Wound Care after Ileostomy Reversal

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[@rickygharu7023]

I'm in the hospital right now just had my ileostomy reversal surgery I feel mentally drainer the most supportive thing is peoples advice that have actually lived the situation 🙌🏽

[@preppergmidatlantic7997]

I'm going for my reversal December 26th and I'm terrified of putting packing inside the wound

[@preppergmidatlantic7997]

I had my ileostomy reversal as scheduled. Went well, since I have excellent insurance my surgeon gave me a wound vac instead of packing it because the wound vac heals faster and less likely to get infected and he also had home healthcare nurses come to my house 3 times a week to change the wound vac packing. So glad it's over and back to work

[@lupitareyes453]

how long was your recovery time? when were you allowed to return to normal foods? and when were you allowed to return to work? asking since I have my reversal surgery tomorrow

[@preppergmidatlantic7997]

@@lupitareyes453 Everyone's recovery is different. After the reversal you'll have a wound that looks like a bullet hole that will have to be packed and the wound care team will show you how to do it. I have really good insurance so my surgeon wanted me have a wound vac machine because it helps heal a little quicker and less likely to get an infection. My insurance covers home healthcare and I had an RN come to my home 3 times a week to change the packing for the wound vac. My surgeon gave specific instructions not to do it myself, let the RN do it. I had some pain from the surgery for about a week or two, the packing change was very painful for the first 2 or 3 changes so I would take oxycodone about an hour before the RN got to my house. I had the surgery December 26th and I was back at work with no restrictions January 29th. I do recommend taking it slow with certain foods and introduce them slowly. Wearing Depends for a while is a good idea and I'm not joking!!!! So if you don't have any I suggest you have them before you're released from the hospital. Here it is almost three months after surgery and I wear depends at work and extra change of clothes in my bag because it creeps up on you quick and I mean quick !!!! One thing that was so helpful, the hospital sent me home with a bedside toilet. At first I said no, but I am so glad I took it home!! The abdominal pain made if difficult to get out of bed to walk to the bathroom, I knew I wouldn't have made it to the bathroom in time. Just take it slow, don't rush the healing process and you'll be fine!!!

[@arzooarora9297]

​@@lupitareyes453have u done with your surgery?

[@andrewmiller4885]

You beautiful precious girl . I'm a woman writing on my husbands account . He has just undergone what's called an ileostomy reversal . He comes out of hospital tomorrow and honestly I have been sick with stress and fear as I will have to do what you just did for him . I don't know if I can manage as I am numb with fear and unable to even stand the sight of blood let alone doing anything like this . I admire your strength courage and perseverance . You have this . May God bless you and keep you always in the palm of his hand , and may he help me and my husband toward recovery as well . Thank you so much for this informative video .

[@AyMela]

You’re one step closer to having this chapter in your life closed!!! Thank you for being vulnerable and educating all of us. Praying for you Vane 💕

[@sandyfields678]

Hav mine for 2plus yrs,,hope .to heal thru vagina walls,one day.. thank 4 this,,in my 70s had stage 2 colorectal since 2017...

[@kimberlyoberlander6356]

I just had my ileostomy reversal surgery on Valentines Day 2024 after being diagnosed with Diverticulitis in October 2024. I’m now receiving VNA visits for my wound care. Thank you for your video on this subject. I’m one of those individuals who likes to be well informed about my diagnosis, tests, procedures, treatments, etc. when it comes to my health. I appreciate learning about others experiences through similar journeys.

[@darrencole1387]

Thank you Vanessa! I am getting my ileostomy reversal in two weeks and two days. You are so brave!! Bless you!

