Has anyone been asked to see a psychologist after having an ileostomy?

Hi Fatz welcome to the forum. I dont know the answer to your query but Im wondering why Psychology was suggested in the first instance?. Is it to do with changed body image or something else to do with diagnosis etc? 

Hi fatz 

Can you give us a little bit more information? Who has asked that you see a psychologist, and for what reason? I think that might help others give you some relevant replies.

Sarah xx

Hi if you could update your profile it saves having to repeat yourself on posts.

Have you any particular worries that others could help with?

Kath

Hi gail and thank you.

It's because they think that they can help you deal with issues you have re cancer,ileostomy etc.

fatz

Hi fatz 

I wasn’t asked to see a psychologist but I did ask for counselling-not just regarding the stomas I have- but in general after my surgery. It took me a long time to ask for help but I would recommend it.

I’m currently having counselling via the nhs which again is general and not specific to stomas, but has really been a very positive thing for me. 

I know you have spoken before about having your ileostomy and how you feel about it, so speaking to a psychologist might be something you’d find helpful. It’s good to talk to someone not emotionally involved in your situation, who listens without judgement and can give you advice. I don’t feel the same way about my stomas as you feel about your ileostomy, but I’d give it a go. 

Sarah xx

Hello Sarah

It was a suggestion from the Oncologist and a few others. There is no way, ever, that I will talk to these people,as I will deal with the issues myself. Yesterday, I had an appointment with the Consultant who performed my Ileostomy. It took us over half an hour to try and park the car - we were there early. We waited for over an hour with one of the Stoma nurses and he did not appear!!!!!!!!!!!! Surely, we should have been told that he was busy etc.? I had a blood test on 17th October and was told by a Colorectal nurse that 'something' was high! It's should be about 3 - mine was 7, what does that mean? It's quite obvious that I am not very happy - CT scan due 1st November, was due sometime in December, but they brought it forward because of the blood test results.

fatz x

Hi fatz 

It’s not for everyone, that’s true, so I appreciate you don’t want to discuss things. You are perfectly at liberty to decline the suggestion if you don’t want to do it.

That’s a really disappointing appointment for you at the consultant. My hospital normally has a board in the waiting room at clinics to advise if the consultant is running late, or the nurses will come and advise everyone. So he never turned up at all? That’s unacceptable..do you have another appointment arranged?

Can you phone your CNS about the blood test result? It might be your CEA level, as those numbers you’ve quoted can relate to that particular marker in bloods, but it should be explained to you. The scan being brought forward will at least allow you to be seen sooner and see what’s going on. 

If you’re not happy with any aspect of your care at the hospital, you may want to contact PALS (Patient Advice and Liaison Service) who can give you advice. This is the link for you to see what their role is and find out the details for your hospital

What Is PALS?

Sarah xx

Perhaps the consultant couldn't park either? This is where the NHS gets it wrong, on things like parking (most people have an appointment and don't want to be late) and joining up the departments so that communications flow smoothly between them, with the patient included. Surgery and treatment is usually first-class but the peripherals let it down. The NHS isn't broken, as an organisation it just lacks common sense.

Dulac

Thank you so much for your input Dulac.

Hi fatz

it sounds like you’re having a rotten time of it. 

I know when I had my op Covid was causing mayhem. 

How are things with you? 

I too am not a great talker which frustrated my daughter who’s a psychotherapist.  

Shes brilliant at it too as she treats the whole person. Theres all kinds of support out there or sometimes it’s a case of processing what’s happening at the time internally 

I find watching movies and eating chocolate helps!

take care