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Ileostomy Reversal

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Posted 9/10/2006 9:58 PM (GMT 0)
Hello All, my name is Will, and I am 26 years of age.  I'm new to this site but not new to IBDs.  I was diagnosed with UC over three years ago and over the summer my conditioned took a turn for the worst which led my Dr., my wife, and I, to come to the decision to have a temporary ileostomy.  I have had my ileostomy since June 1st and my doctor said that if I want I can have the reversal done within the next month.  I am very nervous, but I am also looking forward to the opportunity to have my bag taken off.  I went in last week for a pouch examine (which was very uncomfortable) but the good news is that they found no leaks.  I was just curious to know if anyone out there had the reversal done and if so, what are the side effects?      
Posted 9/11/2006 12:09 AM (GMT 0)

I had the surgery for UC too, about 6 years ago.  I don't know what you mean about "side effects" from surgery but I am guessing you want to know how if differs from life with an ileostomy?  Expect your frequency to be high, expect butt burn, and expect a long recovery.  Recovery from the reversal itself is not hard, what is hard is for your small intestine to learn how to behave like a colon.  My recovery took about one full year.  If you want to learn more go to www.j-pouch.org  That site has over 5000 members who have had the surgery and there are always plenty of newly recovering folks around to share with.

Sue

Posted 9/11/2006 12:53 AM (GMT 0)

Sue.

    Thanks for the reply, I will definitely check out that web-site.  I didn't realize that so many people suffered from UC until I found this web-site.  It is nice to speak to individuals who have went or are going through the samething that I have. "im not the only one!!!"  I'm very nervous about the surgery, it is schedule for 9/15 at 10am and I probably want sleep until they put me under.  I've heard horror stories and I've heard some people say it was the best decision they've made.  But, I do know having this bag is definitely better than suffering with UC.  Doing my last flare up in may I lost a total of 50lbs. and I was hospitalized for one month.  My doctor was doing everything in his power to prevent surgery, but none of the medications seemed to work and my body wasn't agreeing with the steriods.  So, the ileostomy was my last resort  and besides some minor complications I have had know regrets. 

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