Pain after stoma surgery

Thanks Cath. My rear end would is agony - you did really well to avoid any painkillers! I’ve tried a donut and blow up cushion, but can’t be even the slightest pressure on the rear end as yet x

I had a complete panproctocolectomy so probably different to you but the rear end wound is the same.

Donuts are a NONO.they pull the wound apart.I was leant a cushion from the red cross ,arranged by the district nurse(who was dressing my wound until they decided after three visits that I was quite capable of doing it myself).i covered it with puppy pads to absorb any leakage from the wound(of which there was loads!!!) and it worked well.dont forget a good mattress protector!!!

All the best..look after yourself.you will get there

Kath

Try lying down, nice firm pillow under your knees with legs on top. This takes pressure off the cheeks and more onto the back just above the bum. I found that the most comfortable. Or on your side. 

Hope this helps?

Richard 

Thanks, Kath, I was given an inflatable cushion and the hospital and couldn’t (and still can’t) put any pressure at all down there. Just have to persevere, I suppose. Thanks again, M

Thanks, Richard, that does make a difference. I’ve noticed today that my sides are sore as well, so it’s flat on the back or nothing!

can I ask how long you we on painkillers for and what kind? I stopped taking codeine yesterday as I was constipated so now just on paracetamol. Not sure whether to try and persevere with this or call the hospital tomorrow to ask for something stronger. I think I’m perhaps being a bit unrealistic expecting to feel better than this 11 days after the surgery? Thanks again 

Hi Moira

Yes, possibly expectaions are a little high  I was on codeine and paracetamol but I have to be honest, initially the codeine only lasted for two hours so a period of pain until the next dose. This period gradually decreased and then one day I realised I'd forgotten my dose and wasn't in pain, and that meant I was ok to wean myself off. Sorry to say that this was maybe 4 weeks in.

Keep with the fluids and fibre!! 

Hi Moira,

I had more or less the same op as you on the 11th October, so about 6 weeks ago.  The only thing I can say is, it does get better with time.  I thought I would never feel right again, as I felt so weak when I came out of hospital, as I had lost about 2 stone in weight, as having the chemo/radiotherapy I could not eat.  Have you got a stomas nurse, I have and find them so helpful as I found it very difficult at first, but now I have accepted it I am making the best of it and seem now to be coping.  I had to see my consultant today, just as a follow up after the op.  I explained my stomach was still tender and also I got aching pain in my backside.  He explained it is still early days after a major op (which he told me took 4 hours) so I have to be patient, and I am sure it will all settle with time.  I do hope that you improve daily, as I am sure you will.  Its horrible when you cannot turn in the night without feeling pain, but when you think about it they have cut about inside you so its going to take time to heal.  I wonder if you have a lot of pain they could give you something a bit stronger, as pain wears you down.  I was on morphine at one time and that really helped.  Kind Regard.

Thanks Mary, that’s v helpful and encouraging to hear. I think I’m also weak from the pre surgery chemo still as well.

another question I’m afraid …. to you or anyone. we you given any advice about care of the rear end wound? I didn’t have a dressing on at all at the hospital and it was checked only a couple of times before I got out. Nothing since (a week). I’m not sure whether to shower / bath? It is so sore there is no way I could use wipes on it. 

thanks again,

m

Hi Moira, I am sorry as I am not sure about the rear end wound, as I did not have a wound.  I wondered what was done during the op, and I was told they just leave it open, and the bowel ending was just a stump (sounds awful).  I asked as I was a bit worried as I got an aching pain in the rectum area, but was told by the consultant and also the stoma nurses it will settle down.  I wonder if they done something different in your op, think they must have.  I can remember when I went through the chemoradiotherapy it burnt me all around that area, and they gave me some special cream for it, but it sounds like yours is due to the op.  To be honest, I would phone up and ask about it, you cannot put up with that, it will wear you down.  Have you tried phoning the stomas nurses, I find them so helpful and I am sure they would help you, or find someone that could help.  Its still really early days for you, and I know what its like, you feel you will never gat back to your old self again, but you will, as I felt like that but can honestly say with each day I am improving, so of course you will also.  I am sorry I cannot be more helpful with your problem and just hope that you can find someone that can help with your soreness.  Kind Regards Mary.

Is it a "barbie butt" or your anus?i.e, have you got stitches ? as different care  is needed depending on which you have.

Kath