How are we all doing ?

Wonderful, I hope you can relax into feeling warm and enjoy the holidays. 

Thank you.Happy Christmas.I’m feeling warmer tonight.xx

Thanks Latestart. Weather is beautiful in Spain but I have developed a stinking cold and a chest infection. On antibiotics. Coughing and sneezing frightens me due to the danger of developing a hernia after my surgery. Trying to protect my belly with a towel roll as much as possible. Have a lovely Christmas. X

Oh how rotten for you Hopeful.I hope you feel better soon.Love Jane xx

Thanks Jane. I was kind of half expecting it as I do get colds etc after flying. There were a lot of people coughing and sneezing on the plane though I was wearing a mask. I’m improving though rather slowly. I’m interested to know how other friends with stoma manage coughing and sneezing as it increases intrabdominal pressure with risk of hernia formation. X

Hi Hopeful, what a nuisance! Actually I think you are very brave for travelling, since having the stoma I haven't been anywhere for longer than a day. Daughter and son-in-law are expecting us to visit next month and stay for a few days so that will be practice. 

As far a coughing goes, in hospital they gave us a pillow to clutch or a rolled towel. Now I just grab my stoma and press against it with my hand and hope that helps. So far so good. 

Merry Christmas 

Latestart x

Merry Christmas to you and your family too. Travelling was no problem. Just a little forward planning to use toilet facilities. The airport staff are used to such travellers and were helpful. Thanks for your advice re coughing. Do you normally wear a protective belt or do core exercises?? Thanks again. X

How are you feeling today ? My stoma nurse gave me a stoma belt which I wear for heavier work in the garden/house.I don’t know how it differs from the belts you can order but it does the job well.Jane x

Thanks Jane. I’m feeling better but have passed my virus to the other members of the family so they are under the weather now. lol. I have also been given a protective belt a couple of weeks ago which I intend to wear when I restart my gym and other strenuous activities. Hope you are having a lovely Xmas. X

I’m glad you are feeling better but sorry your family have got it now.My best wishes to you all for a speedy recovery.I recommend a belt it should help.I was going to John’s today but I don’t feel well enough.Spending a quiet day at home and will go over another day instead.Luckily John understands as his health is patchy too.Jane x