Reversal surgery question

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Hey guys, I received my stoma on Halloween of last year and it is reversal. I was wondering if anyone else has had the reversal and if so when did your doctors decide it was okay to reverse it and kinda when did you feel okay to discuss the possibilities? I talk about wanting it reversed and my mom just tells me not to rush it because of how sick I was before the surgery. I guess I want it reversed also because I have gained so much weight since the surgery. I have honestly gained almost 60 lbs and I am starting to hate my body again. The worst part is I'm not taking meds that make me gain weight. I dont know what to do about it anymore. I want to have the option of reversing it because I was told I could have it, but I worry that if I reverse it too soon I'll wind up so sick again and maybe they wont be able to save me a second time.
 
Only you will know whether it is time or not. If you are feeling great, and have no symtoms, maybe it is time. But I would expect you would need to be put on a maintenance drug afterwards.

I am looking at a reversal this year as well. The only thing I'm dreading is all the down time. And I'm afraid I will need the loo all the time again!

What does the GI have to say about your reversal?
 
I havent even asked my GI yet. I'm thinking at this point it will definitely be a no because I was just in the ER this week for rectal bleeding and abdominal pain. She keeps sending me to the ER because I live 2 and 1/2 hours from her so I cant just make an appointment to see her.
 
With those symptoms, I wouldnt think they would be looking at a reversal. You really need to get in to see you GI. As I've said before, if you want a reversal, your rectum has to be well first and foremost. You really need to get that sorted!

:hug:
 
Mine was 2 months ago and I am hoping to have mine reversed next week. I had to have a colonoscopy first, and they moved it up because it prolapsed and got a hernia.

I will be starting Cimzia once it is reversed. I already have the drug, just waiting until after surgery.
 
I am keeping my bag.

I like the freedom it gives me. I gained 30 pounds in 2 months with the prednisone and am now up to my ideal weight for my body mass. I know weight gain is an issue with prednisone so I have to watch it.

I am ok with being a little overweight vs my routine revolving around bathroom trips where I am in there for anywhere from a half hour and up...


It is up to you tho, some people are enjoying remission after reversal but I am leery of it because it is like going back to square one.. not to mention I was told I may need to have my colon out because i went 15 years between exams and am at risk for colon cancer ,
 
Terrienut, How are you. I got my date for my reversal and it is Aug. 1st. I had the 1st operation on Nov 10 2011 and if you remmber I went septic 7 days later and they had to go back in and thats when I got the bag. Went down to 123lbs. I haven't had any crohns systoms since my operations, matter of fact I now am at 160+lbs and the Dr said that I'm ready for the reversal. He did a CT of the upper, a specal kind that tells if there is any crohns and there is none, also a beream enama of the colon and he said that there are no leaks or fisluas and the colon looks normal, so it sounds like I'm good to go, BUT, I am so scaried because of going septic the first time, but like the Dr said, they didn't know I had crohns at the time , they were going to only remove my appendix and found the crohns and he said it looks like they go it all. I'm not on any meds for the crohs right now but still. I'm having 2nd thoughts. How are things going for you and your revesal?
Pops
 
Hi Jim! Glad to hear you are doing so well! Looks like my reversal may be rather soon as well. I'm scared to be honest. Major op. More time off work, and afraid they will give me the boot this time.

Aug 1st just around the corner. You are healthy now, so dont worry so much. You should be fine with no complications, now that they know what ails you.
 
I wish all of you the best of luck with reversal...I just want to mention if any of you are having a reversal with a jpouch....That there can be and are major issues with this surgery. I had a jpouch created when I was 11 and lived for 24 years with it... I don't regret having it, however now that I have an ileostomy again I realize that keeping the pouch held me prisoner to a certain extent for many years...A lot of incontinent times, wearing pads etc... It is not to say that everyone will have these issues, but they are common. I just don't want anyone to go into this type of surgery expecting to be the same as they were with a fully functioning digestive system. Again I hope that you all do really well.....but looking back, my occasional issues with bag leakage etc....are nothing compared to my issues when having a pouch.

All the best

Kat

PS I'm not trying dissuade anyone from sx that they want and of course this is only my experience :thumleft:
 
I have the J-pouch formed, but have been hesitant to do the reversal for all of the reasons you mentioned, Kat. I am really loving life with a stoma. I feel like I should give the J-pouch a shot, though. I will have reversal before the year is up, I just haven't been brave enough to go for it yet.
 
Hey 2F, It sounds like your well informed and know what to expect. When everything is working well it can be almost like normal (not that I really remember what normal is, since I have been "abnormal" ....lol since I was 8). And like life I always think it's best to give things a chance, you never know until you try. I really wish a healthy surgery and outcome for you and others in the same position and really the worst that can happen is to end up with an ileostomy/colostomy in the end which is where you/we are already right?

Well wishes to all,

Kat
 
Mine is not a j-pouch. I am having my temporary partial colostomy reversed. Plan is to hook up what is left of my colon to my sigmoid colon.

Though, I was told that due to prolapse my surgeon might not be able to stretch the bit of colon I have left to my sigmoid colon. If that is the case then she will stretch my small intestine to my sigmoid colon. Won't know until I wake up on Tuesday afternoon.
 

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