[@cindym3340]

What a thorough job you did cleaning and packing your wound. You take your time. You are very brave to do all this on your own. 😘👏👏👏👏

[@lorenenoe4472]

Gurl, I learned more watching you than from my visiting nurse after my surgery. My packing was very thin and no one suggested wetting it first. God forbid I ever have to pack a wound again but now I’m prepared! You are a great educator and we all appreciate your vlogs so much! I was rehabbing during Covid so help at home was sporadic at best. 🦋. So happy you are doing so well my little sister in colon cancer. 🦋

[@lesam424]

Thx so much,best wishes

[@notimeforfoolishnessreally5986]

You made one of grossest procedures look bearable. Thank you for being so courageous and not letting your pride prevent you from educating ppl. Due to the fear many may have of going through a ileostomy. You stay blessed dear earthly angel😇

[@TorontoViewer]

I am getting my reversal in 3 weeks. Thank you SO MUCH for taking the time, effort and care to post this. THis will help me a lot in a month. LOVE TO YOU.

[@ryansipple288]

Having my reversal next Tuesday, so I’m glad I came across this informative video!

[@veronicahelgelandlarsen4858]

Hi Vanessa.Im so glad you are doing well😊I have also been fighting stage 3 colorectal cancer.We have been head to head with surgery’s and chemotherapy all the way.Seeing how strong you have been during all of this has helped me so much.Did you know that colorectal cancer is the worlds second to most deadly cancer?only beaten by lung cancer.So you and I both should be so so happy with the outcome,not to mention how proud we should feel💙lot’s of love from Norway

[@VanessaLPZ1]

Awww thank you for that info. I hope you’re doing well 💙

[@queenofstitcheswarrior2668]

❣️

[@iamtheirishgirl2]

💜This video is so good! You are so calm when you go thru each step. Congratulations again on being cancer free! 🎉💜

[@lillyanderson3623]

Always look for forward to your videos! You're doing so well. Wishing you all the best 💖💖💖

[@erikstewart9166]

Thanks so much for being open about this and posting. It's so helpful for people who are nervous about their future or don't know what to expect

[@MoesDough]

You’re amazing girl! Thank you for this video, not because I’m going through what you’re going through but because it’s very informational. 💜 hugs

[@leonoretrejo7151]

Thank you so much for sharing. You answer questions that so many of us us would feel uncomfortable asking. Prayers for your continued well being !

[@fluffydarkkitty2913]

Sending you lots of Love and The best recovery ❤️❤️

[@modicana64]

God Bless you Vanessa. I pray for your speedy recovery

[@WaterBottleBlues101]

Many blessings your way Vanessa and Family! 🌅

[@rebeccalopez9796]

Hi Vanessa! I’m so happy that ur doing better and recovering well… may u continue to heal🙏🏼❤️

[@crystalguzman9493]

God bless Vanessa love to see your positive attitude great to see thru this journey 😘

[@daliamargarita]

You’re a brave Woman !!!! and heeling faster, God bless you!!!!

[@peppapig3761]

Brave lady speedy recovery and happy your wound is healing up from Wimbledon London.

[@juliej5917]

What a journey. You’re amazing!

[@vickilachmann8927]

This was interesting to watch. You are such a strong courageous woman! Thank you for sharing

[@aep11080]

I go for my reversal Friday. Thank you for this!

[@CanDuNietteR]

gosh, your very lucky for the reversal.. I'm proud for you!. stay strong!!

[@VanessaLPZ1]

I wanted to mention I recorded this super late and I’m SUPER SICK! 😣 I did my best lol

[@isabellamomodu1812]

U did a great job. No one can even tell u sick. Get well soon. Lots of love ❤❤❤

[@brooks2692]

Brave girl! I hope you are cured forever! Thanks for sharing your journey!

[@ipat31461]

Oh wow, I don’t remember you saying that your tumor actually grew after your first chemo round. I’m so happy for you that your surgery was a success and your are now Cancer Free! 🙏🏼😊

[@annathompson5421]

Just saw your video about the reversal.I hope to have mine in January.You are so sweet and helpful.Thank you

[@s.b.2796]

Just clicked it, haven’t seen it yet! I couldn’t wait to tell you i love you so much and i wish you the best😍❤️

[@gregmawn7411]

Thank you so much. I just got home today from having my reversal and changed my packing by myself today. Watching you showed me some tricks to make it easier

[@dalindav]

God bless you Vanessa 🙏

[@julesmarchman8952]

Very informative. Thanks for sharing. Getting my reversal done this month. ❤

[@dottiegardner7997]

Thank you so much for sharing. My doctor released me after 3 days with very little knowledge of how do I do this. I was so scared but i did ok. I didn't have a home nurse to assist me. I appreciate your video so much. Stay Well!!

