Posted 1/29/2012 5:43 AM (GMT 0)
OK. First of all, take a great big breath. You are ALLOWED to have a major freakout at this point, if you ask me. In some ways, this is like waking up, to find your leg gone. This has changed your body, and you are allowed to take some time to work that through, in your head.
It's also going to require some adjustment in terms of lifestyle, but I've read a lot of accounts by people who say that life is actually easier with an ostomy than living with severe IBD, so try not to be too daunted on that account. Remember, you've already lived with a lot of HUGE stuff, so you *can* do this next step too. It'll just take some getting used to, ok?
I have had a couple of occasions when I was on the verge of getting an ostomy so have gone through the initial consultation & preparation, but not, of course, the surgery, as you have done... but I may be able to answer a very few of your questions until the ostomies folks start posting on your thread.
I'm guessing that you won't have to worry much about eating yet, as you're likely to be on nil by mouth, or liquids, until your innards start healing and moving again, so do try not to think too much about food just now, ok?
I'm pretty sure you'll also have regular visits from a nurse, who will help you with your bag, and help you to learn to take care of it.
I'm sure this seems incredibly daunting just now, and of course, it is... but do try to remember that you don't have to do it all at once, and that you have a lot of people in the hospital, and here, on the forum, to help you learn to live with your ostomy. Right now, how about you just concentrate on resting and managing your pain, and know that help is here, and will come as you need it.
*Another* hug to you!
Ivy.