Stoma

Hi . My friend had an APR (abdominal perineal resection) as her tumour was very low in her rectum. Her poo is now collected in the bag on her tummy and you would be none the wiser if you met her - she’s been to New York, on a cruise, works full time - just has a normal life.

The stoma nurses will become your best friend and will give you loads of advice. They won’t let hubby out of hospital until he can clean the stoma and change the bag himself. It can take a few weeks to settle down and find the right bag but he will quickly get into a routine and the bag change will only take minutes.

There is a separate board for stoma support although it’s a bit quiet at the minute but you may want to post there as well?

https://community.macmillan.org.uk/cancer_experiences/ileostomy-and-colostomy-discussions-forum

I had a temporary Ileostomy which is the same in principal but the output tends to be looser so the bag is emptied every 2 days rather than changed. If there’s anything specific that your hubby is worried about then please ask - there is nothing too daft or embarrassing!

Take care

Karen x

I had to have a stoma fitted it as well came as a shock.. At first I refused to have anything to do with it my poor wife had to see to it. But slowly she got me involved in emptying it and now I change the bag etc. To be honest my life is a lot easier with the stoma bag no more accidents and sore bottom. I am going threw chemo now and not had any problems with stoma at all. I call it my second bottom now lol. Do not read up on Google about it you get so many different answers to the same question. Only been a month since I had stoma done and now it is just part of me. Best wishes to you both 

Wow only 4 weeks since your operation and you seem to be doing well. Thank you for your reassurance. 

We now have date for surgery, monday 13th September, it's very scary and happening quickly but it's got to be better than waiting any longer.

That is good news you have a date. 

Also agree with previous post no question is to daft to ask its a whole new thing to deal with and yes I have ask a lot of questions

Good news, I no it's quick but much better than a long wait. Good luck thinking of you both

Great news. The hanging around waiting for the operation is the worst.
Questions about the stoma aren’t daft. I’m nearly five weeks and gaining confidence sorting self out quite quickly and swelling is greatly reduced and feeling really positive that the Cancer is out. Think that was really worrying  the thought of it and the discomfort. Honestly I felt better after the op than before. Just relived it was gone. 
Good luck. Keep us posted 

Have pre op tomorrow then visit from stoma nurse on friday, she will mark hubby up for his stoma.  I did ask on another site, what's this barbie bum people say they have after operation. Thanks

Hi . This is sometimes used after someone has had an APR - abdominal perineal resection - where the anus is removed and a permanent colostomy fitted so it’s like a Barbie (or Ken) bum with cheeks and a ‘crease’ but no bum hole! 
Good to hear that hubbys got a date and not too long to wait now

Take care

Karen x