[@saraocampo9066]

Thank you for this video, Im going to have the reversal next week. And this video will be very helpful. God bless you

[@misswinnie4.8]

Vanessa you are healing beautifully...a walking miracle. Remember that although you look gorgeous you are still healing on the inside and you should take it slow. I'm so proud of you. 🤗

[@rebeccalyons6557]

Looks like you’re healing great! Thanks for sharing your procedures. They’re very informative and you do such a thorough job. I know severe people who have had their ileostomies reversed. They’ve all done well. It’s amazing what they can do with the colon/bowel/intestines these days!

[@letitshinealexandraslife4029]

I'll be getting my ostomy reversal in 2 weeks after 16 years of living with it and I was very nervous until i watch your videos. Thank you for sharing.

[@billys5365]

Wow. You actually did make a video of it! Awesome, and thanks! 🙏🏼

[@VanessaLPZ1]

Of course 😊

[@silviamihailova6042]

You are amazing, hundreds hugs. Stay safe.

[@dynamite9143]

This is very interesting to me because it is still a possibility that I may have to have one. You are very kind to show this. So glad to see you doing so well.

[@VanessaLPZ1]

I really hope not but If you do I’m here ! 😊

[@annathompson5421]

Also I am so happy for you you are cancer free!!!Thats such a blessing.❤

[@sherrydawson6253]

Wow your a quick learner! 👏👏I like how u emphasize d on keeping everything clean! 💯 those infections can be brutal. 💜💜👍

[@VanessaLPZ1]

That was my biggest fear was getting an infection

[@debbiehadad7968]

God bless you, Vanessa. I hope you are totally healed now. I appreciate your willingness to share this info.

[@mairaaguado9354]

God bless you, You're a WARRIOR

[@joanbook7026]

Thank you for this video. I'm having my reversal ileostomy next week and I'm not completely sure what to expect. My doctors at Sloane Kettering have been amazing, however when I was told I'd have to "pack" the wound, I wasn't sure what that meant. I will have a home health care nurse initially to help me. Your video was very informative. Thank you SO much! I was diagnosed with stage 3B rectal cancer and the only symptom I had was mucousy gas. I had Rocky Mountain Fever just prior to the onset of these symptoms. I had radiation chemo, infusion chemo and did not have a complete positive response. It's been a LONG journey, I have faith in my doctors who have told me the surgery got ALL the cancer! Blessings to you for sharing your story. There IS a light at the end of this journey. Have a positive attitude and soldier on!!!! We can't go around our struggles, we must embrace them and go THRU them no matter how difficult!!! Grace and peace to all!

[@sherriemedellin5575]

So happy your doing better ❤️‍🩹🙏🌹

[@shanibmulkins]

New subscriber, your beautiful and such a intelligent and strong young lady!! Happy your healing well!! God bless

[@ShopStylebyme]

Hello Beautiful CRC sis! What a great job of healing you’re doing. I am so happy you didn’t wait until January to have the surgery. If you continue to go to the bathroom several times a day try to Start eating bananas, bread and rice because it will bulk up your stool so you don’t go to the bathroom so much. You can also take a fiber supplement to bulk your stool. It really works but PLEASE do not take my advice without checking with your doctor. What worked for me, may not work for you. You must feel so good now that you had the reversal. I keep forgetting to tell you, your home is absolutely stunning!! Blessings to you and the fam💙💙💙

[@nadinelgarza1161]

Hi! Beautiful! I'm So Glad you are doing better. Your Such a Strong person, for going through all that you've been through. I love watching your videos. Thanks to God for Our answered prayers. Big hugs sent your way. Love you Vanessa 😘.

