Really nervous about reversal

I am a healthy 28 year old male and had a perforation in December during a colonoscopy. Had emergency surgery to remove 6 inches of my intestine and now a temporary ileostomy. Just this week, my GI told me I have diversion colitis...painful cramping and passing lots of mucous. The only GI issue I have is hemorrhoids (aside from the perforation). GI and general surgeon both agreed they think the sooner the better for reversal. It would just be a reconnect through the initial incision under my belly button. I trust them a lot...my surgeon is raved about by so many people.

I've been browsing the internet reading about reversal and possible complications. Now I'm scared as heck! It seems like there are so many people who say theirs failed and so few who say it was successful. I'm supposed to have it the first week in February (7 weeks from original surgery). If I were to have complications, would they appear pretty quickly after surgery, during my hospital stay?

I'm really, really nervous. My fiancee said to stop Googling it, but I can't help it.

Justin

Since you are on a support forum you will see more people with issues. The vast majority are out living their lives and not posting here because they have no need to. I'm not really clear what you had done. You only had a small portion of your colon removed?

Oh yikes...sorry that happened to you. Geez. Six inches isn't all that much so you should be in pretty good shape for a successful reversal. Your colon will still be doing its job. I have no colon at all and I'm doing great! Good luck with the reversal!

Justin342, I'm schedule for 2/5 for my takedown and am scare crapless too. Pun intended! Too much reading... Even with GOOD outcomes, i'm scared of the pain, and recovery and the diaper wearing and accidents... My first surgery was emergent--no time to freak out or be scared. Now there is nothing but a slow build of anxiety.

Justin342 & GrandviewAcres,
Try not to stress to much about having the takedown it is far, far easier than the initial surgery you have both been through. I had a reversal done back in 2010 for a loop ileo and had open surgery. Even so the next day I was up walking around had my own clothes on even managed to wash my hair over the bath. Even I was shocked about how good I felt. The recovery is also a lot, lot, quicker so, please try not to worry to much you will both be just fine xx

Unfortunately I was not a candidate for a jpouch...rare circumstances when they went to create it ...there wasn't enough bowel to make it....so my ileostomy is permanent ....but I googled lots too and it helped me understand completely what was happening...and I'm glad am am well informed so I know what questions need asking

I had my reversal of my temp ileostomy on December 17th. I had 15 inches of my colon removed back in August. My entire left side of my colon is gone. My reversal surgery was successful and didn't have any complications. My issues are my colon trying to re-learn how to work as mine was dormant for about 4 months. I'm still having some issues in that aspect currently but gradually improving day by day. I was only in the hospital 4 days.

I'm not sure how they plan on closing your ostomy, there are various ways it's done. Below is how they did mine.

Right after Surgery:

[img]VIEW IMAGE

What it currently looks like:

[img]VIEW IMAGE

You can ask your surgeon how he plans to close it. The white "knot" you see is a suture they looped all the way around my opening and allowed it to heal from the inside out. The knot was removed last monday. I still have some soreness if I move too much but all seems to have healed well.

Good luck Justin! :)

Good luck Justin! I'm 23 and had my loop ileostomy done a month ago. 5 to go and I should hopefully get a reversal. anyways let us know how it goes

Justin, glad to hear things went ok, sorry for the pain you are going through. I've been following your story and waiting to see how things went, as I am awaiting reversal surgery myself..but no Set date yet.
Here's hoping for a speedy recovery for you!

Well it's now Sunday. Still haven't passed gas or had a bowel movement. I am so hungry because I can't eat until I do. I have been walking but still nothing. I'm getting nervous...

I just passed gas, so I just hopped over the first hurdle. I haven't even told my nurse yet because she's busy and hasn't come in yet. I took everyone's advice and walked every hour on the hour. Walked from my floor to the other areas and back. It hurt like hell, but I did it. Now I'm assuming they have to make sure I can poop? I want to go home, I miss my dog!

Scott, the reversal has been tough. The pain has been worse for me, and I'm still in the beginning stages of it. Of course the pain will go down but I'm nervous about the constant toilet visits. When are you going for yours?

I was so nervous about everything so it's normal
I guess. This forum had helped me immensely so far. Some amazing people on here.

Iv still got a long way to go. Another 5 months before the doc will decide if reversal is possible. But this ileostomy has been a lifesaver iv gained 20 pounds in the month iv had it so everyone is against me getting a reversal, since they're afraid I'll get sick again or have troubles getting to a bathroom. Good luck with the poopin