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Help here with ileotomy!!

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Posted 5/9/2009 3:18 AM (GMT 0)
I just has surgery for colon/rectal cancer with a temp bag on 4/27. Wow what an adjustment!! I'm trying to embrace
my bag because I know the months after take down is hard.

I have a few questions.
How soon did you go back to work after take down? I will be out 4 weeks from this first surgery but will start working from home next week as much as I can. I'm worried about take down and how much time off I will need.

The area of skin above my Stoma seem to still be swollen and the part under it dents in. I don't feel like I get a good fit with my bag. I haven't leaked yet but have only done it by myself twice. Does any one have this happen? Is it normal or should I call the doctors? I feel like half my stoma sticks out of the hole and the other half gets lost?? Anybody got any thoughts???
Brenda
Posted 5/9/2009 3:58 AM (GMT 0)
the area probably is still swollen it hasnt beenthat long since your surgery.
I have dents too, thats what the paste is for, to help fill those in!
Im not sure what you mean about half getting lost though.

sorry i couldnt help more!
Posted 5/9/2009 7:59 AM (GMT 0)
Is your stoma retracting in past the skin level? Does it do this only when it is active, or is it like that all the time? You may want to try a convex wafer which will push the stoma out passed the skin level -- and, for several of us, the convex wafer has eliminated leakage issues.
Posted 5/9/2009 8:51 AM (GMT 0)
I had my takedown on April 13th, I was supposed to go back to work this week. With restrictions as far as no lifting for another two weeks, and no direct patient care until all wounds are healed. I have an open wound over my old ileostomy site. I had thought I would be off for six weeks. I did not go back this past week, as planned, due to a suspected DVT. I ended up in the hospital again last saturday  night, until wednesday. To get my INR therapeutic. I would have gone home saturday, if my INR had been therapeutic. I'm a Registered Nurse, and my surgeon doesn't want me to chance getting anything infected by doing patient care. I have no problems, sitting at my desk at home doing stuff on line, and driving. I was able to start driving at my follow up appointment after the take down.

Posted 5/9/2009 3:22 PM (GMT 0)
What is a take down? You pros use alot of lingo and abbreviations that us commoners dont understand.
Posted 5/9/2009 8:02 PM (GMT 0)
a take down, is the same as a reversal of your ileostomy. Not everyone is elgible, I am one of the very lucky ones.
Posted 5/11/2009 2:41 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks for you comments!
I think I may have figured out what is wrong with the top part of my stoma.
I think it may be a Hernia?? Has anyone had one ?? Because the top of the skin above my stoma sticks out
the bottom of my waffer is having a hard time staying put. I see the doctor on Tuesday I'll ask her then??
I had my first leak yesterday. I had a nurse come out to help teach me. she made these cuts in my waffer and a few hours later
I had a leak? I will be going back to my old way of doing the cutting?
I'm sure glad I found this website!
Brenda
Posted 5/11/2009 2:52 AM (GMT 0)
you should call your ET about the wafer dr wont know much, they just dont specialize in them.
Im not sure about the cuts, but if you werent having leaks before then go back to that.
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