[@rosiecastroff9386]

thank you im due for my reversal may 13th! pray it is an easy reversal. 🙏

[@edmalts]

Hi girl. ,,, I’m going thru the same thing. I’m a male 55 and I was diagnosed with colorectal cancer 1 year ago and all the treatments you mentioned. I’m at the recovery point of iliostomy take down. And home diet plan. Regular food with a pill 💊 off soft stool. I’m feeling good about it and I should be all good in about 2-3 weeks. Wishing you the best and praying for you and me.

[@brookenunez8003]

So happy to hear you're cancer free girl! 💕

[@VanessaLPZ1]

Thank you so much! 💖 I looked over the video and it didn’t look like I was excited but I was! I just filmed this super late and I was exhausted lol

[@brookenunez8003]

@@VanessaLPZ1 oh i get it girl!! Im sure youve already went through all the emotions! I seen a few videos back youre from clovis. Im ab 40 mins away in Visalia! Small world 💕

[@VanessaLPZ1]

Oh wow! So close!

[@gaill7908]

I had an abscess this summer, for the first time in my life, and they had to pack it. I was so scared and freaked out!! Like you said, it didn’t hurt but felt so odd! After like 1.5 days I had it removed by the doc and luckily it was healing great and did not need to be packed again. I can’t imagine having to pack a wound myself!! Great job!!!

[@VanessaLPZ1]

Oh no that must’ve been awful! Glad it’s better

[@gaill7908]

@@VanessaLPZ1 thx, it cleared up right away with some antibiotics, I think it came from a mosquito bite! 😱 Glad yours is healing well!!

[@Mami-Florida]

I'm glad you are doing well God is good God bless you 🙏

[@nainaarora7545]

God bless Vanessa you are very brave 👏👏👏

[@Lauriezp123]

I'm So glad I saw this! I am having an ileostomy reversal 3/18/24, and this alleviated a lot of anxiety about what it will look like and how to take care of it. Thank you! Ps. I hope you feel better by now :)

[@timlittle1286]

I hope you are alright at the moment and doing well just . I just feel totally wrecked but that is OK .Wishing you all the best.

[@cafedulce6545]

Nice video well explained thank you

[@constancedorian6070]

I just returned home from colostomy takedown and a giant peristomal hernia repair. They gave me instructions on how to do this in the hospital but your video-is so so helpful to refresh my memory. 🥰 thank you and may the Lord keep you healthy and healed!

[@cockeyedoptimista]

Omg, I had a colostomy reversal with a big peristomal hernia repair as well! Mine was about 6 weeks ago. I stopped needing to bandage it about two weeks ago. I never had to pack the wound, though. We just put gauze over it and changed it while it drained and healed. I'm surprised you had to pack it?

[@constancedorian6070]

@@cockeyedoptimista Oh I can’t wait to be done with this season of my life 😵‍💫.. just like the girl does in her video I put inside my wound a product called Aquacel advantage. It’s advanced microbial ribbon dressing, and I layer that inside and apply the gauze and then the sticky covering. Good luck with your recovery. I feel so blessed to have gotten this during the winter. I had my colostomy bag for seven months I got the go ahead to get hooked back up before Christmas but I live in New;Mexico and availability of doctors for colonoscopies and barium enema is limited so it took time to get it all done before I got the go ahead for surgery. Happy summer without a colostomy bag!

[@msdivaleeeshus]

Vanessa, thank you for sharing all your videos, you have given me hope, in this world of "stoma," I felt so alone in my thoughts and fears but thank God for people like you that can ease the mind of people like me! I have had my ileostomy since 3/29/2023 and my reversal is coming up on 8/29/2023, after looking at your amazing videos, I now know what to look forward to. thank you thank you thank you oh did I say thank you. Stay strong and as beautiful as you are. God bless you and the world around you!!!

