:confused: my friend had his colon reatached three mionths ago and is having a bad time getting his bowel to work again, his sphincter muscle does not work very well and he has to use depends, he gets one good day and the next is spent in the bathroom does anyone have advise, he is scared he will have to go back on the bag.

It can take quite some time for the system to get back to normal after reattachment. In fact, there is a possibility that it will never return to pre-surgery behaviour. However, things should improve with time. I believe there are some exercises that might help and he may also learn which foods aggravate the situation.

I hope he will be encouraged to be patient...I know it is hard. I wish him well.

Hi, My husband had his bag reversed in November 07. His bowel is working well but his sphincter still has no control and is using depends as well. He feels confident that he will recover some control over the coming months. Hang in there you are not alone.
does anyone know of any exercises that can help get some control? They certainly didn't mention anything whilst he was in hospital to try and hasten the process. take care. Linda

It's unfortunate that doctors don't give out better stats on bowel function after reversal surgery before people have their reversals. Or maybe all I hear are the bad stories but as an ostomate now for almost 5 years I would never trade this system for the problems I've heard. Why isn't his doctor giving your friend more advise on what to do? His surgeon should have gotten a good idea on the condition of the sphincter before and during surgery. It can be strengthened but recovery varies from person to person. Tell him not to give up!

I have also had reversal surgery. I had surgery for rectal cancer in June 2004 , it took a long time (1 year at least) before I had what I considered some control. It has now been 3 1/2 years and I am not back to what I was before the surgery. It took a long time to gain control again.

I still have issues and must be near a bathroom if I eat. It is much much better than it was 3 years ago. From what I have been told and read not many people get back to normal. I look at this as a beter alternative to what could have been without the surgery.

Do not get too discouraged, it takes time but you can and will adjust. Unfortunately everyone is different and there is no time frame.