Same old!

Hi Ann,

I was the same before my operation, controlled by my bowels! Afterwards, for most of the first year, I could eat anything, then I got shingles! I know I'm clutching at straws here but I wonder if there could be a connection!

I agree that senna is a strong laxative, before my stoma I was prescribed Ducosate, which is a stool softener, but it seems daft to take it when I'm so loose half the time!

Take care,

Moira x

I'm so sorry your poor husband is still having such a terrible time! You both must be worn out with it!

It's like walking a tightrope, trying to get a balance with all of this! My stoma seems to be having a day off but that can change in seconds! I'm keeping my fingers crossed for your husband that soon he's back home,

Take care,

Moira x

Yes that’s the issue isn’t it. You want regular output so you can get on with life rather than worrying about if and when. 
If you were okay before shingles there could be a connection. Or infection. 
Do you think you GP could help? 

You shouldn’t be left in limbo 

My husband had IBS then diverticulitis which he had meds for. That may be of some benefit. He suffered on and off for a long time with it. Occasionally it flares up again. 

If he had a colostomy he’d still get it it’s the way he’s made. Delicate tum we call it.

His father had what he called colic. He only ate very plain food. MAINLY Fried but that’s what kept him regular 

I hope that you can get some help and your stoma becomes easier to manage 

Thanks for all your support. It does help, even if you have no solutions! I think the present problems started a couple of months ago, but we struggled on until I got fed up!!! And I think since he had the original operation we have learnt a lot about the stoma, and how to deal with it !!! (ie how to deal with it in the middle of a wood and it bursts its bag off!!! Luckily we had supplies with us!!) 

I think the trouble is that cancer and associated problems are a specialised area and no GP or nurse knows what you are talking about. Before I got him to hospital I felt very alone, without any help. Hopeless getting hold of a GP anyway. It was only after a chat with a neighbour whose husband has a stoma that she suggested who to ring for help. 

Thanks NannyAnny 

It’s good to know that we are helping with your struggle with this problem.
I remember you well as the first episode was thought to be a mince pie near Christmas time then he was in. Hospital for weeks. 
You’ve both had a really bad time if it. 
Its hard to believe that I had my op in August and was being up beat and you poor souls have had an horrendous time. 
Keep talking here if it helps 

You are both in my thoughts 

I used to wonder about IBS before I was diagnosed, years before actually! Of course it was embarrassing to see a doctor so I didn't bother! I used to have to rush to the toilet at the silliest times, like being nervous for some reason if the bus was late, it was all  when I was on edge! I intend speaking to the GP about sending a sample in this week, definitely! 

Thanks again for you help,

Best Wishes,

Moira x

Hope you're both well and things have started to improve for your husband!

Your mention of dealing with coping with changing a stoma when it was an emergency, in the middle of a wood, has got me thinking! What on earth are we supposed to do if faced with the same thing and there's no toilet around?  Does anyone else has any tips or is it my weird mind?

Take care,

Moira x

Hello Moira,

I know we're all different!  Although I change in loos it's more for modesty than available sanitaryware.  I change in front of the handbasin mirror - which I now recall is the way my hospital stoma nurse showed me.  I carry small disposal bags (the black Coloplast ones) and larger Hero wastepaper-bin liners from Tesco.  Black bag, wet and dry wipes, etc., all go into the Hero bag.  I don't use the pan at all - in fact I put my dry wipes on the seat cover.  Using anti-bac as necessary the whole thing would be quite possible without the handbasin or mirror, but not ideal.   

Hi Three,

We normally do a lot of walking, so its no wonder an emergency happened while we were out in woods. He changed the bag before we set off, too. I held everything while he sorted it out, and without a mirror he positioned it by me telling him where to put it. I'm just very glad I'd had the fore thought to take a wet facecloth with us for hand wiping afterwards!!! Good job it was a quiet wood, but we did try and get in the trees a bit!!

My husband is still in hospital, but we now know he has a partial blockage caused by adhesions. I think it may mean no more mince pies, pasties or fish and chips, amongst other things. They said some food will get through, but we have yet to find out what. And they are talking of him feeding by drip overnight to ensure he has enough nutrition. They gave him gastrografin on Tuesday, and that has stimulated the bowel and given him dreadful stomach ache. I think the bowel had got rid of the obstruction before he had this, but it helped to show them what was going on. I think its something we have to learn to control, as the consultant is loathe to operate again. He says adhesions will only form again.

Thanks for asking. Are you any nearer?

Hi NannyAnny that’s amazing in the woods. Don’t let that stoma stop you both

I have some water wipes they’re 100% water and that’s important for a quick clean with no water at hand. They will not cause irritation to the stoma and are brilliant for just that moment. They are in a sealed bag so neat to fit in to your supplies. 

I really hope that you can find the right food for him that won’t cause issues with blocking  You must be both so tired of hospital

Have you thought about protein drinks between meals?
They gave me the energy I needed at the time when I couldn’t eat much. 

I hope that your husbands home soon.