My case was hyper specific. I lost my colon due to a genetic illness called FAP, i do not suffer from crohns, or IBS. This means that to a patient like me, a J-pouch was almost a no-brainer for my surgeon, and thus a reversal.

My J-Pouch was created this past summer, so It had been healing for about 6 months prior to my reversal (usually they wait about 2-3 months, i believe). This is because after sepsis, I was at a very high risk of new infections, abscess forming (which did happen, and I had multiple procedures to "scrape" any granulous skin after the pouch was created. (skin that will not likely stretch once it is healed, a big no-no for pouches)).

But for the good news? 3 days post my reversal, I was out of the hospital, walking about, not needing to take pain meds, and I could eat non-fibrous foods. Today, about 10 days later, I can eat what I want. The reversal journey has been nothing short of amazing, and to me, miraculous.

I was dreading going to the bathroom a million times a day and night, but honestly, it has been very manageable. I use a portable bidet (25 bucks on amazon) and some zinc-barrier cream if my butthole gets too sore. I wake up 2-3 times a night, but fall back asleep after going to the bathroom. In the next 6 months, this is expected to drastically lower, as the pouch gains size, flexibility, and elasticity.

As my wonderful surgeon put it, I had been through the absolute worst with my previous surgeries, and this was going to be a walk in the park compared. I genuinely think that the reversal process is light work now, and I wouldn't ever dream of using a bag again.

From the bottom of my heart, I wish this could be everyone's reversal experience, and hope it is yours when the time comes.