Illeostomy Reversal

[gracifer]

I'm having my reversal on the 24th *touch wood* and I haven't had my pre-assessment yet - next Friday. I was just wondering what I should expect; ie; will it take a while for my bowels to 'get back to normal' is the operation really is quick and simple as everyone - non medical people - make out to be??! Is there a possibility of my bowel blocking itself again like it did after my previous op? Thank you

 

[Samboi]

Congratulations Gracifer.
Please keep us updated with how your reversal goes.
I'm having mine reversed in Aug - so I am very keen to see how the reversal of others progresses.
I hope yours goes well!

 

[Jim (POPS)]

Hi there,
I had my reversal back in Aug. 2012. First off I am very glad that I did it.

In regards to how long it takes to get back to normal. You will have a "New normal" What I mean is that you will never be the same as you were before crohns. After a resection, thats what you will be having when your reversal is complete, you will have a new normal. Mine is about 2-3 BM's a day, sometimes "D" and sometimes not. It is differant for everyone.

In regards to recovery from the surgery. It is a major surgery. They make it sound like its not but it is. I had a short recovery time, around 6-8 weeks. (2 months after the reversal I started a flair that is just now getting over.

I hope you have a good recovery. And, its sure nice to go to the bathroom "normal" again. But I didn't mind my bag.

Jim (POPS)

If I can be of more help, please PM me.

 

[Mama & Mac]

Wow.. Congrats the best thing is going to the bathroom the normal way again, no more worry of leakage, smells, gas blowing the bag up.
I'm so happy for you, I had my reversal 2 years this August, I had a flare up the following June with a very large obstruction flollowed by a resection caused by flare up at scar tissue, a year has passed and I feel great. So I wish you good health, easy recovery and clear passage .... all the best

 

[annawato]

Recovery depends on whether they can put you back together again through the stoma hole or whether they need to open you up down the middle. I was opened up down the middle for my last reversal but recovery was still much quicker than the original op. be prepared to be opened up all the way and if you're not it will be a pleasant surprise.
They will need to make sure your bowels are working properly before you can eat etc but it should be a quicker stay than the original op. I remember I was scared that my bottom muscles would have "forgotten' how to work but my GI said this isn't a problem. I think he was rather amused my my question - in a nice way though.
Recovery of course depends on the person, there is always the possibility of complications like blockages but they are not necessarily the case. I remember the day I was meant to leave I started vomiting so had to stay an extra night but it was only a temporary blockage.
I hope everything goes fantastically speedily for you - if I think of anything else I'll post again but I wouldn't worry too much - just think of all the benefits and let the future look after itself.
:heart: anna

 

[pipmom]

My daughter is 11 days post op from her reversal. Still has low grade temp and diarrhea up to 10 times a day. Pain is better, but still extremely fatigued. Taking her staples out today. Input on how soon she can expect improvement ? I've told her that she is expecting too much too soon.

 

[Samboi]

It takes awhile for our bodies to adjust to having the Stoma.
Mine took months.
I'm guessing it will take some time to get used to the reversal yes?

 

[gracifer]

I obviously spoke to soon. They've decided to cancel my op today, for some unknown reason... gonna have to wait for them to tell me when it is.. Am gutted.

 

[Christie]

I had mine Feb 2012 and am so glad I did, dont worry it will happen for you pretty soon and will be worth it x