Stoma operation

Hi AllyL thank you for keeping us updated on your progress that's great news for you. It's amazing and most welcome news for you that you have a stoma nurse who is accessible and available for you throughout your journey..Wishing you all the very best for the next stage. Gail

Thank you for the support Gail.

I was very relieved about the nurse. Google translate may be required, but I am positive we will get there.

Hello Ally

I am delighted it all went well and gurgling is good, it means everything is working!  I had very little to eat the first couple of days after my op, and I felt so well I was STARVING!  I was so impatient to have food again.

I'm not suspicious either...!

Irene xx

Thank you Irene.

I'm excited about food again,  even totally plain diet.

I am now 8 stone and need to get more small meals inside, before treatment starts.

Ally xx

Day 2 of my stoma story.

The bag is doing its job regarding waste so very positive early days.

Can increase liquids today and just had a few mouthfuls of a gruel type thing. Not drinking for an hour now,to allow it to come through undiluted.

Other than the stoma I have 2 small holes they operated through. One is a little tender (belly button). The other perfectly normal. Little stiff, but that is the bed and pillow.

Research of today, big knickers, some sort of band or belt system to keep the bag safely tucked away. Can't believe how secure it is.

All positive so far.

Hi AllyL ,

Thanks very much for the update. I’m pleased your surgery went well & you’re already feeling the positive effects. I’m sure this surgery will make your treatment much easier, toileting is no fun towards the end of treatment & for a little while afterwards!

Did you join the Ileostomy, colostomy, urostomy and any other stoma support group on the online community? There’ll be lots of support & advice over there regarding management of your new best friend, have you given her a name yet?

It’s great that you’ll have the support of a stoma nurse during treatment too as our digestive systems can become a bit unpredictable during treatment. 

Wishing you the very best of luck moving forward, you sound as though you e handled this first hurdle like a boss so carry on doing what you’re doing & know we’re here to support you however we can. 

Nicola 

Just made first post in the stoma group.

I am so relieved and relaxed, that I don't have to start treatment with toilet stress. I might have a little bit of bag stress, but I am sure I can work with it.

Once chemoradiation starts, I am sure I will be back with a million questions.

Thank you everybody for the support.

Ally xx

All good!  I would just say I have never used a bag or belt to support my bag (I tried a belt and I couldn't see what difference it made).  I 'go' in the morning as I would have normally done pre-stoma and have an empty bag more or less for the rest of the day, so no weight to drag.  You will become very aware of when your stoma is active and I keep the bag empty.

You are doing so well!

Irene xx 

Being discharged tomorrow!!

I think that's the key Irene, keep the bag empty so it takes the weight out....less chance of leaks.

I have a meeting with the stoma nurse before discharge and the Doctor has reassured me that they will help with the translation.

Couple of days rest and a trip to my GP for prescriptions for the bags etc. I am also hoping to have a little trip around our local market.

I remember you saying you were walking the dog after one week Irene.

Normality needs to return, regardless of a few leaks and a bit of wind.

I am so grateful that the surgeon acted promptly regarding the stoma.

Ally xx