Dealing with depression months after ileostomy

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Heya everyone.

I'm so glad that a forum like this exists. Sometimes our journey with cancer can feel so isolating.

I was diagnosed with stage three bowel cancer in June last year. Had no symptoms apart from having lost weight, which I put down to having joined a gym, and wishing I'd joined years ago cos of the weight loss!!!

I had my large bowel removed and rectum removed and a Barbie butt op done in September last year. All cancer removed, so I didn't need chemo treatment. The surgeon injured my right kidney during the operation. A stent was put in.

The stent has been replaced a few times. I'm now ensuring running to the loo a lot, but urine tests have shown I don't have UTI. I am really low and down, and have cut myself off from everyone...

Just wondering if this is normal, so many months after stoma surgery and complications? I had two major haemorrhages a few weeks post surgery and was taken to another hospital in an ambulance. Was in intensive care unit for a week and then discharged back to my home hospital.

I'd be grateful for any words of wisdom. Thank you. Wishing you all the best on your journey. Take care.

J x

Kareno62 over 2 years ago

Hi J and welcome to the board. If you click on my name then you can see on my profile page that I had a couple of set backs too. I think it’s totally understandable to feel down after everything you’ve been through. There’s the niggling feeling at the back of the mind that something else might be around the corner plus the physical aspect of all the hospital stays - it can take a good few months to get over. I also felt a bit of a comedown after my treatment finished. It sounds ridiculous but the lack of hospital visits almost left a gap in my life plus it felt a bit like my comfort blanket had been taken away?
Do you think that some counselling might help? Macmillan is offering 6 free sessions with bupa and you could have a chat about it with the support team on the number below. With regard to the excessive toilet visits perhaps you could ask your doctor to refer you to a specialist?

Lastly a lot of people have found the paper below really helpful

https://www.workingwithcancer.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/After-the-treatment-finishes-then-what.pdf

Take care

Karen x

Macmillan Support Line - 0808 808 00 00, 7 days a week between 8am-8pm

Artsie over 2 years ago

Hi poetrygirl

I wondered if you’ve checked out Express yourself forum

you may find it therapeutic to write or read poetry or just connect with other creative members

It’s normal to be hit with depression I myself are suffering with it in my recovery from a VATS op that put me in critical care. I can’t seem to lift myself

I am contacting my GP for advice maybe you might think of asking for some help too

I hope that this helps

sending you a hug

Ann
‍

poetrygirl over 2 years ago in reply to Kareno62

Oh Karen, you have been through so, so much. God bless you. Thank you for reaching out.

I feel less alone now that I've had your message. I read the article you linked me to several times. It has good understanding.

I totally understand how you feel that your comfort blanket was taken away. I actually miss the nurses and the feeling of belonging on the ward I was on. The nurses and healthcare assistants became friends for when I was there for two months. So I completely agree that it is a comedown and get what you felt.

I wasn't aware of the free Bupa counselling sessions. Will definitely look into that. Every day is the same. I'm already under the care of a urologist, but despite my GP trying to urge him to bring an appointment forward, all I have been offered is a phone call in three weeks time. Not even an appointment. Thanks Karen for taking the time to help me. I do appreciate it.

Take care.

Julie