Hello ck,

                things will improve over time but you have to accept that your bowel has to start out all over again and figure out how it works in the future. Since everyone is different it is impossible to give you a time frame, the only truism is that if you stress yourself over this, you will make matters worse. The sooner you accept the answer will be "as long as it takes" and work out ways and routines to mitigate day to day issues the easier it will become.

In my case l was stage 4 colon cancer with spread to the liver,. Bowel resection with rebuilt pouch,60% liver removed along with gallbladder, It has been an eight year journey since my stoma reversal and l liken it to starting out as a baby and gradually learning to control my bowel as opposed to it controlling you. As well as learning this, l also finally in my life learnt patience. This is a pre-requisite for any recovering bowel surgery patient, take comfort in knowledge that your current discomfort is an affirmation of your second chance of life and embrace it with a positive outlook. l am now 72, look 60, work like a horse everyday looking after cattle and sheep on my small farm, it was a hellish journey but having them depending upon me pulled me through the worst times. And that is the final recommendation, find a compelling purpose to focus upon and go for it,

             Good luck,

                                   david