(Picture: Hattie Gladwell)

I had an ileostomy bag for 10 months during 2015, after I underwent emergency surgery to remove my colon, as it was close to perforating from ulcerative colitis (UC), a form of Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

If you aren’t sure on what an ileostomy is, it’s where your small intestine (ileum) is brought out to your abdomen and waste is collected into a bag attached to your stomach.

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It’s often confused with a colostomy which, while similar, involves the colon being pulled to the abdomen.

I was able to have a reversal – where they pull my small intestine to the rectum to allow me to go the toilet as before.




Of course, I knew there would be some consequences – one of those being you use the toilet a LOT more than most.

But at the time, I was convinced a reversal was the way to go.

I didn’t mind having an ostomy bag, it didn’t bother me appearance-wise, but I had some other complications with it including constant bag leaks and burning skin due to having very sensitive skin.

That reason alone was enough to warrant the reversal choice.

(Picture: Hattie Gladwell)

Now, it’s been another 10 months since my reversal surgery.

While in no way do I regret having my reversal, I can’t help but notice there have been some things that have gone downhill since having it.

And there are many reasons as to why I actually miss having an ostomy bag – reasons that perhaps I didn’t notice when I actually had one.

1. I was more independent

Apart from the bag leaks, I was more independent.

I didn’t have to worry about the toilet or take medication to make sure I didn’t have any problems when out.

2. I wasn’t on any medication

My bag was my medication and that was it.

Now, if I do go out – with isn’t often due to complications I have had since my reversal surgery – I have to make sure I have my medication with me at all times to make sure my stomach’s okay.

3. I had fewer worries

When I had a bag, I was pretty much clear of UC, due to my rectum being temporarily sewn up.

But, now that my rectum is sewn to my small intestine and it is ‘functioning’ again, I have a 70% risk of the UC returning there, in which case I will face further surgery.

(Picture: Hattie Gladwell)

4. I had more support

With my bag, I had an IBD/Stoma nurse to look after me and check up on how I was doing.

I also had a great relationship with support network CliniMed and SecuriCare Medical Delivery, who would always send me my bags and supplies and make sure I had plenty to get me through the month – knowing about all of the leaks I suffered with.

Now, the only two people I can go to is either my GP, who doesn’t have that much understanding of my surgery/IBD in general, or my surgeon.



While the surgeon is amazing, they are not there for general support and questions.

5. I was more sociable

While I haven’t necessarily ‘lost’ friends since the reversal, I have definitely become more unsociable and therefore seen them less.

I find it hard to go out without fearing the worst, so I’m often cancelling plans or simply not making them.

6. I was able to relate more to others

When you have a bag, you’re often faced with the same issues as other people who also have a bag – blockages, pain, discolouration of stool and whatnot.

But when you have a reversal, your symptoms can seem completely foreign to someone who may have had the same procedure as you.

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Everyone copes with a reversal differently, it’s just the body’s way of coping with a surgery and a huge change to the digestive system.

While some reversals go totally according to plan, others just don’t work out.

(Picture: Hattie Gladwell)

Of course, everyone has their own idea as to whether they would prefer an ostomy or a reversal.

While some deem those with reversals as ‘lucky’, others would not take away their ostomy for the world due to the risks reversals can have. And that’s completely okay. There’s no right or wrong preference.

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