Hi everyone, again,
I have question for you. Has anyone had a temporary stoma fitted before beginning treatment?
The reason for asking is I'm expecting my bum area to become very sore once treatment starts and I'm anxious about wiping and keeping things clean during. So I really just wondered if anyone ever had or considered to have a temporary one fitted until things became less sore.
Thanks Carole xx
Hi Carole,
I was told I have to have one as the tumour was blocking me from going to the toilet, but they also said it would make it much easier while going through treatment as it can become painful and sore.
I really didn’t want one but I had it done due to the tumour. I’m not going to lie I hated it once it was done I didn’t feel like a woman anymore I was really frightened of it to be honest but within a couple of weeks once I got the hang of looking after it it was fine, in fact once I started treatment I was so glad I had it done, as I was really struggling going a poo, I always suffered with really bad constipation and I wasn’t suffering any more.
I was even considering keeping it as I have no problems with it, and have no more problems with going a poo. I went for a sigmoidscope to find out if all was ok to think about a reversal but they found 2 lumps which turned out to be scar tissue it was coursing a stricture they checked for cancer but was all clear and told me I would have the stoma for life due to the stricture, which to be honest it’s this best thing for me and has given me a better quality of life, but also I read about how much issues people have had once they had a reversal and I wasn’t prepared to be put through that.
Just before I started my treatment during and for a couple of weeks after I bathed in Epsom salts the one for psoriasis, eczema and dry skin, I wiped myself after going to the toilet with E45 and used a barrier cream I was given which I would put on after wiping with e45, also I was a little itchy down there felt like thrush all part of the side effects of treatment I used antihistamines they worked a treat I never got sore down there at all, at the end I got a sore at the top of my bum which I was given some dressings I took antihistamines for the itching, I then tried my stoma powder to dry it out and within days it had healed I hope this info helps you if you have any questions please ask away
good luck with your decision and treatment
take care
Laura x x x
Hi Laura
Thank you so much for your message. You sound like you've been in the wars but I'm so grateful for your answer it's been very helpful.
Thanks
Carole
Hi Carole
I really am glad I had it done, I also want to say I said that I had read about what can happen after a reversal and just want to say it may not happen to everyone and don’t want to frighten you about the recovery of a stoma reversal.
At the end of the day it’s only you that can decide what’s best for you, unless like me they told me I had no choice as the tumour was so big it was literally stopping me from going a toilet.
Laura x x
Hello Carol1960
I didn't need a stoma but had an elective one in June this year. I suffered the after effects of anal stenosis after radiotherapy (not everyone gets this) and following advice and a lot of thought on my part went ahead with the op. Apart from an infection after the op which was a bit painful, I have completely taken having a stoma into my daily routine and don't give it a second thought.
All that said, it is considered major surgery so I don't think it would be done to spare you possible pain during treatment. But I am happy to be proved wrong!
Irene xx
Hi Irene,
Thank you. These replies give me a little more information plus they're from people not books. Thank you
Carole
Hi Carole1960 ,
I think pre-treatment stomas are offered if there’s a concern that things could possibly become blocked due to tumour size/position or inflammation during treatment etc., it’s also a bit of a waiting game to see if it’s possible for the stoma to be reversed in the future.
You could get some water wipes in preparation, they’re found in the supermarket with the baby wipes, I used these when my skin reaction began as they were less abrasive than dry toilet paper & also you can wash instead of wiping which is way more comfortable.
I hope this helps a little.
Nicola
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