Hi! Lorilynn
I understand you had a subtotal colestomy, but did you end up with an ileostomy (ostomy bag)? I had a subtotal colestomy with ileal rectoscopy and rectopexy done last Sept 05. After 9 1/2 hrs of surgery, my surgeon gave me an ileostomy because when he tried to attach my small intestine to my rectum, there were air pockets in which he said within 6 to 12 wks I could have it reversed. After 8 days in the hospital, I finally came home to my comfortable bed, but I could not lie on either side due to discomfort so I had to learn to lie on my back for three months because if I would like on my right side where the ostomy bag was located, I would end up lying on it and when it filled up, I would wake up gagging from it. If I would lie on my left side, the ostomy bag would leak on me. So I did learn to lie on my back for the three months. Plus I was on Tramodol 50 mg and Ambien 10 mg. I would fall fast to sleep then wait up every night at midnight for an hour and fall back to sleep. See if your doctor would give you Ambien to sleep. It may help you sleep better.
Good luck and be well!
Angel Baby