Hello Everyone

Hi Inanna

Welcome to the stoma support group, I see that you've opted to have an urostomy as the way forward and this should mean a greatly improved quality of life and enable you to do most if not all the things you enjoy at present.

It is up to you who you tell that you will be an urostomist as no one should be able to tell that you have a stoma bag as the bags are so well designed now that they hardly show under your clothing.

When you meet with the stoma care nurses have a meaningful discussion with them regarding the position of the stoma in relation to the type of clothes you normally wear, they should be looking at a position that does not cut your bag in half or interferes with any activities you intend doing. 

After you have your surgery you will be issued with day bags but make sure you also get prescribed night bags to give you a longer sleep.

Usually the stoma care nurses are very good and select a bag that will be suitable to you at the first shot but occasionally we all find problems with a particular bag which is not a problem as there are quite a few bags available, the important thing is to get a bag that you can get on with and gives you confidence.

It is good that you have the opportunity to meet with someone who has gone through this and can fill you in with all the ins and outs but I do ask you to remember that we are all different and we can all experience different problems.

Leading up to your surgery and afterwards if you need to ask questions about anything I'm normally always about and if you give me a shout out I will do what I can to answer you.

Please keep me informed on how the journey goes from now on but remember exercise and a good diet will be beneficial to your recovery after the surgery.

Ian

Hi Ian

Thank you so much for you good advice and I will be taking your advice and will certainly keep you in the loop.  My clothing is simple, leggings with everything these days, lol and in the summer, loose dresses.

I understand that certain suppliers have rings that will adjust the stoma when it changes size.  Hope you know what I am on about, I don't  know how to word it differently duh.

I love walking, drink loads of water and don't  eat meat.  It's raw honey and seeded brown bread for breakfast,  I can take or leave alcohol and drink one or 2 cups of tea daily.

I have no trouble with my bowels and go regularly x I hope that this remains the same post-OP.  I understand that the bowels may have to adjust to this change but hope to be on track soon thereafter, 

Thank you in advance for all your help Ian

Love Inanna