Anyone had reversal surgery after a stoma? (2025)

Welcome Rhiannon! Yes, many, many people join Inspire with temporary stomas and go on to have reversals. Your colorectal surgeon would be the best source of information as to when you might be eligible, but your remaining colon will have to heal for a while before you’ll be ready for another surgery. In the meantime, we can help with loads of tips and tricks for ostomy management, as well as encouragement, support, and poop jokes. I’m glad you found your way here—just let us know what questions you have and someone here will probably know the answer.

The doctor that performed my first surgery when my intestine ruptured recommended that I wait six months for the rehearsal. He said it would be possible to do it in 2 1/2 to 3 months but would be more of a major surgery again. if I waited six months or longer, it could be done laparoscopic. I took his advice. I waited 6 1/2 months before I had the reversal it was the best advice. My reversal was done laparoscopic. I had four little incisions that healed quite quickly. I’m a year and a half out now and have had no problems.

That was so kind of you and I am glad to know that this group has so much help to offer. I’m 3w post surgery and this is all new to me.

Oh sweetheart I felt the same ! I'm always here if u need a chat.I too really struggled with leakages in the end they found a deep convex bag was best. Also I use a seal and elastic tape ask ya stoma nurse about these. I also have severe arthritis in multiple joints fibromyalia and asthma. I'm fatigued all the time as I'm so low again anemia has come also I need vitamin D iron / folate tabs and 3 B12 injections then following week another 3! And heard they make u feel proper shite! Then bloods every 3 months. I know its hard I feel so isolated tbh ppl like friends do try to understand but can't fully can they? Unless they been through it. But it saved my life n gave me physic gift also! Take care. Feel free to message back n chin up it dies get easier . One tip don't eat too late before bedtime otherwise u will definitely have leakages! Xx

Thank u so much! Well all my right colon had to be removed he said I could possibly have the reversal I asked if it doesn't work can he put a stoma back he said yes ut it may not work as good 2nd time. X

I had my ileostomy reversed and then I had to have my second ileostomy a little less than a year later. I ended up becoming septic and almost dying and ended up spending a couple of months in ICU and another month in the hospital when they told me that I had to have ileostomy surgery again if I was ever going to get out of the hospital.