Reversal of Ileostomy Complete

[Kela80]

Hi all, i had my stoma reversed 29th May after 18 months. The surgery went well, i started fluids 24 hours after and my bowels woke up pretty quickly which was great. was on endone for pain relief but worked out it was slowing the bowel and causing me to get bloated and destended so changed to tramadol. i got home after 6 days. i have been having 6 - 9 BMs per day. started out as D and today had my first semi formed BM due to the help of codeine phosphate to help thicken things up.

i think being super fit before the surgery helped me to recover so well ( i was playing soccer 3 - 4 times a week)

it feels very weird having no bag, i have been able to sleep a lot better because the anxiety of a blow out has gone and now i just get up if i feel the need to.

Im very grateful to this forum and all its members in preparing and helping me through this journey to good health. while at times challenging and upsetting i can honestly say i would have no problems going back to a stoma in the future should i have to. I remember the first time my GI told me i may end up with a bag about 4 - 5 years ago my response was 'no way id rather die'- boy was i stupid.

I thank god for the support of the stoma nurses, doctors and specialists and all the support from my family and friends, especially my wife whom without her this would have been a very different experience. Her humour and jokes about Squirts tendencies to react loudy to different scenarios and her reactions / comments had us in fits of laughter - this no doubt put me at ease and really made the best of the situation.

Once again thank you all and i will continue to be a regular visitor and help others much like you all helped me.

Ante

 

[Samboi]

Hi Ante.
Thank you so much for this post.
I'm due for my reversal in August and I am both anxious and excited about it.
I notice you're in Melbourne - do you mind me asking which hospital you were at?
Any advice for preparation for the surgery? And post op?
I'm putting on some weight and doing lots of yoga to prepare so far.
Your post has given me some peace of mind.

 

[2thFairy]

Excellent news, Ante!! Glad things went well and you are already home. Even without Squirt, you will always be one of the cool kids, one of us.

 

[Nyx]

I'm so glad everything went well for you and that you're home and on the mend already! I appreciate that you took the time to come here and share your success with us - there a few waiting for reversals and I'm sure they'll want to hear all about your story

 

[Kela80]

Hi Samboi

my advice would be to get yourself as healthy as you can going in. i was taking a fat soluble multi vitamins and a lot of curcumin which helps with healing and inflammation.

In terms of surgery i had a portable bidet and some aloe vera wipes which i havent had to use as yet but my bum is getting a bit sore.

I had my surgery at Cabrini in Malvern - an amazing hospital and i would have to say one of the more experienced surgeon and wards that deal with Coloretecal in all of Australia -really first class! and the food at Cabrini is amazing!

Post op i am only 8 days now however back at work doing things in the office - i was at home one day on the couch all day and i did my head in, time goes much quicker when your busier and getting things done and i think this helps with my health physically and mentally ( i do work form myself so i go at my own pace). i try and do about 10 minutes of walking. when i was in hospital i did about 3 laps of the ward 2 to 3 times a day. each being probably 150m.

other than that feel free to message me if you have any more question, more than happy to help any way i can

 

[Samboi]

Thanks Ante. Much appreciated.
I'm getting mine done at Cabrini too. Phew.
I also invested in a bidet last year - in anticipation of the reversal as I understand butt burn is a frequent occurrence.
I can't believe you're already back at work!
That really heartens me.
Thanks for your advice regarding exercise and preparation.
Very wise.

 

[Kela80]

awesome do you know which surgeon you are having!
4 North is an amazing ward - i have been there now on several occasions and 3 big surgeries and they really know what they are doing. My family are so at ease knowing i am in good care when they leave me there.

Im sure if you ask the nurses they will know me lol

All the best, if i can be of any help please let me know

Regards

Ante

 

[Kela80]

thought i would also mention, in the past i have had an ileus for 8 days, this time things started working within 24 hours so that helped my recovery. because they did the surgery through the stoma hole the gut doesn't get handled as much and this all helps with recovery.

i thought i would be in for 10 - 14 days and lose 7 kg. i lost only 1.5kg and was in for 6 days.

