Stomaversary Date Today

Thank you Kath-I remember 5 years ago I knew absolutely nothing about any kind of stoma, and unfortunately found the hospital nurses less than helpful. I was discharged having never been shown how to change either bag, far less had to do it myself!

The nurses on the gynae ward had never come across anyone who had been through exenteration surgery, so they tried their best to help, but basically would just stick a bag on and hope for the best-they had no experience in dealing with stomas at all, lovely though they were. I spent many nights in wet sheets! 

I learned everything by trial and error, with advice from the stoma nurse in the community who was brilliant and taught me lots of useful tips. I still learn now from everyone in this group. 

Sarah xx

I find this group so helpful Moira, and I hope to be able to pass on things I’ve learned along the way which might help anyone new to this changed reality we need to manage now! 

I’m on a 30mm sized colostomy bag which seems positively tiny but mine hasn’t really changed at all in size since the very early days. So long as it all works and doesn’t give me any issues, I’m happy with that!

Sarah xx

Hi Moira,It’s good to hear your skin is getting better.That is a change in stoma size.love Jane xx

Thanks Sarah you have been a good friend to me too.My sister wants me to live in one area,John in another and my aunt wants me to downsize dramatically and go somewhere modern.It’s going to be hard to please them all.I’ve got to be happy with the house because I spend so much time at home.I’m sure it will turn out ok but it’s stressful.Love Jane xx

It’s got to suit you, first and foremost Jane-you need to be happy with where you’re going to live. It’s so stressful dealing with a move anyway, without worrying about pleasing others. I’m desperate for a lottery win to be able to buy a bungalow! That would be ideal, but selling a 2 bed Victorian terrace wouldn’t give us anywhere near to what a bungalow would cost. Now that I’m effectively housebound, I’d be happy to move to a local small village where it would be lovely to just have a nice garden to sit in. 

Sarah xx

Hi Sarah,You are right I do have to think about where I would be happy.I’ve never had a property of my own before so it means a lot.There is an area that has everything I need to live independently as a non driver.Bungalows are a fortune here too.Xx

I bought my first property when I was in my 20s and it was a 3rd floor flat with no lift-couldn’t manage that nowadays! I love our town, but even in a wheelchair I can’t get out alone due to the lack of dropped kerbs etc. I’d quite happily go back to the village we used to live in as it has a couple of pubs and a shop and it’s lovely there.

Sarah xx

I think the new agents were suprised when I said I would be a first time buyer.Not something I envisaged aged 64 but extremely grateful to mum for having a house to sell.My career was ruined by ill health so I never had the chance to save for a place of my own.xx