abdomen, at the time of the original surgery. My pain was controlled with an occaisional shot, after the first few days. I recommend if you take anything to the hospital to read, make sure it's light reading. Not something heavy duty. Take a universal remote control for the TV, and the instructions for it. <G> don't plan on sleeping a lot in the hospital. OH and take your cell phone. Dont forget comfortable slippers for when you're up walking, with a non skid sole on them. Don't worry about pajama's or anything like that, while you're there. The liklihood of  you needing anything like that, is slim and none.

I actually have several bm a day.  Usually about 4, but they are not terribly urgent and I can hold until I am near a washroom, so it's not bad at all~~~Cheryl

You're not being nosy at all...this is the place to ask questions, so feel free to ask away!!  Yes I have most of my colon left.  Just a small piece had to be removed due to the mesh erosion~~~ Cheryl

Hi Cheryl, Thanx for that, i'm seeing my surgeon later today and hopefully he will give me a date for the reversal really hoping my resections have healed enough to get it done ASAP!! Bev x 

i am so happy to hear that. I am so excited to get it reversed even though it is like 2 months away. I really hope I don't have any complications. My concern is that I have been steadily dropping the pounds since I got home. I weight what I did at worst colitis flare. Today I am getting light headed so I am taking is slow.

:)