Today I have a pre-op assessment appointment at Derby hospital. Before this appointment, I also have an appointment to see a stoma nurse.
I drove myself to Derby hospital.
My first appointment is with Lisa, my stoma nurse. Lisa will be visiting me in hospital, to help me with my urostomy bag and showing me how to empty and change it etc.
She spoke to me about the stoma I will have, showed me coloured photos of what it will look like just after surgery, as well as after it’s healed.
The photo looked as though the stoma would be sore to touch, Lisa assured me this would not be the case, as there are no nerve endings in the stoma, which will be made using part of my bowel. Although it will be a bit tender and bruised after surgery. The stoma will have stitches, which are dissolvable.
Lisa explained to me, I will have to order my urostomy bags, which will be delivered to my home address each month.
This will come as a kit, with a spray I would use to remove the bag from my skin, as this will stick to me very well.
There will also be night bags, which will attach to the urostomy bag for night time, so I won’t have to get up during the night to empty my bag.
I will be able to order these online, I’ll find out more about this later and what’s included.
I then saw a nurse for my pre-op assessment.
I provided a blood test and a wee sample.
She checked my height and weight and listened to my chest.
I had an ECG (Electrocardiogram) test, it’s a simple test that can be used to check your heart's rhythm and electrical activity. Sensors attached to the skin are used to detect the electrical signals produced by your heart each time it beats.
She also checked my blood pressure.
The nurse spoke to me about my upcoming operation, went into a little more detail, she gave me some information to take home and read, then asked me if I had any questions.
