Right after reaching my five year remission landmark I felt I was largely out of the woods, but now all Hell is breaking loose. Not only am I being tested for highly suspected Diabetes 2, last week my stoma was strangled by my hernia. While being given the pro's and cons of surgery to separate them, and sign a consent form to proceed with an operation we were interrupted by a doctor who, without telling me what he had in mind or seeking my consent, gave the stoma/hernia area a very heavy massage kneading and declared the stoma and hernia separated with no need for surgery. I felt this was at best temporary. He told me if they seemed to rejoin I should pummel them like he did, in other words, push my own guts about roughly. Now, a week later, a night of heavy vomiting tells me the problem has possibly restarted. Afraid this might mean cancellation of my part in a major convention next week, including the premiere performance of a stage play I wrote (and feature in). Had surgery proceeded I might just have made it. Hoping the vomiting might clear before then. I can find nothing online that says this massage separation approach is a standard NHS procedure. Anyone here had or heard of such an approach in the NHS? Is it? And should I have been informed and asked for consent before he did it?My stoma was strangled by my hernia. While being given the pro's and cons of surgery to separate them, and sign a consent form to proceed with an operation we were interrupted by a doctor who, without telling me what he had in mind or seeking my consent, gave the stoma/hernia area a very heavy massage kneading and declared the stoma and hernia separated with no need for surgery. I felt this was at best temporary. He told me if they seemed to rejoin I should pummel them like he did, in other words, push my own guts about roughly. Now, a week later, a night of heavy vomiting tells me the problem has restarted. Afraid this might mean cancellation of my part in a major convention next week, including the premiere performance of a stage play I wrote (and feature in). Had surgery proceeded I might just have made it. Hoping the vomiting might clear before then. I can find nothing online that says this massage separation approach is a standard NHS procedure. Anyone here had or heard of such an approach in the NHS? Is it standard? And should I have been informed and asked for consent before he did it? I feel like instead of fixing a wobbly table, someone has stuffed a cardboard wedge under the short leg to temporarily balance it, and a slight nudge is all it will take to mess it up again.
Hi Forester42 and welcome to the stoma group.
I haven’t had this experience myself, but nonetheless this does not sound like standard procedure in the nhs. My knowledge of hernias and stomas is only through friends, and my father in law, who have suffered from hernias causing issues with stomas. I’ve Ben fortunate with two stomas not to have suffered any hernias. Who did you speak to about consent for surgery?
Those I know in this position have all needed to have surgery, and I don’t know anyone personally who have had it suggested that massage alone would be the solution. As this doctor was not part of your treating team, I would personally go back to the consultant to have this clarified. At the very least this unknown doctor should have sought your permission to do what was done. Did you get his name? I’ve learned over the years to get the name of each person involved in anything connected to my treatment or care.
Please contact your consultant to explain that you are having issues and are vomiting, to ask what the next steps are. If you are not happy with what has happened you can register a complaint with PALS if you are in England, or PASS if you are in Scotland, and take this further. They are there to deal with issues for patients with their treatment.
As you have upcoming plans which might be affected by your situation, I’d recommended calling your consultant tomorrow and making sure you can have a discussion with them. I hope you can get this resolved.
Sarah xx
It’s so exhausting having that many bag changes in a day, isn’t it?
Your trip next week sounds very important to you personally since you are such a pivotal role in it, so I hope you’re able to go. Is it close to home if you go, in case have any issues while you’re away?
Sarah xx
