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Ostomies
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Posted 1/16/2013 4:50 PM (GMT 0)
Waitng to be wheeled in... They are running late! I got an epidural already and a little versed but I think it's worn off. Just twiddling my thumbs...
Posted 1/16/2013 6:13 PM (GMT 0)
Good luck on your first step to good health! You will be so happy to get rid of that diseased colon.
Posted 1/16/2013 7:41 PM (GMT 0)
much good luck to you.
Posted 1/17/2013 2:09 AM (GMT 0)
All done and feeling great!
Posted 1/17/2013 2:23 AM (GMT 0)
Wonderful news!
Posted 1/18/2013 4:59 PM (GMT 0)
How are you doing today?
Posted 1/18/2013 5:30 PM (GMT 0)
Hey guys,

I am doing very well. My system started 'waking up' around 18 hours post-op and I emptied my bag for the first time about 6 hours after that. I was approved for clear liquid diet today so I've been sipping water, apple juice, chicken broth and may try some jello soon. I started walking eight hours post-op and pretty much didn't stop. That helped a huge amount with the referred pain in my shoulders from the lapro gas as well.

All in all everything has gone pretty much perfectly. My pain never went above a 4, and I haven't felt the need to press the button since yesterday morning, so I asked the pain management team to turn down the basal rate on my epidural and see how I can get by with less meds before I'm switched to oral pain management.

The ostomy nurse just came by to talk to me for the first time and to do my first appliance change. She said my stoma looks "textbook" except that it is a little oval shaped. Everything was going really well and I was asking questions about clothes and stuff when suddenly I started crying hysterically... my surgeon picked the ostomy site just a couple of minutes before the surgery, when I was already in a gown, and I guess I just realized that the location isn't that ideal... it's pretty much exactly where I usually wear jeans. My surgery happened really fast and there was no time to meet with the ostomy nurse to select the site, and I cared so much more about just getting my colon out and getting my life back, but I kind of knew in the back of my mind that this might be a problem.

That said -- my IV steroids were cut in half today and I've only slept a total of about eight hours since I've been here -- so I know I'm just making myself crazy over nothing. I mean, three days ago my biggest problem was that I was in constant pain and had pooped on literally every pair of pants I own, and now I can't stop crying because I won't be able to wear my favorite jeans for six months. So... I think I need a nap.

I'll check in later and hopefully will be feeling a lot less crazy.
Posted 1/18/2013 5:38 PM (GMT 0)
So happy that things are going well for you. I didn't have any say on my stoma location either (emergency surgery) and mine is too high for my old jeans. I have purchased a couple new pairs of jeans but all my dress pants for work are ok.

It's the first thing on my list when I meet my surgeon in May to move my stoma down when he does the end ileo......

Not to worry! In the big scheme of life, it's such a small issue! Once you get home and get some sleep you will feel wayyyyy better.

Happy healing!
Posted 1/18/2013 10:01 PM (GMT 0)
Poor thing. I'd hate that too but on the positive side, you will probably get a new favorite pair before 6 months. I bet you can find a slight lower waist :) It sounds like you're doing really great. I am so happy for you.
Posted 1/19/2013 10:19 PM (GMT 0)
Oh boy... having a bit of a setback :( I started solids this morning and the doctors were even talking about possibly sending me home tonight (OK, I knew *that* was crazy but I figured maybe tomorrow or Monday). I ate very slowly and very little but I haven't had any output since before lunch, about six hours ago. I took a really long walk hoping to get things moving and am rubbing my stomach, drinking water, trying different positions... to no avail. I'm not nauseous yet so that's OK but I am getting nervous.

I'm back on clears until I start getting output again. Maybe drinking juice would help?
Posted 1/20/2013 4:06 AM (GMT 0)
Aww. I hope things have improved during the day today. I can't believe you're feeling almost well enough to go home, that's incredible.

Did things get back to normal?

I hope you're feeling good.
Posted 1/20/2013 1:31 PM (GMT 0)
Sigh... I had some output, but now I am suffering from terrible, burning nerve pain across my abdomen, in addition to a patch of skin below my navel that has no sensation at all. They think it might be just an abnormal reaction to the surgery/cut nerves, but there's also a possibility that it is an outbreak of herpes zoster/shingles.

The good news is I'm not nauseous or vomiting so there's no blockage, although my output is still pretty slow, but the pain is awful and I just feel very worn out. I'm praying the nerves are just confused from the surgery and the epidural and need to work themselves out.
Posted 1/20/2013 3:02 PM (GMT 0)
I am very happy things went so well but please take it slow. This is MAJOR surgery whether it be lapro or not.

Sorry the stoma location is not ideal however look on the bright side as it is temporary...if it were permanent I would not be happy about it interfering with favorite jeans that are a staple for so many of us. 6 months will fly by!
Posted 1/20/2013 7:21 PM (GMT 0)
It is probably just something to do with the nerves. I think that's very common after surgery and it usually resolves over time. It sounds like you may need to take some pain meds and REST. Try not to over do it, it IS major surgery and you should give yourself time to heal. You're still doing incredibly well for being just a few days out of surgery.
Posted 1/20/2013 10:22 PM (GMT 0)
It's tough to recoup from major surgery. I felt like total crap for a good 3 or 4 weeks after. I also cried a lot! You will be feeling better soon. Hope that burning feeling goes away quickly.
Posted 1/26/2013 9:47 PM (GMT 0)
How are you doing these days. I too just have my ileostomy installed only about a week ago. I am at home and learning to cope with various things. I have not had to change my appliance myself yet. Had so many leaks from nurse-installed appliances in the hospital, I'm scared to death of it leading in my bed or when I am out. My worst problem currently is dealing with odour. Have you come upon a solution. I am in Canada, finances are very limited, wearing a convex shaped appliance and bag from Hollister, which don't seem very good quality to me. Hope you are continuing to get on well.
Posted 1/27/2013 12:22 AM (GMT 0)
scan... see if you can get M9 drops. they work like a champ for odor. You put them in right after emptying. you have to use a lot more than a drop.. but they sure do work. I think hollister makes them.
Posted 1/28/2013 1:26 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks ddd45. I am trying the Tic Tac solution right now and they seem to be helping a lot. Hollister (all this stuff) is very expensive, but we will do what we can.
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