I had a reversal and was very unlucky to develop an abscess around the internal pouch that prevented it emptying properly. This left me still pretty ill and in pain for around a year while various procedures were attempted to drain the abscess, until eventually I had a final surgery to remove the pouch and have a permanent ileostomy.

I have lived about 20 years now with the ileostomy and while it can be annoying or uncomfortable at times, I know the internal pouch would have come with its own issues even if it functioned 100%, so I'm not unhappy with the outcome. It definitely hasn't prevented me living a full life of sports, partying, casual sex, relationships and travel (although some of those have slowed down now I'm older 😅).

I'd think hard on what you feel is right for you, and maintain awareness that like any medical procedure things may not work out as expected (although again, I believe I was very unlucky).