Afternoon,
I've not been on for a while so wanted to post an update.
I had my surgery on 16 December and was in hospital for a week and I'm now testing the boundaries of my new life with said bag.
The operation included a epidural and morphine block.
I didn't even get to countdown from 10, I went under instantly.
When I came around, I was on a recovery ward. I was lucky, there was a lady in with me and despite us still coming around etc, we were able to chat about our operation and share stories. Was weird as it turned out she lives close to where I was brought up and I live close to where she was brought up.
The pain was minimal to be fair, was more awkward with the cannulas, pipe drain from my stomach and a pipe from my backside as I'd volunteered for the research at St James Hospital regarding the seal in my rectum.
I was quickly moved onto a ward. Again, the pain was minimal, just took some getting used to with the extra's attached to me.
Please accept when you're in, you might get minimal sleep as they do their observations and the wards can be quite busy / noisy etc.
I have a loop and temporary stoma (they say between three an 12 months before reversal)
At first, I refused to look at the stoma as I was still getting my head around the operation and all the things connected to me.
The bags they used at first didn't keep up with my output, so they changed them to a higher output bag.
My boredom got the better of me, so I was up as quickly as I could (within 24 hours of the op).
As I suffer from lower potassium levels, I was more or less on a constant drip and they were running out of places for new cannulas due to the activity.
My right arm looked like it had fought with an Octopus and my left arm, had thrombophlebitis, so I was given some cream to clear it up.
As time passed (slowly), I got used to my Stoma and started helping the nurses clean and change. It got to a point where the Stoma Nurses came down to visit me on a non scheduled visit day, to show I could clean and change the stoma bag, allowing me to get discharged to come home.
All the people I've came into contact during this have been outstanding, caring and friendly This ranges from my Consultant who popped in to see my (while covering the Junior Dr strike) to the catering people, cleaners etc. The life blood in the hospital is the staff that work there, fluid and faultless.
The food is acceptable and some things on the menu pleasantly surprised me.
My take on my operation and stay in hospital: Don't let your true grit and self determination falter. If I can do it, anyone can. Believe in yourself and accept as soon as you can, you're on a journey that will take time.
At home, it's a stark contrast to being on your own with your direct family / partner / friends around you. Baby steps are needed, I had to take a step back as my brain was to far in front of my recovery.
The food bit is a bit weird to get used to, I'm getting there.
The bag: I need a concave bag with a stoma bag belt. In fact, this bag and belt have been a life saver. Touch wood, no leaks since I've been using these.
As I'm a high outputter, I'm on codeine and Imodium to control my output. Some days I feel monged with these drugs.
The District Stoma Nurses are good, I agreed to get calls from Secure Start who have been really good for support and the companies that provide the bags etc are equally brilliant.
I've nearly finished the daily injections post operation so that's the first milestone to overcome.
As a side issue, I've struggled with confidence going out, this is slowly changing. I don't or wont use public transport for fear of a leak. I've used a few taxi's. I've also been out to my local Dr's and supermarket etc. Believe me, your body lets you know if you push things.
I may also sell the car and start driving again once the reversal is completed.
Workwise, I can't fault the support.
Overall, I've had worse back pain then the pain I had following the operation. The bags take some used to emptying, I've had a few silly accidents, but I've laughed at it.
My humour, wider support from all the fantastic people who work to support you, family and friends have seen me through the first month.
I was really nervous before the operation and looked like a ghost in the admissions ward, after the operation, people couldn't believe how well I looked. I think this is down to not letting it get to me, I didn't bottle anything up, I spoke to the Dr's, Nurses etc if anything was niggling at me.
Good luck on your operation and recovery journey.
Regards
M
