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Rectum resection with Ostomy bag, New to this, what can I expect?
I was recently diagnosed with T2 rectum cancer. I am scheduled for a resection next week and will have an ostomy bag for a while after. I am a little nervous and worried about what to expect after surgery. The pain, hospital stay and once I go home. I figured asked a support group that has been through some of these things are better than google. So, can someone help me out and let me know what to expect? Give me what you wish someone would have told you before you went through it, please. Thank you in advance for and advice.
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I had I did not have pain the hardest part was just accept and learn how to change Lots of people are walking around with colostomy bags and you’d never know Not fun but not a big deal with me
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4 ReactionsThose are excellent questions for your surgeon. In my case, the pain was minimal and my hospital stay was five nights. The ileostomy, stoma care and bag management were much less complicated than I anticipated. Your ostomy nurse will be a great resource for preparing you for your routine after leaving the hospital and selecting your preferred supplier of bags and materials. Suppliers are another great resource, are readily accessible and provide samples without obligation. I encourage you to order bag samples from all of the major suppliers to determine which ones you feel most comfortable with. I only tried and was quite happy with one-piece bags. Don’t hesitate to post any other questions or concerns you might have.
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7 Reactions@jaspithill1946 yes, nurses are a great source of info and love to help.
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2 ReactionsThank you all for the advice and tips.
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1 ReactionHello @cici80 and welcome to Mayo Connect. I see that several members have already shared encouraging thoughts based on their experiences. I would also like to direct you to a Connect support group for members who have had ostomies. Here is a link to that group,
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/ostomy/
Has your surgeon indicated how long you will be hospitalized after the surgery?
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1 Reaction@nycmusic NPs-nurse practitioners and PA s -physicians’ assistants are especially helpful..the NP on my cancer team is easy to message and can prescribe meds when needed..they give more time whenever I see them, vary valuable team members…
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3 Reactions@hopeful33250 my surgeon said it would be 3 to 5 days in the hospital. Yes, very encouraging group.
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2 Reactions@cici80
I interviewed a Connect member for a Spotlight. She had an ostomy in 1987. I think you will find her experience encouraging. Here is a link to that Spotlight:
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/blog/about-connect/newsfeed-post/diving-into-life-with-an-ostomy-meet-susanbfoster/
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1 Reaction@cici80, thinking of you as you recovery from surgery. I look forward to hearing from you when you are able.
@terrydalecasino
Dear @cici80 I had a polyp in my ANUS and RECTAL AREA the size of (2) plums put together. That and I also had a fast growing cancer ♋ at the very end part of my SIGMOID COLON about (8) millimeters on the end.
After looking at my CT SCAN and seeing the cancer ♋ on my SIGMOID COLON and how what appeared to be root like lines going to the POLYP in my RECTUM AREA I just told the surgeon to take out everything that "COULD" turn into cancer ♋! He asked me if I was sure? I just said to him bring me the forms to sign.
The cancer ♋ was isolated in the SIGMOID COLON and had not gone down to my ANUS or RECTAL AREA yet, but seeing that it was a fast growing cancer ♋ that's why I made the decision I did. Besides, I needed to get the large POLYP removed anyway!
So he removed (15) centimeters of my ANUS AND RECTUM and (8) millimeters of my SIGMOID COLON WHERE THE CANCER ♋ ACTUALLY WAS AT!
The pain wasn't all that bad because he gave me good pain medicine 💊.
One thing I will tell you is that it will take a while for you to get used to the 🛍️ bag. Another thing is that you will get tired very quickly. Something I haven't gotten used to yet. But then again, I have to wear the colostomy bag 🛍️ for the rest of my life 🧬!
One thing I don't recommend is getting RADIATION OR CHEMOTHERAPY because I truly feel and think that will kill you!!!!
Just make sure you have all the cancer ♋ cells removed.
I had my surgery 01/11/2021. I no longer see the doctor who performed the surgery but I still get what's called DME SUPPLIES EVERY MONTH.
DME stands for Durable Medical Equipment.
You will hear them, the nursing staff, call them an appliance. I asked the nurse, why do you call it that? And she said because it is an appliance to aid in the discharge of stool.
I've gotten used to the bag 🛍️. But I haven't gotten used to getting tired so quickly all the time. Just take it slow and easy. One other thing!!!!!!! Tell everyone that you cannot sit normally. That's where the "REALLY BAD" PAIN comes in. Everybody is going to expect you to sit right away and you won't be able to do it. Just tell them "NOOO"!!!!!! IT IS "TOO" PAINFUL!
You're just going to have to favor one cheek at a time. It will be uncomfortable as hell, but that's what I had to do for quite a while until things started to "HEAL" UP!
I wish you all the luck 🤞🙏 and prayers. I will also ask GOD 🙏🙏🙏🙏 to help you the way he helped me.
I hope this is helpful to you.
GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY AND MAY HE WATCH OVER YOU AND PROTECT YOU ALWAYS!!