Upcoming rectal cancer surgery with permanent ostomy.

I did not have a rectal surgery, but my colon busted and I have a colonoscopy bag, I've had a few challenges, but wasn't really bad, but I can have a reversal,but not sure if I want to go through surgery, but would love to get rid of the bag. One thing get a good company I go with comfort Medical and they take Insurance which helps, I have had my bags leak, come off,but just had to flow with it.Good Luck on your surgery.

I also had APR surgery. My entire colon was removed so I have an ileostomy. Fortunately, my recovery from surgery went without incident and I now 2 years later have few restrictions on my activities. The biggest challenge for me was finding products that suited my body and output. . I would recommend trying different appliances as long as necessary to obtain what works best for you. This forum has been so helpful for me with managing bag and barrier and leakage problems. Unfortunately I did not have an ostomy nurse, but my supplier Coloplast, also was a source of helpful information. A large part of the adjustment is just making sure you plan your schedule to accomodate times when you will need to empty your bag. Best wishes for a successful surgery.

Thanks much, I have an upcoming ostomy training appointment. Having that prior to surgery is going to be helpful.
Thanks for sharing your recovery.

@leeb123
I just watched my nurse change it, and was able to do it.

@catbaloo76
Your awesome and thank you!
Just another journey in life.
Positive thoughts!

Hi.. The challenges will probably be all in your head… I never think of it, and
People I know, don’t know I have it, Late wife, Girlfriends, No one has complained. I’ve been to Jersey shore and tossed around by waves. I go to the gym a few days a week, To work on my six pack…. Enjoy your newfound health… Never look back.

@rxjoey thank you, your story and encouraging words are awesome!

Welcome @leeb123 to the club no one really wanted to join!

I had a colectomy for IBD back in 1987, and you have had some good advice here already. Its great that you are seeing a WOCN in advance of your surgery, that helps a lot! As @patsyh has said, try different appliances until you find something that works for you (which could be the first thing you try). The different manufacturers are usually happy to send you samples, and your WOCN is a great resource if you are having difficulties.

People often have questions about how fast they "should" recover from surgery, and the answer is that it is different for everyone. Same with "what can I eat" - there is a lot of variation and hopefully your medical team will provide you with some starting points.

There is a Mayo Ostomy Support group that meets on the first Tuesday of the Month - details are here: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/event/ostomy-monthly-support-group-meeting-1-ea51de65/

When is your surgery planned for?

@susanf8 thanks so much! Surgery will be 27 March. Going to be a big one with the day starting Surgery with kidney and adrenal gland, then they'll get the rectal area and ostomy.
Im certainly ready yet apprehensive. Try to keep the anxiety at bay sometimes can be challenging.
Great support is appreciated from this chat support system format.

@leeb123 That is a lot. It sounds like you are doing a good job preparing yourself.

Things that helped me after getting home following a big surgery was walking a little at a time, and gradually lengthening the distance. Also, I would make sure to keep up with the pain medication so that I stayed ahead of the pain; I would set an alarm to ensure I didn't wake up in a lot of pain because the medication wore off at 2am...

How are you dealing with the anxiety? What is helping?