Should I get my ileostomy reversed?

I can't decide whether to go for it or stick with a stoma bag for life!! I am 33, and had Ulcerative Colitis previously.

As others have said, ultimately the decision is up to you. I've lived with my ileostomy (due to UC) for 31 years (got it when I was 10 years old) and never had a problem. I know many others who are the same.

Likewise, I know many people who have had j pouch surgery and love it. Stats I have seen say that only about 10% of j pouchers suffer sufficient problems post op to have to go back to an ileostomy.

Maybe you should stick with your ileo for a while longer if you're having doubts - I know people who have decided to have a j pouch after 10 years of living with an ileostomy - it took them that long to make up their mind!

J pouch surgery does decrease fertility rates (but having said that I know people with a j pouch who have had successful pregnancies). There is also the worry of Butt Burn (aka Taco Butt aka Burning Ring of Fire) but that's usually easily fixed with the use of various creams. Chances are you'll probably get at least one bout of pouchitis but it's usually easily cured with antibiotics.

The main advantage of having j pouch surgery is that, obviously, you don't have to wear a bag but I know lots of people who are very happy with their ileo and would never consider having a j pouch.


Check out http://www.j-pouch.org for futher info. They're a great bunch of people there.

Good luck in your decision.

You shouldn't be relying on opinions on here, speak to your stoma care nurse, GP or consultant. Every persons' situation is different and they are the only people qualified to give best advice

33 is still a young woman, you still have a lot of living to do. If the Dr.s agree that reversal is in good practice, then go for it.
Whats the worst that could happen? If they have to make a new one, at least you will know for sure and not spend your days wondering.

Only your Dr can determine if your bowel is healed or not.You cant hook up your bowel unless all of the ulcerations are healed up and normal flora is restored.It is possible to hook the bowel back up if that was your question..but as I said above..there are factors regarding this

What advice have you been given by the medical professions. Ideally nobody wants to have a ileostomy but if its the only way you can continue to live a normal and productive life it would be better to keep it. Obverously some can be reversed and the problem is solved but you need to get that professional advice an d work with that information.

What ever you decide i wish you the best for the future Sorry I cannot be more help

If you are asking this question you must have some specific concerns, otherwise I would have thought most people would jump at the chance to have it reversed.

Are these concerns about the procedure, I would have thought the risks would be acceptable, though I certainly don't know the details of your case?

If you had a total colectomy are you concerned about trouble an ileo-rectal connection might cause.

Is it because you have heard that despite he concreteness of your diagnosis that you might have Chrohn's disease?

Is it possible also that you have developed a psychological attachment to your ileostomy and are worried about loosing it.

i wish i could be more helpful, I suggest you speak to your doctors and perhaps get in touch with others who have had the reversal.

Either way I hape it goes well for you.

Mu uncle had his ileostomy reversed and has been fine. He is 55. I would say have it done as you are only 33 and thats a very long time to be with a stoma bag.
Hope this helps!

I would but then I am not you.
Only you can decide what is best for you and the life style you lead.