new ostomy reversal member, looking for your expertise?

Hi, All,

I am so happy to find this site.  I'm hoping to hear from some of you who have already gone through what I'm going through now and who can share some advice with me.  I've just had an ostomy reversal after 15 years.  My doctor warned me my intestines have a lot to remember and that it's been a long time since they have been called upon to do their job so that I need to be patient.  Most of the time I'm fine, but sometimes I worry about the full return of continence.  I want to  be able to go back to work, but 2 weeks after the reversal I still have only 7 seconds to make it to a bathroom once I feel a need to go.  That keeps me from doing anything that takes me more than 7 seconds from a bathroom.  I know it will get better with time, and I know that once I'm able to add fiber foods back into my diet those things will help.  I also know that 2 weeks after surgery is a very short time to be expecting much.  I'm just looking for feedback from others who can give me an idea on how long it will actually be before I can feel safe leaving the house?  What is a realistic timefram for hoping to be normal?  I feel very good after surgery, and feel very blessed for all I have.  I am willing to work hard doing all I need to do to be healthy and to make this a successful surgery, but would feel better hearing from those who have "been there done that."  Thanks for anything you can offer.   

Welcome to the forum! Sorry I don't have experience with your situation but I wanted to 'bump' your question back to the top for you!

Two weeks is a very short time after surgery. It definitely will get better and better. For the first week or so my son had leaks at night and when he had to go...he had to get there pretty quickly. He is now 4 months post surgery and is going really well. He never has accidents and can easily hold things for 30 min or so when he feels the need to go. Most nights he sleeps at least 6 hours straight. gets up once and then goes back to sleep for a few hours. One thing he mentioned was how nice it was when he finally was able to tell the difference between gas and a BM. That took a while and, after he was able, the trips to the bathroom diminished greatly. He says that, at the beginning, a lot of trips to the bathroom only resulted in a fart.

I also don't know how well you are eating yet?....your diet can make a huge difference in frequency. Try to stay away from sugars for a while since they really can make the BMs more watery. Once the stool bulks up you will have a lot more control.

Has your surgeon suggested things like metamucil or imodium yet? Some surgeons, including my son's, want to wait for about 6-8 weeks before starting those but others start their patients earlier. Both can make a very big difference to both frequency and form.

Just try to be patient and relax. I promise it will get better!

Expect improvement in weeks, not days. I imagine at 6 weeks post surgery you will notice a bit of improvement from where you are at today. I also recommend you keep a food diary. Some foods move faster than others and for each of us it's different. Try to eat foods with a longer transit time until you system adjusts. You really do need to practice patience in the first year; but it will get better.

Sue

In the beginning I had 3 bm's during one meal. The second I began chewing I could feel one coming on. I joked I'd be taking my meals in the bathroom from now on, on an old TV tray table. But it got better. I still go a lot but I have more than 7 seconds to get there.

It does get better and more predictable.