Hello everyone
I first posted here in January asking for advice on whether to opt for an ileostomy or a colostomy. I got several helpful replies and practical advice about what to wear in hospital, also some encouraging comments about travelling with a stoma bag etc. I'm posting here as I can't seem to find the original thread.
I opted for a colostomy and the operation went ahead on 24 January by keyhole surgery. I was in hospital for 10 days, then two weeks in a nursing home before coming home on 17 February.
I am now really struggling to cope. My stoma nurses are very helpful and have visited twice but my output is very erratic and I am still getting a lot of problems with pancaking. My abdomen is sore and bloated and I have also got backache from constantly bending over the loo to change the bag. I have also lost a lot of weight and am feeling generally weak. I am 72 and live alone which doesn't help. I try and go out every day for a short walk but apart from that I don't feel able to leave the house apart from for a hospital visit last week.
But my real problem is that for the first time since I was diagnosed in May 2021 I'm finding it a struggle to stay positive. I just keep bursting into tears, not seemingly provoked by anything in particular. Before surgery I went through 5 weeks of radiotherapy and 6 cycles of chemo and although it was depressing at times I never felt this bad. I had my follow up appointment with the Surgeon last week and tried to explain all this but his view was that the operation had been a success and that I should try and "get on with my life". He did order some blood tests to check there was no problem causing the weight loss but they all came back OK. I am seeing the oncologist next week but don't know if he will have anything more positive to add.
If anyone who has been through this would like to get in touch, I would really like to know how long after surgery did it take you to get back to feeling anything like normal. How long did the physical symptoms like bloating and soreness take to go away? How long was it before you felt confident to go out and start living something like a normal life? I'm not thinking of anything ambitious like a foreign holiday - just a trip to a park or a cafe. I know we are all different but just some idea of how other people have coped would be a help.
Limassol
Morning Limassol
I’m so glad you’ve found it easier to change over the basin - all these little things help make life easier. Best wishes for your appointment this morning and hope all goes well
Sarah xx
Hi Limassol
I hope your appointment goes well I’m keeping my fingers crossed for you that you don’t need anymore treatment
I’ve just picked up your post and am glad to hear you’re finding it easier to sort out the changing palaver
I really struggled changing my bag I had to find a way that worked for me. Now I’m super organised and fast.
I couldn’t see where I was putting it no matter which position I got in.
So this is what works for me. A small magnifying travel mirror it opens and stands up that goes on windowsill above sink.the sink is definitely the best place To the left I put black bag drying wipe removal spray. Other side I put eakin ring and pouch I wet another wipe ready for washing loo roll in case the stoma leaks
Once you prepare and more practice you’re become much more confident
Feeling low after all you’ve been through is natural. I am having counselling with MacMillan it actually starts today. I’m hoping to gain a more positive outlook.
You could give them a ring there’s a waiting list but I found just talking helped
I phoned my GP just before Christmas and have some antidepressants. That’s really helping lift my mood too
sending you a virtual hug
Ann
