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Preparing for upcoming colostomy surgery-any clues on what to expect?
Ostomy | Last Active: Sep 29, 2023 | Replies (62)Comment receiving replies
I got a colostomy in mid Feb. Surgery was Thursday, discharge was Monday. Could probably have been discharged on Sunday but the ostomy folks were off on Sundays and I had only done a system change 2x so wasn't confident about doing it alone. No lifting >10#s for 6 weeks, which made me pretty wimpy. I'm an accountant and was working from home by the following week for a couple hours/day - standing was no issue, sitting was an issue - very uncomfortable and not supposed to sit for more than 10 minutes/hour for the first 3 weeks. Started working in the office after 6 weeks for 1/2 days and added an hour/week until I was back at full 8 hours days. Walk a lot - it helps everything to work better. I'm still adding foods most days to make sure they don't cause issues - it's a slow process, each person is different. I don't need chemo or radiation, so my only follow up visit was after 3 weeks to remove the drain tube and butt sutures. My drain tube leaked a lot since it was right in my belly crease, so I ended up using an ostomy pouch over the drain to stay dry. Was very little pain during recovery. At 5 weeks I wanted to know why I was experiencing some oddball pains that hadn't been there earlier in the recovery and I was told if I'm not bleeding, running a fever or have new redness, I'm fine and wait until around 12 weeks out to see if the issues are still there (they went away around week 9). I'm still abdominally weak but getting stronger every day. I have some core strength workout dvds that I haven't been very good at using - those would help a lot, could start doing those after the 6 week time. After 3.5 months, it's not a big deal for the most part - for the first couple weeks, I thought my bathroom was a bit of a toxic waste site. I would recommend keeping a spare set of clothing in the car all the time in case of bag failure or a really bad food response. The ostomy nurses were super helpful in answering questions. There is a stoma guard from stomagear.com that gives me a lot of confidence about not injuring the stoma. You may also want to look at a variety of support belts once you're back home - I got one in the hospital but it didn't work for me other than the initial abdominal support. I've now bought about 6 of them, none are perfect but some work better than others for me. My stoma is below my natural belly crease, so a lot of the thin belts just move up to my natural belly crease and then are pulling at my stoma. The whole process takes a bit of getting used to, but it's no big deal after a relative short learning curve.
Replies to "I got a colostomy in mid Feb. Surgery was Thursday, discharge was Monday. Could probably have..."
All your comment are excellent and great source of information for patients. I would like to add couple of more points. The stoma guard and a good support belt is the best thing invented and my opinion should be provided for all patients to take home at time of hospital discharge. Ask for a stoma guard. IF the hospital you will have surgery does not carry them does hospital surgeon/doctor can order one one from your pharmacy. .
I now also wear a 45" X65" inch velcro support belt which covers below by breast bone 2 inches past my belly button. IT this is too small you can have cleaners or seamstress sew two belts together for greater support. This sewing of two support belts also helps your lower back a great deal. Many senior people have osteoporosis and the pain is unbearable. . Additionally, I had seamstress cut a hole where needed for the tubing. I have also used a quart or gallon zip lock bag covering the stoma bag area if I am traveling in case of accidents. Often a different stoma design is necessary. Taping zip lock bag against support bet with electrical tape helps. Only have been used on long trips when stoma bag cannot be changed. This make such much easier for me if I am to have am to have leakage.
Velcro support belts ate sold at medical supply stores or amazon. PS> Medicare does not cover support belts of any kind. I also have gone through four of these support belts. Hooks can be sewn on them so velcro doesn't get worn out when adjusting.
The healing ,yes is a process, I changed bags everyday. I understand not everyone can afford them. Check to see if your insurance pays for all necessary bags needed.
My back was extremely painful in addition dealing with my diverticulosis surgery. . I used cbd balm 300 mg on my back and omg it made all the difference. and it certainly helped a great deal along with some Tylenol . CBD does not ABSORB INTO THE BLOOD STREAM affecting any medications you are presently taking.
As far as using the toilet, have friends bring you (if they ask what you need) the bleach./blue toilet tank tablets you put int toilet bowel to disinfect bowel. They help a great deal. Spray with Lysol after emptying bag. I have OCD with cleaning.
Diet is very important. Small meals makes the difference but going slow with smoothies of all kinds, vegetable and fish and fruit does the trick and will not leave you hungry leave you hungry. I supplemented with Ensure and carnation instant chocolate shake mixes, adding 2 tablespoons of protein powder and fruit of your choice. Slowly introduce stewed vegetables and starches. No grains.
Also there are sprays you can use in your bath toilet areas. Plug in Fabreze sent works for me. For women body sprays. Jean Nate works as I believe your bodyPH changes after surgery.
Lastly Please Please be very very careful with what you pick up and bending. WE can easily injure ourselves and not even realize it. . Bring things down from your shelves for easy access. NO bending down for a very long time. IT could be for as long a months or until what date your your doctors instructs. I thought was fine after 4 months post surgery and I decided to go do a little gardening. I use a long arm handle garden pruner/ cutter scissors and cut good size rhododendron branches The story will be short. I gave myself a good size hernia of which I will be having surgery to repair early next month.
I thought I was just gaining weight. until my daughter commented I looked nine months pregnant. Had an appointment with gastro surgeon and hernia was confirmed with a a CT SCAN. So beware anyone even if you feel strong again. Please get clearance to resume physical activity that could further injure your surgery and cause other complications. IT"S just not worth it too early after surgery. Don't take chances until you re totally healed and have built up those muscles. You must heal to resume activity until dr confirms you are ok. Best of luck to all.
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One more thing - my home was 2 hours away from hospital. The drive home was terrible - we only made it about 30 minutes before I had to stop the first time. Walked around for about 30 minutes and then tried laying more on my side in the car - that worked better, but with a 6 hour trip, you should plan on a lot of stops. Might want to take the good drugs (oxycodon or whatever they prescribe) for the ride home. I only used tylenol and ibuprofin and stopped those on the 2nd day I was home since there really wasn't much pain.