Hi, firstly I thank everybody who has supported me through this period of not knowing what to expect, after being seen by the Manchester consultant, who told me before the sigmoidoscopy that he wouldn't be able to to the op locally in a TEMS procedure, I'm now back to my local hospital and the consultant I first saw, Chris Smart. I have to say he's gone out of his way to let me know what's going on, and the colorectal nurses at my local hospital are superb. I now know I need to have a big op, as of yet I don't know what it's called, I see thw consultant next week, when I also have mu pre op. I know its in through the stomach to remove all of my rectum, my tumor is low down, only 4cms into my bottom. Which apparently is not so good as they're not sure if there will be enough left to be able to attach the ends, if that makes sense, and reverse the stoma, theres also a node that's got to be taken too, I trust him that he will do his best, and there's a 40% chance of it being permanent. I've had a hysterectomy that I flew through. SarahH21 says it's probably not like the hysterectomy recovery. Thank you Sarah, I'm sure many of you have had some sort of procedure that's similar, my tumor is T2a N1. I'd like to know other people's recovery, any problems that you've had, as I say, I'm a newbie and I don't know the name of the op, but I'm just glad that I now have a treatment plan, the waiting was horrible. If anyone can give me any help with recovery, ways to help with pain or your experiences. I'm also dealing with a back spasm now, my kitten decided to trip me up, but a couple of days rest will sort that.I am already on fentanyl patches, 100mcg/hour, with tramadol for breakthrough, and amitriptylene at night, with diazepam to help muscles relax and help me sleep. I can't take gabapentin or pregabalin, they send me weird, I thought I'd been asleep one afternoon, and apparently I had been out in the rain, in slippers and nightshirt digging the garden and trying to get in the car to post a letter, I was glad that Steve was there to stop me. Who knows what I'd have done if I'd been alone!!! Anyway, I'm waffling, I do that a lot!! If anyone can help with their experience of the op both straight after the op and then recovery at home, and any hints to make it easier I'd be very grateful. Everyone has been so nice on here, amd propped me up when I was slipping. My island is now no longer getting smaller and I'm now floating instead of sinking Thank you, sorry for waffling. Rosie
Hi H78
I had LAR I was borderline and have an Ileostomy. Had the full keyhole and incision and didn’t recover as quickly as you. You’re so right it an individual thing
Live toh name Suzie. Mines called Whoopi and she may be a keeper. They’re life savers aren’t they?
I downloaded apps too. They did help. The cancer one was expensive though so be careful
Lively to hear your positive experience.
Ann
Hi
I had an APR in february 2021. I made sure that I was as fit as i could be before the op. Lots of cardio vascular exercise and core strength too. I approached the op in a positive mood as the alternative was not worth thinking about and even named my stoma beforehand (Eddie Stomart). I always knew mine would be permanent as one of the two tumours was close to the exit.
My advice to all would be to adopt a positive outlook, embrace what may be permanent, and be under no illusions about the recovery. This is major surgery, with a lengthy recovery and a need for painkillers and care. Dont ne too proud to ask for help.
I have recovered very well, my life is good, i feel remarkably fit and strong and have learned bery easily to live with Eddie.
You will survive, even if life changes for you. My prayers are sent to give you strength to adapt and adopt.
Richard (Eddie Stomart) 
H78
You are doing really well. I wear shift dresses too but I did preop as I I carried a lot of fluid my tum was really swollen. Close to blocking.
A year on I’ve dropped over a stone and fit in skinny jeans so you have plenty if time.
Keep going
My Whoopi is my icon. If you ever want one for Suzie let me know.
Ann
That’s not a weird question. Its the perfect thought. I was the same. Do you know I saw on the news a woman swam the Channel with a stoma. So you’re fine in water. I’m not sure if extreme heat will be okay for a newly formed stoma so that’s definitely one for your nurses. I had a thermometer to take the temperature of the water for my son as he had a spinal injury and had altered sensation. It worked a treat. You could always get one of those to see what temperature you like now.
Any questions like that pop up.
Ann
Good luck with your phone consultation.
I’ll be thinking of you.
You can stay in your bath as long as you like. The pouch will stay put. I like to put a nice clean pouch on after. Keeping all my bath products away from my stoma. Whoopi would not like a bath bomb. She may Poonamie me. So she’s locked in. I don’t shower without my pouch either as I like strong shower gel. She likes fresh water. Ha ha
Ann
