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Which doctor is responsible for follow up after Ileostomy surgery?

Posted by lauramae3 @lauramae3, Dec 5, 2024

My husband had an emergency Ileostomy on August 7 by an emergency physician. He never had a physician associated with this health problem. My question is, do you have a physician dedicated to monitor the health and well being of the stoma, rashes, vitamin deficiency, loss of weight, appetite, etc.? If so we need to know why type of specialty doctor this would be. Thank you.

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hardingv | @hardingv | Dec 31, 2024
In reply to @lauramae3 "Cancer stage 4 in at least his liver and stomach. He is going to change his..." + (show)
@lauramae3

Cancer stage 4 in at least his liver and stomach. He is going to change his diet to soups with nothing in it like Tomato Soup or broth, bone broth etc. And you're right... my fear is that he will not be eligible for cancer treatment due to his low weight. Will find out January 2nd when we meet with his Oncologist. Yes - hoping for the best for both of them!!!

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My husband also has stage 4 with metastasis to liver. Really sucks.

I don't know who your oncologist is associated with but have you asked for a consultation with a dietician? They should be able to help figure out ways to avoid malnourished and maintain weight even if he has difficulty with solid food. Hey may also be able to identify potential issues. For xample, is tomato soup acidic enough that it is an issue?

In my husband's case a dietitian stopped by once while he was doing chemo. She had a couple of handouts, ran down a list of suggestions (a couple of which sounded good to him) and had a few useful tips. It might be worth a. shot.

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lauramae3 | @lauramae3 | Jan 1 9:03am
In reply to @hardingv "My husband also has stage 4 with metastasis to liver. Really sucks. I don't know who..." + (show)
@hardingv

My husband also has stage 4 with metastasis to liver. Really sucks.

I don't know who your oncologist is associated with but have you asked for a consultation with a dietician? They should be able to help figure out ways to avoid malnourished and maintain weight even if he has difficulty with solid food. Hey may also be able to identify potential issues. For xample, is tomato soup acidic enough that it is an issue?

In my husband's case a dietitian stopped by once while he was doing chemo. She had a couple of handouts, ran down a list of suggestions (a couple of which sounded good to him) and had a few useful tips. It might be worth a. shot.

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That's a good question. We'll ask the Oncologist tomorrow. Thanks for your suggestion. Stage 4 sucks - you're right.

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harrison221 | @harrison221 | Jan 2 7:37pm

You will need a regular family physician, a gastrointerologist, and most of all a stoma nurse. In many parts of the country there are no stoma nurses available and you have to go to a wound care center .

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lauramae3 | @lauramae3 | Jan 3 12:18pm
In reply to @harrison221 "You will need a regular family physician, a gastrointerologist, and most of all a stoma nurse...." + (show)
@harrison221

You will need a regular family physician, a gastrointerologist, and most of all a stoma nurse. In many parts of the country there are no stoma nurses available and you have to go to a wound care center .

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Bill has a family physician and a stoma nurse but has never had a gastroenterologist. His Ileostomy surgery August 7th was done by an emergency surgeon. He now has a referral for one but he is also dealing with stage 4 cancer liver, stomach. I believe that this year he will set up an appointment with a gastroenterologist to get their take on his condition such as diet and vitamins. So many things. Thanks for your input. I need all the help I can get. L

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lauramae3 | @lauramae3 | Jan 5 12:02pm
In reply to @hardingv "I have a similar problem off and on with my husband (who is undergoing chemo). The..." + (show)
@hardingv

I have a similar problem off and on with my husband (who is undergoing chemo). The Jimmy Dean Bacon breakfast bowl is something that he can usually stomach and gives him 400 calories + 26 gm protein.

In trying to stuff calories, cheesecake is something to look at. We got a cheesecake for Christmas that had 640 calories per 1/8 of the cake. Too bad my husband doesn't like cheesecake!

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Finally good news. His Oncologist have Bill a B12 shot along with fluids infusion. He has gained 5 pounds since Jan 2 and his appetite is absolutely better. He's eating pureed soup 3x daily along with Boost, milk shakes and anything else I can get him to eat. Thanks for your suggestions and hope for our spouses!!

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lauramae3 | @lauramae3 | Jan 5 12:09pm
In reply to @lauramae3 "Unfortunately, a dietitian cannot help with his lack of appetite. I can prepare a nutritious meal..." + (show)
@lauramae3

Unfortunately, a dietitian cannot help with his lack of appetite. I can prepare a nutritious meal but he can only eat a small portion of it when he says he is full. Going calorie negative one more time. I'm hoping that when his cancer injection is started next week that maybe he will be able to eat more. He is also drinking Boost and having ice cream sundaes to increase his calories. I'll be happy when his weight stops dropping.

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His Oncologist gave him a B12 shot along with his fluids infusion and cancer injection January 2. His appetite is back and has gained 5 pounds. His energy level is up and is starting to take a walk outside. Hopefully, we have turned the corner on the weight loss. Fingers crossed.

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lauramae3 | @lauramae3 | Jan 5 12:11pm
In reply to @davem "Oh no! While you are in the hospital, explain Bill's situation and request a gastroenterologist and/or..." + (show)
@davem

Oh no! While you are in the hospital, explain Bill's situation and request a gastroenterologist and/or a colorectal surgeon for the weight loss and a Wound Care Nurse for the management of his ileostomy. I wish you all good things.

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Out of the hospital and have a referral for a G.I. doctor. Weight loss is turning around after a B12 shot January 2. Thanks for your support.

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