Hi all - I go in Tuesday morning to get my ileostomy reversed. I don't really have a very clear idea of what my recovery time or experience will be. I remember having quite a bit of pain after the ileostomy was put in (Feb 29 of this year), and of course the even worse pain after my resection last month (April 7). My doctor said 5-6 weeks recovery, which is the answer he gave for all my surgeries.
Not saying it isn't accurate. But my experience has been that the surgeon underestimates the pain of surgery, or is inadequate at communicating it. He must feel I will heal fairly well, as he told my oncologist we can start my 6 mos of FOLFOX 3 weeks after the surgery (we are already late starting, lots of reasons).
So - can anyone share what their experience was with their ileostomy or colostomy reversal? And if you also had a rectal resection, how did it go (no pun intended) using your plumbing again?
Thanks,
Jane
Stage IIIC rectal cancer, dx 12/07
Interrupted 5 week 5 FU and daily radiation treatment suspended in the 5th week, due to adverse reaction to radiation
Emergency temporary loop ileostomy Feb 2008
Low Anterior Resection April 2008, 11 of 22 nodes positive
FOLFOX in 3 weeks