Stoma versus ileostomy

Hi Fraser1

All my outpatient appointments as well as the actual op were done at the Borders General but I think that all my results are forwarded to the specialist cancer teams at the Western for checking (never actually met anyone from that particular team). The BGH is small in comparison but I was well looked after. 2 nights in ITU (which is the normal procedure as they don't have a high dependency unit) and 2 nights on the ward.  Physio's came the morning after the op and had me walking along the corridor (trailing a whole load of equipment behind me) and then the day after that I had to climb up and down about 10 stairs. After that it was just a case of gradually being unhooked from all the drips and monitoring etc, getting to grips with the stoma and wandering up and down the corridor several times a day - just to get fully mobile again.  Because of Covid it was a closed ward, so no visitors at all, which was probably the hardest bit.

I thought really long and hard about the reversal.  I think if I'd been offered it sooner then I'd probably have gone ahead but, as time went on and I read a bit more about what the possible outcome might be (as well as what the surgeon thought best case scenario for me was), I realised that I was reasonably relaxed with the stoma. I then spoke to the colorectal nurse about my concerns. It was a decision that was relatively easy in the end. It's important to remember that everybody is different though so my advice would be to get as much information as possible from your team about your own particular situation and possible outcome and also consider your lifestyle - if there are maybe going to be issues what are you prepared to put up with, what would be a red line? Having experience of family with continence problems I've seen how restricting things can sometimes be.

If I can help with anything else then please just ask.

I hope that all goes well on the 6th.  I take it that you're going to the Western?

Yes it’s wgh which is fine was in there 8 days when  my temp stoma was done just really mixed up about  it ,my feelings if they were to say I have to keep my stoma that wouldn’t faze me but it’s the ileostomy that’s the worry to me ! Just feeling really stupid as I keep thinking I will wake up after the operation and it will all be gone ! thanks again 

You should be fine. I had a loop ileostomy installed on my right side about 18 months ago, prior to undergoing chemoradiotherapy in advance of bowel surgery. This was to relieve the discomfort from any side effects (i.e. serious diarrhoea). It works a treat. About a year ago I had a rectal resection to remove a large tumour and woke to find a colostomy on my left side. The colostomy produces virtually nothing and is covered by a self adhesive cap. The loop ileostomy has a drainable pouch and both are changed every 48 hours. My surgeon has asked me if I want the loop ileostomy reversed but I believe that for all the trouble to the NHS, together with the risks, not much will be achieved. The ileostomy works very well indeed and dehydration should not be ignored, as others have said. I quite agree with the previous comments on food but now I can eat most things (I do avoid beansprouts and jacket potato skins). It is a matter of common sense and as long as food is chewed thoroughly no problems will occur. The best way to eat an apple is to grate it with the skin on and I do this daily over a bowl of cereal. Some say that the skin has most of the nutrition and health benefits. A stoma or two is a small price to pay for a normal life and the NHS backup is priceless. Just do what the experts tell you and take it easy for a few weeks after the op and forget any heavy lifting - that is for others to do for you and you have a good excuse!

Thank you 

hi can anyone help had surgery 7 days ago and got ileostomy which working well fingers cross but the bags I got from stoma nurse aren’t the best but they are the only ones the hospital use but she is phoning tomorrow and is going to get samples sent out to me .The ones she gave me are very see through and sound like a crisp bag when I move, just wonder if anyone could let me know which ones they use thanks 

Hi Fraser1

The ones you've been discharged with sound like the same as I had.  Horrible, aren't they?  They're designed like that to give the medical staff a good view of your stoma and apparently they're very expensive (so I was told).  Your stoma nurse will likely get a selection of different types, sizes and makes sent out for you to try.  I certainly got a really good selection to try - 3 of each.  Are your supplies coming from Respond in Perth?  They're excellent.

I have quite sensitive skin, with allergies, so use a convex one with a beige cover,  Pelican Platinum with Vitamin E which are good. And they don't rustle!

I get mine from medlink but that’s great to know there is different kinds thanks 

You can also go on to the different makers websites and ask them to send you samples.  That's how I found the one I prefer.

Much seems to depend on the size of your stoma and the area around it (e.g. flat, concave or convex). There are quite a few items out there from various manufacturers, plus accessories to aid adhesion and prevent skin reaction. My stoma nurse suggested Coloplast Sensura Mio because of my convex shape and they work perfectly although I also use Fusion applicators to prime my skin and make doubly sure with Brava elastic tapes. No leaks and full confidence.

Your stoma nurse will advise what is likely to be best for you.

Thanks I used the Coloplast last time  Sensura Mio  for my stoma and they were great looking for something like that the ileostomy is flat so I don’t know if that’s available thanks for answering my question