Preparing for upcoming colostomy surgery-any clues on what to expect?

Hi, I hope I have included as much as I could remember. Take a deep breaths going into surgery and coming out at recovery. The surgery is an adjustment for a new way of life that is doable. Drs at Mayo stay on top of everything.
One thing also I forgot to mention was if you have a tape recorder. when drs walks in to your room you may want to tape what they say to you and or the person in the room especially if you want to review the conversation or take notes . After surgery I thought I lost my memory yet it's just the adjustment to the wearing off medication before surgery. Some drs don't like us recording them, yet often you are bombarded with either instructions on what drs want you to do can be overwhelming. Written instruction are provided to you at time of discharge. All this is done post surgery. Having a recorder I found very useful for myself unless. you take shorthand. Directions and equipment you manned home will be discussed. and also the concerns about scheduling your medication and directions for when you return home.
Certainly Drs,. nurses & dieticians will discuss soft diet minus spices ( OMG I spice everything), I found polenta helped a lot or creamed spinach or corn soufflé )Stouffer's sell in frozen section of store and they are pretty filling after surgery as well as mild puddings, I ate Mild broiled fish Soaked in milk to remove fish smell, rinse and ready to broil. I topped fish with with cream dressing like Ranch or your choice. . English muffins are gentle also with pinch of peanut butter . Corn tortillas with avocado or coccus with beans of any kind for gentle protein. Tofu can be made to taste like chicken salad adding olives, pickles, pimento yet blend as much as possible to. make it look like a paste. Great on crackers plain, Coccus with roasted peppers (from a jar). My favorite great snack on non grain bread on a English muffin or yellow corn tortilla. I also ate tuna fish white albacore and chicken salad made from a blender.
Oh, yes most important if you can juice beets, Beet are so VIP and help your blood to maintain iron levels . They contain iron which is vital and they can been combined with blueberries, carrots, pitted cherries. IT can be saved for midday snack or drink. Mashed potatoes and creamed corn. Your tummy needs time to adjust itself to it's new job. Egg salad or ham salad , however please who ever is cooking your meal should brush and clean veggies and fruit as much as possible with vinegar and water to kill bacteria. I could go on and on yet best stop here ... you can contact me if you need other help again or have other questions. You will be told to hydrate as much as possible. Good Luck you will be fine. Oh, I almost forgot Insure shakes, IF friends ask what they can bring you when. you are. home, Fruit,( watermelon, cantaloupe, instant carnation, Ensure shakes, Frozen fruit for. your freezer. is the best. I even made popsicles for a treat as some med dry your mouth Ensure shakes sold at pharmacy or I believe on line. This are the things friend family can take you as get well gifts. Sorry I am all over the place .... a little ADD HERE. HA

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Hi.
I’m preparing for a total colectomy with a permanent ileostomy.
I also have a 6 hr trip.
We are coming in from GA. My surgery is the 21st.
When is yours?

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July 14th...

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We go to Rochester - although wouldn't mind trying Jacksonville or Scottsdale for winter appointments - LOL!

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I am having a total colectomy and a permanent ileostomy.
That is great info about the ride home. I also have a 6 hr trip.
So idk how long we will be in condo before they let us leave the state.

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Hello all - I wanted to update you on our experience. My husband received an "end" colostomy on Friday the 23rd. We were in the hospital (Rochester) until Tuesday. He has a slow progressing form of ALS with mobility and dexterity issues, which probably added a day to our hospital stay, and then I believe we had an extra day just trying to find a home health organization in our hometown to follow-up with us (due to a nurse shortage in our area). After discharge, we stayed 3 nights in a hotel-really more for peace of mind, than true need. We made the 6 hour drive home on Friday. He did fine, worst part was finding a family restroom during the drive. Today is day 10 and he worked (from home) all day. His appetite is voracious - which is a big change from the last 6 months! The surgeon and nurses and training were all absolutely PHENOMENAL! While we are still adjusting, it does seem like it will become routine and manageable!

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