[@VanessaLPZ1]

Your reversal is on my birthday!!!! I wish you the best and a quick and easy recovery ❤️‍🩹 the reversal process was so much easier than the placement for me and I hope it is for you too

[@valentinamonteiro2249]

Hi..Vanessa I m so glad you are doing well. I too was diagnosed with third stage ractosigmoid cancer n was with colestomy bag last 6months. Den took chemotheraphy n finally did a illestomy reversal surgery 15days back n my stoma is closed now. Praise God! Will keep you too in prayers n stay positive. God bless

[@sairahayat527]

Are u feeling alright after the reversal and not having any issue passing the stool. Is it all fine? Plz reply

[@rubitorres5836]

Thanks for sharing🥰God bless you 🙏🏻🥰

[@farmerinthedell7]

Thank you so much for this video. I’m having my reversal next week and am pretty nervous! Thanks and hope you are doing well.

[@TheLendyTexasGirl]

I'll be having my reversal surgery soon as well. Terrified.. but staying strong.

[@farmerinthedell7]

Mine went well. Had a couple of abscesses after surgery, but now am 100% and eating anything I want (including spicy hot). Nice. Will be praying for you!

[@judithcoello7768]

I been through packing wounds and it gets easier I’ve done it when they left my csection open after a reopening due to an infection back in 2018 and 2020 I had a breast abscess and they after removing I had to pack and 2 months after that another reopening cuz the abscess was back in another area and reopened the previous wound and did a new one that I had to also pack Blessings to you and happy that you came out of what you did you are very strong and praying all goes well

[@1977sallysue]

Thank you for sharing your story with us , very sorry to hear about you having cancer thank god it’s all gone so far . I lost both my parents to cancer I truly hate that word . So I see this is your little scar hole you have left after having your Ileostomy surgery reversed that’s actually pretty nice it’s not that big at all , praying it heals all up for you . I had a colostomy for a year then just had to have an end Ileostomy Aug 24 of this year they pretty much told me of never have it reversed but on the good side at least I’m a lot healthier now having this bag than what I was before just really hard getting use to it mentally , and after my colostomy surgery I ended up with a two very large scars and one right now won’t heal I’m left with hole about the size of yours I have to change gauze and bandage it every day it’s been over a month and it hasn’t closed yet sure hope it does cuz right now it looks like I have two belly buttons , but it could be worse right . But you are very beautiful and thank you so much for sharing I love hearing other peoples stories why they have or had an Ileostomy or a colostomy

[@jeaniemull5694]

Thank you for sharing

[@davidnunn2985]

excellent.Thank you for sharing

[@paigeshriver]

Thank you

[@ashleehinson5173]

Hi ,congratulations on being cancer free that's awesome the were able to reverse that kind of procedure.

[@roch145]

I had an ileostomy for 9 months after rectal cancer surgery. My wound care was a little bit different. I wasn’t told to repack the wound. I just changed the gauze pads frequently during the day. The first 5 days there was lots of blood in the drainage. But then slowly it started getting pinker as the blood content was reduced. Then it turned a pale yellow from the serous fluid. It took about 30 days for the drainage to stop and then it scabbed over. One topic you didn’t mention was bowel movements after the surgery. I lost most of my sphincter control since I hadn’t pooped in 9 months. I had a good number of accidents early on. Eventually my sphincter control improved. But since I had half of my rectum removed, it’s been somewhat of a challenge since then. I have urgent needs to use the bathroom and have my afternoons spent on the toilet. A lot depends on the surgery you had and what was removed. I can’t imagine wanting to spend time recording the wound care process as I just wanted to deal with wound care. Thanks for taking time to do your recording. As your comments show it’s been very valuable to many people. I hope you continue to be cancer free!

[@ButterflyMariposa226]

Hermosa, que diosito te cuide siempre, muchas bendiciones y cuídate mucho…..🥰🌸🙏🏻

[@Julessou]

So happy to see you doing well and healing wonderfully ❤️❤️ Also just wondering but do you know when do you get your port removed?

[@VanessaLPZ1]

I have the same question! Lol I hope soon but they said after my surgery

[@matthewcarrubba2976]

Hi sweetie, I hope everything went well for you during this procedure and God bless you and stay safe and healthy and Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family. Love 💘 so much 💘 💓

[@VanessaLPZ1]

Hi! Thank you so much for everything done just before the holidays. 💖

[@matthewcarrubba2976]

@@VanessaLPZ1 you are so welcome and thank you so much for your reply and God bless you and stay safe and healthy. Love 💘 so much 💘 💓

[@federalnoise]

Hi Vanessa, good to see you are making a recovery. If there is any long term scarring from surgery, i am not sure if you have heard of dermarollers being used to help reduce surface scars once the wound is properly healed up. Thank you for the update.

