Ileostomy Reversal Surgery Aftermath

[Deep]

Had my surgery three weeks ago. Just wondering from those on here how long it took after surgery to finally gain full functioning of the bowels back. I have had to sleep sitting up on a recliner because laying down makes me feel as if I have to poop, and interrupts my sleep. I am able to tolerate foods again. I had a case of ileus after my surgery making my stay after surgery last two weeks before I regained bowel functioning. Thanks in advance.

[Gravelyguy]

Hi Deep,

Welcome to the take down club.

Take down recovery is a very Individual thing I am finding. I am a little over 2 years out from my reversal. It is a very gradual thing. Looking back, early on I managed pretty well by having a good sense of humor and being able to block out the bad incidents.

For me I can look back and I saw pretty significant improvement at 4 months and then gradual improvement to the 1 year mark. And to be honest I am seeing improvement even over 2 years out.

I just got back from a yearly week long family reunion. Last year I spent most evenings in and out of the bathroom after not watching what I was eating. This year I had 1 evening where I had to go multiple times otherwise I was my normal 2 or 3 times a day.

We have had some good discussions about different things we have tried. You can search for those or let me know and I would be happy to let you know what seems to help for me.

You are still early on the take down trail. Hang in there!

Dave

[NHMike]

I'm two years out and still sleep on a recliner. Things are a lot better compared to the first three months.

Many try to find some combination of supplements to speed things up or slow them down provide bulking to reduce clustering.

I usually take a kit with me to deal with problems though I'm taking it with me less frequently.

I sometimes have the two-hours in the bathroom thing early morning and get a cleanout - and that's a good thing as I'm good for two days. I still have clustering from time to time and it can last for quite a while.

My read on what other people go through is that there's a wide variation in how they do. I suspect I fall on the more severe side of cases.