Ileostomy Reversal

Hi I'm a new member and have joined today.  I have been reading with great interest about all your journey's. 

I have been trying to find information about reversal surgery on the web but there does not appear to much out there.

I was diagnosed with Chrohns disease in April 2008 after being taken into hospital very poorly-whilst in hospital I was told that I needed to have surgery and so had a total colectomy approx 2 weeks after going into hospital.  I had no previous symptoms of chrohns prior to this and was in total shock.  N e way I got on with it (as we all do).....

I am due to have a reversal in approx 10 days time and have read some good and bad experiences on here.  What I would like is to hear views from people that have had reversals, and the pro's and cons,  whether they regret the reversal or if it was the best thing they ever done??

I am having second thoughts about having the reversal, I cope with my stoma fine and generally feel well and carry with everyday life with few problems. However hate the way it looks and always conscious of it being noticed etc.....

Thanks

Sunnyhunny

Hi there . Re the reversal operation and afterwards. I had bowel cancer two years ago and had a stoma for 11months I had the reversal operation on the 28th november 2009 and returned to work on the 6th Jan 2010. I had lots of advice about keeping the stoma etc. It never entered my head once NOT to have it reversed. I was determined not to let it beat me, but it is not easy, my first two weeks were a nightmare I visited the toilet 15times a day,but this is just till your bowel gets used to working again. I remember praying in bed for some help and the next day I was fine. I don't think it was an answer from god it was the fact that I stopped taking the strong antibiotics. I can eat anything but will suffer with urgent toilet visits on treats like curry Chinese or anything with a sauce or cheese. So if you are not working the next day treat your self. My body tells me when I need the toilet well in advance just listen to it. My staple diet during working days are eggs for breakfast and the rice and chicken or fish. I should have shares in Uncle Benns rice. But it works for me. My first holiday was a challenge I starved myself before flying and it worked. Now in Florida so endured a ten hour flight with no problem. I can tell you within millimetres where all the toilets are in places we visit, this is a psychological thing but it helps. I swam in a pool with my 13year old and cried because I never thought I would do this again. I am in full time employment as a murder squad detective and manage my shifts and hours through right food and knowledge of toilet locations. Hope this helps give me a call if anybody wants a chat. I know everybody deals with it in their own way so good luck and whatever decision you make will be the right one . Cheers John.