Just thought I would check in and give some GOOD news for a change.
Bill had his reversal of the ileostomy on July 9th. Initially there were some major issues with getting his bowels to function normally. He would go days without a movement and then be running to the bathroom every 10-15 minutes for hours at a time.
He had to get used to eating and drinking normal amounts of food again. Althought his appetite is still not what it once was, pre-cancer, it has pretty much returned to normal. He still eats small portions and lost a total of over 40 pounds with the cancer and all of the treatments. He is now maintaining weight and likes fitting into smaller waist sizes (although he complains that he needs new clothes but hates to shop).
He still has "episodes" where he has to run quickly to the bathroom or he has an accident....seems to be related to certain foods. Drinking a beer now and then seems to be one of those problem beverages. He pretty much eats what he wants but is beginning to know what will be a "trigger" and what won't. Chocolate (he loves candy) is something he has to eat in very small quantities and not on a daily basis.
He has gained back most of his strength and actually attended a 3-day car show two weeks ago and held up pretty well.
I just thought I would post something good because all of you were so helpful to me when things were not so good.