Reverse Operation Advantages?

Hi everone,

Im 19 years young and had an end-ileostomy just 3 months ago. My doc says hes willing to reverse it (give me the pouch i understand) next sumer if im willing, so i came here for help..

I am very cool about my stoma, which we named "Lee." So its the the social thing im worried about. I want to here from anyone whose had a reversal about other advantages. I heard one can go to the toilet up even 10 times after reversal, but i dont know how real that is, so i really need someones help before i make this big decision.

Also, more importantly, after how long after surgery do u recommend exersise, for those who do sports. I (used to) do gymnastics, skateboarding, football and badminton) From your experiences, do u realistically think i can keep doing these things? competitively? thanks A LOT!

Thanks a lot bros (and sis' ;)
Essam

Hi Essam,
Welcome. You probably will get a lot of information from the Ostomies forum. They are also a great bunch of people on there!
My daughter had her temporary ostomy in July and her reversal in November. She is 17. For her, the reversal has been great. She had minimal issues right after surgery (butt burn, control, etc) but that went away within about 2 weeks. She has good control over her bowels. She can hold it until she is ready to go to the bathroom (no urgency). She generally poops when she pees. No big deal. For her, the pouch is exactly what she was hoping for. She did fine with the ostomy but looked forward to the reversal.

There are many people on the ostomy forum who love not having to find a bathroom. Many people are very active and athletic. Suebear (who posts both here and on the ostomy forum) has a j-pouch and hikes all over the world.

Check out the ostomy forum and ask lots of questions. I am sure you will get lots of answers.