Hi Everyone
I am new to this forum. I was diagnosed with colorectal cancer in May 2021 and have been through 5 weeks of radiotherapy followed by 18 weeks (6 cycles) of chemotherapy and am now waiting for surgery. I had my pre-operative assessment yesterday so I expect to be operated on quite soon.
I saw the surgeon yesterday he said I had to choice between a colostomy and an ileostomy. I don't have to decide until the day before the operation. Today I had a call from a specialist stoma nurse who gave me a lot of information about the difference between a permanent and a temporary stoma. But what would really help me is some input from someone who has had either of these procedures and can tell me a bit about what it is really like living with a stoma bag. What difference does it make to your quality of life?
I am a 72 year old woman, living alone and with no close family who before cancer was fit and active and before covid was really enjoying my retirement - taking 2 or 3 holidays abroad each year as well as visiting my flat in Cyprus twice a year. I would really like to get my old life back so a big factor in my decision is going to be how much either a colostomy or an ileostomy is going to impact on my ability to do that.
Any help or advice - positive or negative - would be gratefully received.
You’re doing really well planning a rest for two weeks. If you look at my bio my cancer was tricky to get at and the operation was keyhole and incision. Yet a friend of family had same and hers was keyhole and she was really fast recovery. So it does depend on how they’re getting at it and what you’re having done.
You seem to have it all covered.
I had lots pillows when I slept to keep me on my back until I healed. Now I sleep however I fancy.
Ann
You’ve been through a lot of stress because of that tumour. Thank goodness that thing will be out of you. That’s the one feeling I hadn’t planned on the sheer joy and relief it was in bin and out of me.
Keep us posted.
Ann
Hi. This has bought back all my experiments of positions. Sit facing the cistern sit facing out, kneel sideways,front. Line bowl. Aim. It’s quiet amazing how many ways I’ve found. Just had new toilet and now am finding best cleanest way. My go to. It sitting face out. Usually need to empty bladder as well.
Ann
Bless you. New hips as well. Bionic woman. My hubbys got new knee and very limited movement. Good job he’s not got a bag to empty as well as everything he deals with.
Ann
Hi Limassol Everyone has a choice I had everything done in 4months Double loop Stoma,Hernia Prolapse my consultant couldn't wait to get his hands on it and remove them all together when. reversal operation was done .All I have is 2 scars to prove that it happened.
As for the reversal operation ,you know how they tell you in some cases it may have complications That was me .Have a look at my profile .
Let's get this straight I wouldn't put anyone off having the reversal operation I have never been so for and healthy eating food and staying slim .I can't understand why they can't help you with your choice .
Alaine