Before i went in i stocked up my fridge with Resource Protein Drinks from Slades Pharmacy at the Epworth thinking i need to put on more weight. oh well i will get through them slowly

is this your first time at Cabrini?

 

[Samboi]

I love Cabrini.
The nurses are so experienced and supportive.
I usually go there or Jessie Mac at Monash.
Surgeon is sorted.
Just gotta do the EUA and then book it in - tentatively Aug.
At the moment - I'm focused on the preparation - healthy eating, yoga and exercise.
I'm excited.
And your experience has really lifted my spirits as I am very anxious about it.

 

[Kela80]

ive had a big issue with my previous surgery where the Vit K in my body was all used up and my blood tinned (I had an INR of 12) so this time i made sure that i had a test day before to confirm all was ok and they also gave me Vit K in the surgery. your in great hands! keep up the preparation and you will be fine!

 

[Monika Anna]

hi how are you i have 3 stomas and they wont get reversed till next year i find

Hi all, i had my stoma reversed 29th May after 18 months. The surgery went well, i started fluids 24 hours after and my bowels woke up pretty quickly which was great. was on endone for pain relief but worked out it was slowing the bowel and causing me to get bloated and destended so changed to tramadol. i got home after 6 days. i have been having 6 - 9 BMs per day. started out as D and today had my first semi formed BM due to the help of codeine phosphate to help thicken things up.

i think being super fit before the surgery helped me to recover so well ( i was playing soccer 3 - 4 times a week)

it feels very weird having no bag, i have been able to sleep a lot better because the anxiety of a blow out has gone and now i just get up if i feel the need to.

Im very grateful to this forum and all its members in preparing and helping me through this journey to good health. while at times challenging and upsetting i can honestly say i would have no problems going back to a stoma in the future should i have to. I remember the first time my GI told me i may end up with a bag about 4 - 5 years ago my response was 'no way id rather die'- boy was i stupid.

I thank god for the support of the stoma nurses, doctors and specialists and all the support from my family and friends, especially my wife whom without her this would have been a very different experience. Her humour and jokes about Squirts tendencies to react loudy to different scenarios and her reactions / comments had us in fits of laughter - this no doubt put me at ease and really made the best of the situation.

Once again thank you all and i will continue to be a regular visitor and help others much like you all helped me.

Ante

 

[gracifer]

I was just wondering as I'm due to have a reversal soon, whether you got the illeus before as you were 'unfit?' I was told I got it because I was, and that for the reversal I should get as fit as possible to limit these chances...

 

[2thFairy]

I think the ileus occurs more from the surgery itself rather than how fit you are. The more the surgeon has to handle your intestines, the more risk there is at developing ileus. If the reversal is straightforward without any extra work involved, there is probably less risk of it happening.

This is all speculation on my part, however.

 

[Kela80]

No I do not believe fitness helps with the ileus. With my 2nd surgery (ileo rectal anastomosis with loop ileo stoma) it took 8 days and I was ultra fit back then as well

 

[Kela80]

. Photo of scar 10 days post op for those that want to see it to have an idea. I have seen many different scars where the heal from the inside out. Mine was just closed and stapled.

 

[Samboi]

Thanks Ante. A few friends and family have been asking about how the Stoma would be closed up - and I was wondering about it too!
So thank you! Now I know a little better what it might look like.
Looks good btw!

 

[Ginger is her name]

All good information! Ginger will be rendered sometime in the fall. I reay appreciate hearing what the outcome has been after reversal. Ante, you've answered a lot of my questions! Thank you!

 

[Kela80]

No problem. Glad I could help. 1 month post of feeling great. Scar taking a little longer to heal because one of the staples came out and the cut opened up a little. All the best.