Was such a shock to wake up with ileostomy and finding it so difficult to adapt to this alien sticking out of my belly! Biopsy results still not in so cant plan or think past the end of the week. How have others coped please?
Hi Jenwren49 and I’m sorry to hear that you’re struggling a bit with your stoma. It can take a couple of weeks to settle down and for you to get into a routine but you will get there and there’s lots of support and advice on the stoma board
Hopefully your biopsy results will come back soon but try to focus on getting yourself recovered from the op and doing a few gentle walks to get your strength back. If you can’t think or plan past the end of the week then don’t! Stay in the present, focus on your recovery and don’t stress about the next stage until you know if there is going to be one?
I know it’s easier said than done but worrying won’t bring the results back any quicker so try to distract yourself and be a patient patient
Make friends with your stoma and give it a name if that helps; it will be doing a lot of work to make you feel more comfortable. Don't forget that it is part of you and has always been there but out of sight. Everyone has to store food waste somewhere, whether inside the rectum or outside the body in a pouch, so don't worry about it. One advantage is that you don't have to rush to the lavatory if your stomach is upset!
As the others have said.make friends with your stoma.Its just an alternative way of going to the loo thats all.I call mine Fred and he has saved my life so Im thankful for him.
