Ileo reversal success

[BVDColorado]

I am a 66 yr. old female who had a diverticulitis attack and surgery on 8/6/16--a laparoscopic sigmoidectomy with temporary ileostomy. I missed just under 4 wks of work (full time legal assistant) with recovery. I had thought I had food poisoning, the attack came on rapidly, with both vomiting and diarrhea, and debilitating pain, until I finally was taken to ER by a neighbor, and had a 5-day hospital stay. I was not a fan of wearing the bag from the get-go, and could only look forward to reversal/takedown, which I was told I could schedule 11-12 weeks later. I had a pre-op surgi appt. to review a triple contrast CT scan with my surgeon to confirm surgery was OK to go--it was. I had the takedown/reversal of my ileostomy on 10/26/16. Of course no one knows what to expect. I started on broth, jello, yogurt and ginger ale for dinner that night, with a liquid bkfst. the following morning of strained vegetable soup, jello, lemon sorbet and hot tea. My surgeon visited, and as I was on percocet for pain, I was feeling pretty decent. So he allowed me to order more substantial food, I had macaroni & cheese, vegetable beef soup, ginger ale, and yes, ice cream--and from there I progressed to ordering anything that I wanted until hospital release, however I kept it mild and easily digestible. The first BM occurred second night after surgery, shortly after lights out and trying to sleep, lots of rumbling and digestive noise began. The first joyous BM was very small--sort of like puppy poo, but formed, and from that point on, it was pretty much beating a path to my hospital bathroom all night until about 3:30 a.m., it finally settled down and gave me a rest. When I got home, there were a couple of BMs then nothing from Sat. morning until Tuesday morning, although I was eating 2-3 times per day, mostly vegetable beef soup, toast, yogurt, mandarin oranges in juice, sliced peeled apple, etc. My takedown surgery is now a week past, and I have returned literally to normal. Only 1-2 BM per day, perfectly normal. I am eating anything I wish, with a slant to being careful. Last night was roast chicken, mashed potatoes, green beans. I try to chew much more than I used to. I also had a parastomal hernia repaired during takedown surgery, and now the stoma site is a stapled incision that is healing nicely, but sore and tender, as to be expected. I was completely off all pain medication 4 days post surgery. I am back at work full time 1 wk. post surgery. I was determined to write about this experience, because I had read so many frightening experiences that are out there when you try and look for information on what you will go through. I believe as with anything, securing a surgeon with good experience is essential to your outcome, and I did ask questions, mainly, how many have you performed, and to check references or write-ups on line at various physician/surgeon review sites. I hope this has been helpful, and good luck to all who are looking to have this procedure in the future.

[Ann Clare]

Great news! Glad your experience has been positive. I think there are many success stories out there, but many of those folks may not know about this site & therefore aren't sharing their stories.

Knock on wood, I'm continuing to feel better each day. The urgency I had a few days post-op isn't as strong and my poops are formed & frequent.

I'm happy to hear you're doing well post-reversal. Thanks for sharing your experience!