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.
Hi There it’s lovely to hear that you’re the other side of the operation and gaining strength.
Im six months on and have been away several times. I’m texting you from a beautiful villa in Spain. I’m eating out and enjoying life. So it’s not long and you’ll be the same. My stoma took a while to form properly and the convex bags and Eakin slims changed everything for me. It’s so individual but keep trying different types to you get what works for you. it does get so much easier.
If there’s any issues put a question up here there’s so many with great advice.
Ann
