Getting my second and final surgery soon.

Just curious, how bad was the rectal stump surgery in terms of how hard it was to recover / how bad the pain was versus the first ileostomy surgery?

What was your experience?

How long did it take you to recover before you could go back to doing your normal life again?

Does anyone have online Ostomate friends for commiserating? I am a 45 year old Dad of 5 - happily married - active and busy. But sometimes I just need that fellow 40s something parent to whine with on a very surface level… in a similar situation. I feel like if I whine too much to my spouse it probably gets old for her. As a Dad and a husband I feel pressure to seem strong and healthy to care for my family.

Back in April, I was in a car crash and ended up with an ileostomy. My leg was also badly injured and I’m unable to fully bend it and can bear zero weight on it. Up until a few days ago, I was in a neck brace and unable to empty my bag. My partner has been doing for me since getting home.

We’re trying to figure out the best way for me to do this on my own. Does anyone have any idea of how to approach this? For a few more weeks, I won’t be able to stand and do it. He currently empties it into a big medical cylinder we swiped from the hospital but I’m afraid it’s too tall and will slip when I do it solo. Should I try emptying it into something else? And should we move where the opening faces? (Currently it faces outward so it’s easier to access but I know most people face the mouth inwards between the legs).

And I’m not sure I’ll be able to change the bag myself. My stoma loves to just keep on producing, even if I haven’t eaten or drank anything in hours. Any tips would be appreciated!

I have barbie butt surgery scheduled in about a month. I already have my end ileostomy and that's great, but the rectum has been in a flare for 10 years and it needs to go. I'm ready, but with a couple of questions.

I tend to sit a lot but I understand I won't be able to sit for a while after surgery. After the first week, did you still lay down most of the day? Did you find yourself standing more?

Are there sleeping positions that are more comfortable during recovery? Back? Side with a pillow? I have maternity pillows, if those are helpful.

How long did it take to get back to moderate activity? Did you find that walking aggravated the wound?

Anything else I should know? I appreciate any advice y'all have.

So as the title says I’ve scheduled my reversal for August 27th. It’s a bittersweet thing for me. Reversal was always part of the plan and for a while I wasn’t sure I even wanted to, but after a year of thinking about it I’ve decided to go through with it. I never hated my stoma, it saved my life and I’ll always be grateful for that. I’ve found such support in this community and I’m so happy I found this sub-Reddit.

That said, I’m looking for advice from those who have gone through it. I’ve been doing a lot of research and reading so I know all the risks etc. I’m just looking for insight from real life people who’ve experienced it first hand and what helped you before and after the surgery and how to prepare for recovery. Thanks in advance!

My sister is having surgery to have an ileostomy and she is wondering if she should do the Barbie butt surgery at the same time to just get it over with. I’m trying to help her research things. Has anyone out there done both these surgeries at once? Would love to hear from you. Was it the right choice for you? Any regrets. Please share your advice. Very much appreciate it!

I'm feeling mostly better now, but oops. This is the first time I got a partial blockage since my revision surgery last year.

I spent the first two years with my ileostomy being incredibly cautious about food, then started gradually cooking more and sampling small stuff. That gave me a lot of confidence. I couldn't handle any fresh fruit or veg and I was craving it so much. After my revision, I waited about 6 months before being adventurous. Turns out I could now eat small amounts of berries, nuts, and even lettuce!

So.. I got cocky. I started eating full salads, snacking on fruit and nuts, and having small bites of stuff I know doesn't sit well, like cabbage or mushrooms.

Last night I had a delicious cheeseburger with steak fries and a side salad. Before my meal was even over I knew I messed up..! Those fries had potato skins and the salad was fresh arugula. The burger was stacked. I immediately felt painfully bloated but stayed out a few more hours.

Good lord, that night was rough. I felt like a balloon. My stomach was sore and nauseous. Zofran didn't touch it. Intermittent cramps. I couldn't sleep it was so uncomfortable. The worst was how dehydrated I felt but was too full to drink much

I took like 4 showers that night for some relief with the hot water and thought standing might help move things through.

By 8am I called it and took a sick day.

24hrs later I'm still feeling bloated and digesting last night's meal but no longer in pain

I love that I can safely eat more foods but I really have to stick to smaller portions.. I got too confident too fast..

I'm grateful it wasn't any worse and that I have an understanding boss.

... and honestly.. the burger was worth it