HI there,

Just was hoping for an update on those recently reversed folks. I have my pre-op appointment soon and like to go in with some good questions. Anyone willing, I would love to hear an update on how your post ostomy life is going.


-How long did it take you to get out and about?
-What sort of stuff did you wish you had at home those first few days/weeks?
-What sort of diet are you on?
-What meds?
-How house bound are you those first few days? and now?

I would like to hear your stories... My hubby and I joke that there will probably be days when I will try to stick my wafers/pouches on my bum to cut down on toilet trips! ;)

Thanks in advance for sharing your experiences!
Wishing you well,
cats

Please read "Rectal Cancer Stage III (Age 35) what to expect." specially the end pages where I have more detaild experience of closure.

Here are some answers in short.

<< -How long did it take you to get out and about? >>>

As soon as you pass gas in hospital. Incision is small and will not hurt much. After 2 weeks, you will be able to drive, go for shopping etc. But no heavy lifting (more than 10 lbs) for 2 months.

-What sort of stuff did you wish you had at home those first few days/weeks?

Ask doctor about Metamucil if you have lots of BMs.
Keep A+D cream ready from day one.
Get some depends or even ladies pads will do.
Save yourself from ebarrasment, and start using Depend or ladies pad right after you have some thing to drink in hospital.

-What sort of diet are you on?
No raw fruits and veg, nuts, or any thing which leaves residue and cannot be digested fully. Other than that you can have pretty much anything from day one.

-What meds?
None, except for Metamucil. If you know metamucil works wonder for both diarrhea constipation.

-How house bound are you those first few days? and now?
Depends on how many BMs you are having. Apart from that, I am not house bound at all now. You will have to avoid places which do not have easy/quick access to restrooms initially till you know how much you can hold and how many BMs you are having.


Overall ileo closure is much easier than ileo surgery.

Hope this helps.
tahb

Cats,

I don't have anything to add, as I have not had this procedure, but I just wanted to let you know that I was thinking of you, and that I hope your scans come back fine too and your reversal surgery goes okay as well. I know this can be a nerve racking time.

Hang in there woman!

Well I dont have that many BS's at all. I might have one in the morning and one of a night.. but thats it. Occasionally I might get the urge thru the day but not often. When u do get the urge tho, it is quite a bit of an emergency but so far I havent been embarressed. Also I am on NO special diet at all and take NOTHING ... Maybe after all Ive been thru im lucky this time!@
Having said that, I do occasionally get painful BM's, and mayb e I should be watching my diet a bit more to see whats making the pain.
Anyway goodluck with it all
Maz ::)

Thanks so much for the tips! Maz - I am SO glad that things are going well for you! YEAH! You deserve to have SOMETHING go smoothly!

Take care and thanks again for the support!