Hi , my husband had a permanent stoma 4weeks ago. He was hospitalised for 4weeks after having an infection post op. Has not yet managed his stoma as his eyesight is poor and he can't seem to even try and change it I don't know whether he is scared or just not accepting the new him. I think both. Fact remains that now I am having to manage it for him. I was hoping when he was home and feeling better it would be possible to tackle this. However when he first came out his stoma bag just filled up instantly with liquid poop. Which panicked him. Phone contact only with stoma nurse said take anti diarrhea pills afterwards. Now had 2 more episodes and took pills as advised. 2nights ago then had chronic pains all night and couldn't sleep were so painful. Next day lost what little appetite he had has not passed anything into his bag now day 3. Then started being sick can't keep anything down. Can't contact anyone on the contacts given us when he came out of hospital as they are all 9-5monday to Friday. Trying to get him to try and drink some fluids but he will not as he just says it makes him sick. Any advice would be good.
So sorry to hear your husband is struggling with his stoma and is also feeling so unwell.
I had lots of problems in the initial weeks of having my ileostomy. This is my second time around. The first time I had a stoma I was 19 years old and very scared of having a bag (I had no preparation for this) so I just wanted to avoid it working altogether. This time, I'm a lot older, but I still thought that maybe the problems I was having with very liquid output and leaking bags might improve if I didn't eat . But I learned that not eating is not a good idea and can actually make things worse. Maye there's a little of this happening with your husband.
However, if your husband is not drinking either, this is more serious. If the poo in his bag is very runny then he is at risk of dehydration which could cause more problems. I would urge you to call the ward he was discharged from or your out of hours GP service or 111. Don't leave it until Monday!
I agree with ozboz.drinking enough is really important.
Usually they dont discharge you from the ward until you can show that you can cope with the bag,both emptying and changing it.I would definately give the ward a ring.the other option is to get in touch with your bag supplier who have stoma nurses to give advice in person or over the phone.
Hope it all starts to improve soon and your husband begins to accept his stoma .its really not that bad,thousands of people have one and you would never guess unless they told you
