Reverse or not to reverse a Colostomy

What was the reason for your ostomy? Is it a colostomy or an ileostomy?

If i had a colostomy i would definitely have it reversed :)

I would think the result of a colostomy reversal would be way better than reversing an ileostomy but to be honest, i don't know much about it so i could be wrong!

The surgeon says that it is no big deal. What I read on forums says differently. Extended hospital stays, extended recovery time, and diarrhea issues. Possible leakage post-surgery. Maybe the surgeon just needs a car payment, but the odds don't seem that great at my age. [74]
TF

I agree with Marianne, if you're feeling good and you're comfortable with the way things are now, you may want to leave it alone. I know it's not easy to recover from these types of surgeries at a younger age, but in the 70s, it's probably a longer and harder recovery. Then again, you have a lot of life ahead of you, if you want to do it, now is better than waiting and wishing you had done it sooner. It's a tough decision and sometimes it feels like you're rolling the dice and you wonder whether the dr has your best interests at hand or if they are just trying to sell you something but in reality, we have to hope that they have your interests at hand. Doctors don't want miserable patients and they certainly don't want to put you at risk. I hope you get some better advice. I was thinking like Marianne earlier, with a rectum and part of you colon, you could probably come out with almost 100% normal BMs. without a colon and rectum, things are defintiely up in the air. When you research, you have to look at people who are having the same thing, not people with j-pouches (which are probably more varied results in regard to QOL afterwards).

I don't have any other digestive problems. They said it was because of a perforated colon. I think it's possible from over-exertion, they said it was diverticulitis. The physical healing is slow, probably because of age. It's the recovery, the potential for complications as well as the potential recovery time that concerns me most. The problems with getting everything working again (read bowels et al)

I can't tell all of the responders how much I appreciate your input.

TF

Good afternoon,

I had a colostomy reversal in 2000 and I had no issues at all, I was back at work within a couple of weeks and don't recall any problems with rushes to the loo, etc.  Back to the present, I had an ileostomy reversal in March and it knocked me for six.  Perhaps the extra few years made recovery harder (although I'm only 47 now). I was also unlucky in having a lot of rectal bleeding this time, so much so I had to have a transfusion.  It also took a few weeks for my bowel to settle.

I don't know if the differences I experienced between the two ostomy reversals are usual.  If so, then the colostomy reversal really was a smooth transition.  Sadly, the last experience has made me think twice that should I ever need a stoma again, it's likely to be for life. 

I wish you well in your decision, it's never easy with the "what if's" .....I think if you're happy with your stoma maybe even ask to see how you're feeling in 3/6 months time.  That way your energy and motivation should be on the up and a clearer choice can be made.

With best wishes

Debbie