Posted 11/4/2017 12:34 AM (GMT 0)
It's mentally taxing going through all of this - but it will get better. The way he's feeling is normal after such a huge change. I agree with NiceCupOfTea, an ostomy nurse really can help with perspective, and with supply issues, if that's something that's causing him to feel less confident. There are likely meeting groups where he can see other strong people living their lives fully with the pouch. His is temporary but it is positive for us to realize there are people out there thankful that their pouches gave them their lives back. It is a major adjustment, and something no one imagines they will ever deal with.
It takes time to trust the supplies. When I had my ostomy I tried all the products - request samples. Having a system that you like is a good step in feeling comfortable. A lot of people have leaking, especially early on. He should ask the surgeon for suggestions for strengthening. I used to do kegels.
When he gets reconnected, it will be another challenge, it takes time to heal and figure things out, but it will happen. He should also go get checked out if he has medical worries. Sometimes the only way to stop thinking something is wrong is to verify that everything is OK, even if it was just verified. If that doesn't help, therapy could potentially be an option for working through the fears.
Many of the temp ostomy folks here have had surgery for UC. We don't have our natural rectum or colon. What surgery is he having? Is it a resection or ileorectal anastomosis?