Life after reversal so many questions...

[Mummyg]

I am scheduled in for having my reversal of my iliostomy in November and I have a few questions?

I have had my temporary stoma (russell) since July, I hated it a first but now I have got into a routine it is more manageable. I still can't wait for the operation, i want to look normal again, whatever that is.

I am not expecting any tests prior to the operation, only bloods, is this normal?

My surgeon has said about maintenance medication, possibly aza, are there any bad side effects I should know. I am paranoid about putting on weight having just lost 3 stone. It was mainly down t the steroid and bloating but I like the way I look now.

Will the surgery be as bad as the first? I had a bad experience with my drains, they hurt like hell.

What will my bowels be like afterwards, will I have the urgency I read about?

Do I start taking vitamins?

My surgeon says I am in remission but they can not guarantee how long it will last?

I am a work a holic, how long will I need off work?

Sorry for so many questions.

 

[Terriernut]

http://www.crohnsforum.com/showthread.php?t=40944 Here is a thread by a member who is recovering from reversal surgery.

I think most of the stories have been that the reversal was easier than the original op.

As for when you can go back to work that depends on too many things.

http://www.crohnsforum.com/showthread.php?t=37634 Heres another thread from a member who went through the surgery this summer.

Hope that helps!

 

[Mummyg]

Thank you that makes good reading.

 

[highlandsrock]

Good luck with the reversal. Two years ago I had my ileostomy and then waited six months for reversal. What a relief! The original surgery was four and a half hours, the reversal around one hour. My recovery time was about the same for both. I did record the whole process as I was going through it. It is a little long winded but you should get an idea of the process and timescales. If you click on the link below you'll find a list of pages on the right hand side which take you through the various stages.