What should I ask my GI in the lead up to reversal

[wee_mee]

Hi all

I'm looking for a bit of your experience if you would be so kind. I have an ileostomy (emergency last May) and fingers crossed I will be having it reversed in the new year. I have an appointment with my GI on Thursday and wondered if there's anything I should ask him that my surgeon wouldn't know or wouldn't be able to do anything about?

I'm taking Mesalamine 4g/day (Pentasa/Asacol) and started on Mercaptopurine 50mg/day (6MP/Purinethol) two weeks ago and have got on okay with it so far (unlike Aza).

Since my op, I've been readmitted 3 times with blockages due suspected loop/stricture/active Crohn's in my small bowl, but as yet have not had an MRI to check this out.

So any thoughts or experience would be most gratefully received.

 

[nogutsnoglory]

I'd ask how likely it is that you will need a stoma again in the future?

What to expect in terms of healing and how long that should take.

Any restrictions in terms of food and exercise/heavy lifting, etc.

Will you be incontinent or have trouble holding stool after reversal?

I'd also ask about doing kegel exercises to strengthen your anus before reversal.