[@VanessaLPZ1]

I didn’t but thank you 😊

[@welcometoronsworld6589]

YOU ARE THE REAL SUPER WOMAN.

[@MountainmommaWV3]

I had a colostomy for eight months, when it was reversed they sewed me up. I did have to pack where the drain tube had been, that didn’t feel to good . I’m so happy that you are on the other side of this , I get it, time to get back to life , lol easier said than done. I wanted to ask you are you a phlebotomist? It sounded like you were, that’s what I done for years. Wishing you all the happiness and health

[@VanessaLPZ1]

Thank you. Yes I was a phlebotomist for 5 years

[@rosiecastroff9386]

good to know, thank you! you can be a nurse!!

[@leanneradoo]

God bless you

[@techiescrapper]

Congratulations

[@janetterocha3609]

I’m sure you are happy to have that bag off. I’m happy you are cancer free. Cheers

[@mandatereporter7928]

You have strength like a Lyon

[@naldovaz9157]

you are so brave and honest.. l am researching this topic and , so Vanessa you are back to normal functions and the stomach opening is no longer needed? Just heal and recover? Why just a few reverse this and many cannot? l feel so bad for someone l know and it looks like they will have the bag and no reversal operation.

[@tanyapickering6681]

hi i think you are amazing... i was wondering if you have any LARS issues? how are you coping now?

[@annajo1963]

When are you getting your port out?

[@bettylee2004]

Hi Vanessa 👋 just wanted to wish you and your family a very blessed Thanksgiving. How are you doing sister?

[@VanessaLPZ1]

Thank you! And to you as well! I’m doing great learning to go number 2 still lol

[@bettylee2004]

@@VanessaLPZ1 you made me laugh. Keep that strength up. God bless you sister!

[@CookWithGracy]

Praise the Lord. Recovery stage. 👍

[@ArtaxNOO]

Thank you!! I'm about to get my reversal. Nice to see more packing will be needed....🤨 Lol.

[@jdsnz1886]

Ma’am you are a badass. I always get help with the packing. after seeing this however… I know for a fact that I could possibly and maybe be able to do it myself.

[@VanessaLPZ1]

Ofcourse you can! I know it’s scary at first but I asked the nurse to watch me and tell me if I’m doing something wrong. You can do it!

[@jdsnz1886]

@@VanessaLPZ1 thank you so much for sharing your journey! I just had my reversal, and was researching, somehow miraculously bumped into your channel. Thanks for your kind words. ❤️

[@TexasLendy]

How long was total healing process from reversal? I'm about to have a reversal and my husband will be home to help me before he returns to work and we'd like some type of time frame to let his boss know. Thanks

[@Truth1561]

I have only a feint line where my stomach was now.

[@ritchelleannmartin9388]

Hi, may I ask if you still havr neuropathy on your hands and foot after your cancer?

[@melissavidal2600]

♥️

[@bhartichauhan16]

How you were doing after reversal . How long it take you to become normal

[@debbielucero5510]

I love your videos.and you are very beautiful

[@VanessaLPZ1]

💖thank you

[@keenahockey9682]

Brave girl x My son has crohns deasease. He's 23 He had a ileostomy because he had a perforated bowel because of the damage the disease has done He's had it for 9 months. He's now contemplating a reversal He's seeing his surgeon tomorrow K from UK 🇬🇧

[@VanessaLPZ1]

If he does get a reversal this part was the easiest. I hope it’s easy for him as well. 💙

[@keenahockey9682]

@@VanessaLPZ1 Thankyou x

[@garyhunt5731]

2 weeks left for me to get rid of bag a little worried

[@annettesh75]

I had a wound after surgery I had to pack. Memory unlocked. Lol

[@VanessaLPZ1]

😂