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Posted 1/7/2018 2:40 AM (GMT 0)
I had a colostomy procedure done on 12/28 and came home yesterday afternoon. I was thankful to have kind nurses that monitored the pain from surgery and administer dilaudid for the gas pains that arrived prior to my first stool after the procedure. I was sent home the same day I was able to pass stool with a sense of confidence I could do this at home. BUT I was not prepared for the amount of gas pain that will happen on almost a daily basis until my body heals. I have oxi that I take as soon as I feel the pain start but by the time it has kicked in I am in tears from the pain. Walking around looking like I belong to the Apes in the Jungle Book as it feels better to raise my arms and shake my hands. I am learning how to take care of myself at home, to move without the pain from every angle I attempt, and now I am dealing with gas that radiates through my check, up my arms and into my hands. Just when I thing it has passes, the warm fuzzy feeling begins again. Any suggestions for a beginner? Thank you in advance. shocked smhair

Post Edited (MayLynda) : 1/6/2018 7:44:11 PM (GMT-7)

Posted 1/7/2018 4:59 PM (GMT 0)
Hi MayL -
My surgery was the same day. And I don't have as many kind words to say about the pain management in the hospital!
Yeah, the gas pains. I am still having pains also. Walking is the only answer I know, even though it seems the relief is not as obvious as it was those first few days when I would hear my ostomy gurgle and pass the gas.

One of the handouts from my surgeon suggested eating small bits every few hours, and that skipping meals would actually cause more gas. So whenever I have the slightest feeling of hunger I am eating a peanut butter cracker or a few spoons of yogurt.

Whether or not these tips help, I wish you relief! And we are "surgery twins" - same date!
Posted 1/7/2018 5:47 PM (GMT 0)
Songlady:

Thank you for your response. Between the gas pains and the constant changing of the bag I am miserable. I keep cleaning as soon as it happens due to my sensitive skin and could run out of bags before my order arrives. I'm not sure I made the right decision.

I hope your procedure heals quickly and is not as bothersome. I look forward to touching base to see how you are doing.

May
Posted 1/7/2018 9:16 PM (GMT 0)
Hi May- what was your reason for surgery? Is it a permanent ostomy?

If you check out my "newbie" thread, one of my big questions is his often to change the bag. The nurse explained tone that even if severe very careful, we take off some skin cells each time we do that. So I figure that changing less often is good? ( unless you're is not drainable...?)
But, because the stoma shrinks for weeks after surgery, what was a good fit on Monday may no longer work on Thursday. So I am trying to figure out a good bag change schedule. ( and I hope I don't go through 1.5 weeks' supplies next time I tackle it!)
I started feeling better, less gas pains and so on, several days after getting home. In hope this is true for you also!
Posted 1/8/2018 1:32 AM (GMT 0)
It is a permanent procedure that resulted from childbirth 30+ years ago. Today is a wee bit better on gas pain but I am having trouble adjusting to the process. I will read the article and learn something new.

Thank you.
Posted 1/9/2018 5:36 AM (GMT 0)
MayLynda,

I am 57 and had a colostomy a little over a year ago. Eating just a little several times a day helps with the gas. My GI and CRS both advised me to eat yogurt....just a bite or two...and to drink lots of liquids. (For me warm liquids helped a bunch) every hour (at first) they wanted me to eat a bite of yogurt and drink some water. They also advised me to eat a low residue diet. In the beginning it was chicken, potatoes (baked or boiled) and canned green beans.

Changing the bag...you are supposed to change your bag 2 times a week....or that is what I was told. There are some people that change it once a week. I change my bag every other day. I use a ton of adhesive remover wipes. (I too have sensitive skin) I also have to rotate the products I use or the skin under the wafer breaks out. There are times when I can go 3 or even 4 days.but when it starts leaking or itching I know I have to change it that day.

Having a colostomy...there is a lot to learn. Once you get the hang of it....things will become much easier.

FYI...I have to watch what I eat or I still get gas. Now I take a nap, roll from side to side, and use a heating pad-but you should check with your doctor just to make sure you can do that and that everything is ok.

Let me know if you have any questions!

Clo
Posted 1/9/2018 4:38 PM (GMT 0)
Clo,

The last 2 days have given me hope. I still feel alone and unsure but one baby step at a time. The home health nurse came yesterday - everything looks good but offered no "new" advise. I have my f/u appointment with the surgeon on Friday. The gas pains are still an issue in the evening. I have saved all my pain meds so I have something to help during this time. Getting better but nothing like waking up from a deep sleep with gas pains. I try not to wake my partner (as I find myself groaning and angling like crazy) so I get up and go downstairs to pace for what seems like hours. I did not get to sleep this morning until 4:30 am. Then back up to keep an eye on my brother who is a fall risk from his stroke (he is living with us now).

I was able to keep a bag on for 2 1/2 days before the itching, burning forced me to change this morning. Soooo thankful for this, hoping it means I will have less leaks when I return to work. Plus I have a issue with smell. I feel as though everyone will know I have just poohed. I've added the deodorant, the mint, Pam spray, a light spritz of scent and it is still there. I'm hoping it is just me and it will pass.

Today's issue to tackle is to figure out what pants I can wear. I told the lady that marked me where my pants tops fall on my body so we could place accordingly. Unfortunately my stoma is right where the top of my pants sit. I plan to go shopping this weekend at consignment shops to find a few outfits I can wear to work next week that I am comfortable in.

Thank you for your kind words. I am learning from others as I have never met anyone with an ostomy. I look forward to learning more.
Posted 1/9/2018 6:29 PM (GMT 0)
MaryLynda,

Glad it is getting better! It does get easier....try to be easier on yourself.

Thick output will cause bags to loosen, and too thin output will also cause issues. To thin my output I drink grape juice, to thicken I eat potatoes, peanut butter, pretzels and marshmallows.

15 to 30 minutes before you change eat 4 to 6 large marshmallows. It will slow your output for 30 to 45 minutes....well that's my timeframe.... But out of 50 people in my support group...it works for every one of us.

For smell..I tried everything and nothing helped until I tried M-9. I will never be without it again. They also make M-9 room deodorizer. I keep the large at home and carry the small in my purse. They all work really well......

Please let us know how it goes!
Clo
Posted 1/10/2018 2:52 AM (GMT 0)
Clo,

I was tickled pink today when my stool was forming somewhat normal stool but by the afternoon I was back to too thin. We shall see what tomorrow brings. I purchased Phazyme for the gas tonight as it was so bad at 2 pm that I thought I was going to have to call 911. Little scary when you are not sure how bad something is suppose to hurt (that's after I took 2 oyxcodone) before you panic. Thank goodness my follow up appointment is Friday.

I am excited to try the M-9 deodorizer and the food items. I love marshmallows!~

Have a pleasant evening.

May
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