Reversal

[Crohn'sGirl]

So guys I'm kinda nervous. My gastro just told me we are going to discuss the reversal in November after a colonoscopy to see how my colon is healing! I'm nervous and excited all at the same time! Have any of you had the reversal? What were the steps to discussing the reversal and what is she going to be looking for? I'm really scared that she is going to tell me that I cannot have the reversal yet and that worries me. I feel good and have gained weight and havent had any crohns flares lately, probably for about 6 months. Is that enough time? Any help anyone can give me I will appreciate.

 

[shamrock15]

For my reversal, there was really no discussion. It was planned for, and done, 4 months after the ostomy was done. There were no complications during the time I had the ostomy and the reversal. As much as I enjoyed the freedom the ostomy gave me, I can't really say that I miss it at this time.

 

[maria]

did u have a jpouch created?

 

[Crohn'sGirl]

I dont think I had the J Pouch created. That sounds like something I would have remembered.

 

[2thFairy]

You mentioned you still have your colon, so no, you don't have a J-pouch.

 

[DMac]

I had two reversals. My initial diagnosis was UC and for approx 3 years St Mark's were allowing me the opportunity to have the reversals because of that initial diagnosis. This was back in 2000, so I had the J-pouch formed (which at the time was a pretty big operation) and then after many intrusive and uncomfortable tests had my reversal. It went well and I was stoma-free (so to speak) for just over year. I then had it put back on and reversed a second time. Unfortunately for me it didn't work out and my diagnosis of crohns then put an end to my opportunity to have another reversal.

A very close friend of mine had a reversal, via keyhole surgery, last year and he's been doing really well. The fact that they're able to do it without cutting into the stomach is great and his quality of life is fantastic. I guess I just was one of those unlucky ones. Although, I do not for a second regret trying for the reversal or now having a permanent stoma.

All the best

 

[Downnvrout]

I'm having my reversal on October 10th. I asked if I could have it at every single visit with my surgeon. Obviously he kept saying not yet and I would go home feeling crushed because I got my hopes up way too early and to be honest, my expectations were completely unrealistic. Then at my last check up on September 4th, he took one look at me and brought me into his office and scheduled the reversal. This last visit I went in telling myself that he would again tell me not yet... To say I was shocked is a complete understatement.
As much as I wanted the reversa early on, my doctor was right. The difference from last month to this month is huge. Trust that your doctors have your best interests and when the time is right for you they will do it. Good luck and I hope that you get the results that you are hoping for!

 

[Crohn'sGirl]

WEll I just got a bunch of bloodwork results back from the dr that she sent me for last week. Apparently my Vitamin D levels are super super low and my white blood cell count is not where she wants it. She said it could be just a small infection because I'm on Remicade and can catch anything anytime, and I'm hoping its that and not a Crohn's flare. I havent been feeling great this past week, but I did have a cold so I'm hoping that is all. She's having me recheck my CBC and CMP next week. Starting to make myself adjust to the fact I may have the stoma a little longer than I was planning. Its so weird, everyone at my job cant believe I want a reversal. I work in a small office so just about everyone there saw me really sick and go on medical leave when I had the surgery. They cant believe that I want to reverse it and go back to possibly being sick. I dont know how to get anyone to understand that I had mentally prepared for the fact that I was going to have this bag for a year not longer. It was more of an emergency surgery and that was the bigger picture. Am I crazy for wanting a reversal?

 

[Terriernut]

I dont think you're crazy for wanting a reversal. I too want one, but I have the parastomal hernia from hell.

What you and most of us want is to be 'normal'. And we all live in hope for a cure. We also tend to forget just how bad we were before our stomas. Maybe thats a blessing.

 

[SusanB]

Hi Crohnsgirl
I'm in the same situation as you. Due for the reversal in November. I'm really scared that when I have the reversal I'll start getting flareups again. It makes you question your decision.