Posted 10/11/2015 12:15 AM (GMT 0)
Hi all,
I just wanted to post some information about my reversal of my loop ileostomy. Based on what I have seen for reasons for having my large bowel colectomy, diverticulitis makes up about 3% of all reason to have to cut on the bowel. In that respect I find myself very lucky. Many of you had to deal with cancer and that's a whole different situation and I pray for everyone of you. But, I also had very little baseline people like me to compare to, to see what I could expect. And I think people who view their experience as a "good" one are less likely to post.
I had 8 inches removed on July 31, 2015 after a partially or in process ruptured colon. Surgery lasted 4.5 hours due to infection attaching itself to just about every organ near it, including the bladder and other parts of the colon. I ended up with a loop ileostomy. I had my reversal performed October 2, 2015. I struggled with the ileostomy as I was a newbie to it and just when I learned the right pouching system for me, I got the call to have it reversed. Today marks just 7 days since my reversal. I was released after 3 days, including the day of surgery, to home rest. I walked on the day after surgery. It hurt like hell, but if you can walk, please walk. Friday was surgery and by Saturday night the diarrhea had started. It was very little volume but it hurt to move it. The gas was terrible and it hurt, but walking more, helped. Remember, they are going to load you up with antibiotics to curb site infection. With that heavy of an antibiotic load, it should be diarrhea in my opinion. I learned to CHEW my food with the ileostomy so I continued that. I chew until it is really small pieces of whatever I am eating. By Thursday after surgery, I figured that I was going to be with the runs for a while. but to my surprise, Friday(yesterday), no diarrhea at all. Nothing at all. Cramps in my lower bowel, hurt deeper and gas was not as active. Then late Friday I had a firmer and then normal bowel movement. I ate a regular meal last night and an omelette this morning. Tonight I have had a second normal bowel movement. I am drinking, but not as much as with my ileostomy. I am still cramping but I attribute that to the whole large intestine having a 2 month and 1 day break. I know I am far from out of the woods, and I am sure there are looser stools in my future. But I wanted those similarly situated to know my situation. I am a positive person by nature, I think that helps. Good luck to all and I hope you get nothing but healthier and happier every day!
- Nacman