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
Thanks Kath
It was first session form filing to start. I will be starting next week. I will try everything but basically I think I need a kick up the bum.
Take care
Ann
I found it really good Ann, when I had it via Macmillan. All on the phone of course as it was in lockdown, but I found it very helpful. I hope you find that too.
Sarah xx
Hi Limassol
That’s really good news that you’ve finished chemo.
I didn’t want antidepressants , I had them in the past and I wouldn’t recommend them however the week before Christmas I knew I needed something to help my mood so I could get my family through Christmas. It was such a bad time for my family and that wasn’t the cancer
I’m on a very mild dose which I haven’t increased and will wean myself off before the summer.
Blue skies and the sun always makes me feel better.
I’ve had my first session on the phone and now booked in weekly.
Macmillan are just amazing aren’t they?
it’s like a huge blanket of care covering everything that cancer can cause. I’ve had so much support through them.
I will always be in their debt life savers they are.
I try and do little bits but it’s nothing to what they’ve done for me.
Take care x
Ann
That’s excellent news Limassol and I’m really pleased for you. It’s enough having the stoma to think of for now.
Sarah xx
