about to have ileostomy reversal need advice please?

Hi, I also had emergency surgery related to a perforated colon ( from diverticulitis). I had my ileostomy for a little over two months. The surgeon did a barium enema to verify that I had healed enough to have the ostomy reversed. The surgeon made the incision over the ostomy site ( it's about 3 inches wide) and closed the ostomy. I was in the hospital from Friday until Monday but after 4 days at home, I was readmitted with severe pain and high fever. I had developed 2 abscesses in my lower pelvic area related to the reversal. I spent another 2 weeks in the hospital and was sent home with  PICC line and another 2 weeks of IV antibiotics after discharge.

The original surgery was in 5/06, the reversal was 7/06. I was off from work for nearly 4 months. I'm a hospice nurse and have been back to work since September 2006.  While I was told to expect daily diarrhea after the reversal, it never happened. If anything, I'm constipated and have been put on medication to help my bowels move.  I hope this helps. I remember being so afraid and anxious. If you have more questions, just ask.

I had a reversal done 21 weeks ago, after having the whole stoma thing, and bags, etc., but, in my case I was blessed it was only for six weeks.  Anyway, about a week before the due date for the operation, I had to get the barium enema xray, to make sure there were no leaks etc.  It only took a few days for a result to come back, and my gastro was able to go ahead with surgery.  I was in hospital for 7 nights after the op.  I am only now feeling like a member of the human race again, but I suppose everyone heals at a different rate.  The cosmetic issues of the scars does not bother me in the least, and never has, it was just a while before I regained most of my energy.

Anyway, good luck with the op, and you will be fine, take your time afterwards and do not push yourself too hard.

Take care, and let us know, when you are feeling well, how things went.

Best Regards,

ccmc