Hi Scott,
Short intro about my case; I've had my first ileo surgery at 14 (14 yrs ago). At the time it was not decided if it were gonna be permanent or not as my diagnosis was not clearly stated between CD and UC. Later, knowing it was CD I decided to not try for a reversal but I found myself having fistula around my stoma site after 10 years which lead me to have a relocation of my stoma site 2 years ago. It's been great for the 10 first years and its going smoothly again since last surgery.
1: I got the impression from the surgeon that they make a decision on keyhole or open surgery? why the decision?
There are various factors that will favorise laparoscopic or open surgery, one of them being the surgeon preference. Mine really prefer doing open surgery as he consider he can perform optimally that way. Like NGNG said, the condition of disease will influence greatly on that matter. The advantages of laparoscopic are mostly related to recovery, its less invasive, but allows less precision for the surgeon work. I never had the option between the two to begin with, now I have to say I don't know which one I would be leaning towards if I could make the choice.
2: I heal quickly and actually after having a 2 inch abscess lanced went back to work the next day albeit a little dopey and fragile. How long should I expect to be unable to get back to normal life?
I don't remember how long it was at my first surgery and I was very weak so I have the feeling my first recovery might have taken forever (who would not feel that way at 14 anyway). The one I got 2 years ago was also an open surgery (which implies longer recovery) and it well rather quickly even though I have had trouble healing because my wound was infected with streptococcus (took forever before they actually read the wound cultures so it took long to heal). Still, even with the infection, I was back in my book at week 2.5 post-op. I think I would have been able to be back at work at week 5 (deskjob). At week 8 I was doing easy bodyboarding. That gives you an idea. Every one is different on that matter but again, like NGNG said, its more the learning process and adaptation that will lead to the optimal 8 weeks.
3: How likely is it that I will have it reversed? is it down to how well the surgery goes? how well i heal down there? is it my decision?
It's always hard to tell. Some people find that the condition they get with there surgery is so good that they don't want to get it reverse. Even with the stoma, some people don't manage getting the perianal involvement under control so the reversal might not be possible. All I can say is give it some times and see how good you can do with this adaptation. Mine has allowed me to have a decent life and with the right appliance, it is possible to feel confident and do pretty much anything you would like.
I hope everything will go smoothly on your side and that recovery will be quick!
