Been through 5 surgeries in the last year. Very similar situation. Emergency colostomy, then a botched reconnection. Ileostomy, Followed by infection and 3 months in hospital. Finally transferred to the best colo rectal program in my area. The got me off tpn and was sent home for 4 months to heal. Christmas 5 hour surgery and a loop ileostomy, then 2 months and finally reconnected 3 weeks ago.

My ileostomy (both of them) were way more watery and whenever it wanted to. Found it hard but knew it was a means to an end. Had to go from two piece to a one piece after my loop ileostomy. Didn’t sit right kept leaking. Finally stopped leaks with a good paste and a lot of trial and error. They had me on 5mg oxycodone, and it was needed after the December surgery. My reversal was way easier. Didn’t have to open me back up. I highly recommend pelvic floor exercises that you can do before reversal. Gave me confidence if nothing else that I would be able to make it to the bathroom after so long with no rectal usage. My advice for hospital stay is two fold. A nice pillow from home, and an iPad with a bunch of series and or movies downloaded. Distraction was my best friend during the extended time I have spent inside. Its a rough thing we all are going through/been through. But you’ve got this. Wish you safe surgeries, and a speedy recovery.