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wound opened up, constant leaks

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Posted 9/13/2015 3:56 PM (GMT 0)
hello all, day 20 past step one surgery, temp ileostomy is not entirely cooperating. I have been put into the ER for dehydration from the temp ileostomy's constant drain on fluids. I had no idea before surgery that the temporary ileostomy would be so high maintenance. Fluids are always a problem.

The doctor removed some of my staples and "BAM" the entire wound opened up. I look like a Halloween freakshow. Of course I got the usual " don't worry, it's normal" routine which translates to a major step up in problems. Now my appliance, already a bit rickety due to leaking problems, is touching the open wound, causing it to leak as the wound also oozes everywhere. The nurses have tried to build up the convex wafer, but we had to resort to medical device adhesive to make everything stick. Showering is a nightmare so I just sponge bathe.

I was able to wean off of pain meds, but the wound opening up caused pain again. So back on them.
Posted 9/13/2015 4:22 PM (GMT 0)
Ugh, so sorry you're going thru this! I've heard those loops are a nightmare... It's only temporary, keep that in mind! Good luck- you deserve a break.
Posted 9/13/2015 5:03 PM (GMT 0)
Part of my wound opened up too......it wasn't fun and I was devastated. But it does heal. Make sure you are eating a ton of protein....I know it's hard to think about eating when you are leaking everywhere but it really does help in healing.

I don't have any advice but Eva Lou is right. It is only temporary. Measure your progress in weeks not days.

Thinking of you Johnlamb.

K
Posted 9/13/2015 5:52 PM (GMT 0)

johnlamb said...
hello all, day 20 past step one surgery, temp ileostomy is not entirely cooperating. I have been put into the ER for dehydration from the temp ileostomy's constant drain on fluids. I had no idea before surgery that the temporary ileostomy would be so high maintenance. Fluids are always a problem.

The doctor removed some of my staples and "BAM" the entire wound opened up. I look like a Halloween freakshow. Of course I got the usual " don't worry, it's normal" routine which translates to a major step up in problems. Now my appliance, already a bit rickety due to leaking problems, is touching the open wound, causing it to leak as the wound also oozes everywhere. The nurses have tried to build up the convex wafer, but we had to resort to medical device adhesive to make everything stick. Showering is a nightmare so I just sponge bathe.

I was able to wean off of pain meds, but the wound opening up caused pain again. So back on them.

The same thing happened to me. As soon as the staples were removed the whole thing popped open. Ugh it was gross. I had to keep it semi packed and covered. It took a LONG time to heal up but it did. I would say about 5 months until every bit of it closed. My scar is pretty ugly because of it all but I was just happy it healed.

The loop is a pain. I had a lot of trouble with mine. Hated it. I don't have much words of wisdom for you in that dept. Just patience. Are you having a two step procedure? Is your next surgery takedown?
Posted 9/13/2015 9:35 PM (GMT 0)
My very first ostomy was so big on me, the wafer ended up covering the center scar as it healed. I was given no information after I left the hospital (I was also twelve at the time) nor was I told that having it covered was a huge problem. Lo and behold, when they removed the staples, the center opened. I was readmitted and had the wound dressed and packed wet-dry until it healed over. Not fun and definitely terrifying, especially for a kid.
Posted 9/13/2015 11:53 PM (GMT 0)
the kicker in all this, the doctor told me I probably will be having second and final step of jpouch attachment in 4 more weeks. Xray will have to confirm the Jpouch is healed of course. I also have constant 4x daily discharge of mucus so I am still on the toilet or worse, leaks at night.
Posted 9/14/2015 11:58 PM (GMT 0)
So sorry Johnlamb. Have you tried coconut water plain mixed with Tang to try to help with electrolytes? Coconut water is just ewww to me, but I can tolerate it mixed with orange Tang.

Have you tried cutting the wafer away from the open wound? I used to cut the tape off of the convatec wafer because I'm allergic to the tape. Just a thought.

Hang in there. Loops are fast transit for some. Yikes
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