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Fingering the Stoma??

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Ostomies
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Posted 1/15/2010 4:50 AM (GMT 0)
I recieved my colostomy last Thursday, long story but the surgen that performed my operation was not the surgen that was supposed to.  I had many post op complications with my heart and just as I started to feel better I think the doctor my have made a HUGE mistake.  On monday evening I had still only produces 100cc of output including stoma sweat.  She told my that I should be producing much much more by then.  She proceeded to lay the bed flat and expaine that I will feel presure.  I took this to mean she was ONLY going to press on my stomach.  Before I knew it her PA and nurse were cringing in horror as she proceeded to insert her entire finger into my very new stoma and move deeply inside of my stomach area as her other hand pressed so hard so she could feel the figner from within.  I was in intence pain!!!

After she left I began bleeding from the stoma and filled the bag with about 50cc of blood.  When I contacted the nurse she advised my to just wait to see if it stoped.  Later in the evening I began experencing the worst pain I have ever felt (please, keep in mind that I have gone through labor).  This pain would come on so quickly last 30 seconds then disappare and would come back just as quickly. 

When I called the nurse she gave me perquaset (sp.) 8 total and nothing, the pain was still there.  The doctor never bothered to call the nurse back regarding different pain medication and finally in the morning she sent a student to tell me that the pains normal and had nothing to do with the finger. 

It hurts to sit, the pain is still there, not as badly because I am taking Hydromorphine and Lidocane patchs over the stomach to ease the feelings. 

I just got home Wed. morning and still in pain when I sit.  Walking is the only thing that releves the pain.  Additionally I can only eat very small meals.  So far the only thing that is staying is liquid foods in extermly (like 1/2 cup) of soup.  When I do try to eat solids my stomach feels like I am going to explode and I have thrown up a few times.  The doctor advised me that the top portion of my intestin may not be fully awake yet.  I am living on Apple Juice, S/F hot cocca, and soup.

If anyone can help PLEASE!

Posted 1/15/2010 12:16 PM (GMT 0)
It sounds like Ileus sad many of us have experienced it and it can last anywhere from 1 day to a week or more! Ileus is when your intestine don't wake up after surgery and you would feel nauseous/vomit when you try to eat...my docs always put me npo (nothing by mouth) until things start moving...I am surprised they discharged you with it!

As far as the extreme pain...your surgery was only a week ago and your body is still recovering (as well as eating w/Ileus could contribute)...could it be that?

What was the reason your doc didn't do the surgery? Did you know about the change?

If I was feeling that poorly post-op I'd be in the emergency room...
Posted 1/15/2010 3:16 PM (GMT 0)
Definitely sounds like an ileus. Stick to liquids and do keep walking. Walking will help to awaken the intestines. The pain medication can delay the awakening so if you can comfortably reduce that do. I had my ostomy fingered for the same reason; definitely not the most pleasant of treatments! If you don't see improvement either return to the hospital or contact your GI.

Sue
Posted 1/18/2010 5:51 AM (GMT 0)
Thank both of you for your wisdom. I only knew for about the change in DR about half a day before surgery. My surgens mother passed away and he had to leave.
Walking and standing is the only thing I have been doing. Every time I sit the pressure is horrible and laying flat is unbearable.
Diet wise I have progressed to cream of chicken soup, Kraft mac-n-cheese, and mashed potatoes. Although tonight I experenced very intence cramping pain for about 1 1/2 hours as my stoma produced a 1 in pencile thin tootise roll. I don't know if the pain was normal but today I ate 1/4 sasuage, mac-n-cheese, and a potatoe hash brown. I lost most the hash brown and some of the sasage in the AM. But the mac stayed followed within 2-3 hours of that very bad pain.
Posted 1/18/2010 11:08 AM (GMT 0)
cocotic~it doesn't sound like things are improving. Vomiting is a sign of Ileus OR it could be the sign of a blockage...please don't go too long without substantial output (since you are eating) as that may lead to other issues!

Keep us posted on how you are feeling.
Posted 1/20/2010 12:53 AM (GMT 0)
I hope you feel better soon! Be careful you don't go too long without output without calling someone. My surgeon has used the finger thing to try to dilate my stoma when there were strictures right by the stoma causing blockages. I had to go in and have him do that once a week...it was awful and bloody, and then he sent me home with this tapered glass rod that I was supposed to use nightly on my own, ugh. I hope you recover quickly!
Posted 2/9/2010 4:00 AM (GMT 0)
ahh that gives me cold chills thinking about it bc the day i went home or the day before i went home (cant remember) the surg tech came up and stuck his finger in my ileo and it hurt SOOOOO bad..it lasted about a minute and i cramped soo bad like i had bad gas but i didnt expect it at all..he was checking to make sure things felt good inside and that everything was fine but my mom said i had this horrible look on my face..she had to turn away bc it grossed her out lol but yeah it was a REALLY bad pain..
Posted 2/9/2010 9:26 PM (GMT 0)
cocotlc,
I'm so sorry to hear about your experience and pain. I hurt for you. My ileo isn't brand new but less than a year old. I didn't take on a heavy diet that you describe for quiet awhile after surgery. My stuff was limited to jello, pudding, custards, soups, cream soups, cottage cheese, sherberts, ice creams, water, juice, then progressed to mashed potatoes, lightly seasoned chicken and groud beef, pastas and veggies and fruits. I still leave the gassy foods alone because they just drive my "privey" crazy she blows up and out like a the wild woman she can be. I laughed w If you do have an ileous I would imagine a lighter diet might do better than the heavier foods and walk, walk, walk. When I was in the hospital because the dietary would send broccoli, cauliflower, brussel spouts, cooked cabbage, cabbage slaw, raw and cooked onious, man if I'd have eaten that I'd never been able to come home or I maybe would have been able to blow home if the wind was in the right direction from all the gas. lol

Good luck and keep us informed...
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