Neglected since 8/2012 what should I do embaressed to go to doctor

Hi.

I do not yet have an ostomy, I am currently undergoing tests to figure out all the details of my condition, but doc has told me I will end up w/ an ostomy when all is said and done. So, I've been reading on here to learn. I do have a stoma for catheterizing my bladder, which I know is very different, but I understand the basics.

Anyway, I think the sooner you go to the doc, the better. You really need to take care of this before it gets any worse. You deserve help with this and to feel better. It sure sounds like you have been going thru a lot of stressful things, and you were putting other people's care ahead of your own. Maybe when you call to make your appointment, you can tell the person that you haven't seen your doc in a long time, you are nervous about coming in after so long, and that things are not going so well. Kind of give the doc a clue ahead of time that you're having trouble. Then, when you go for your appointment, just be honest about what has been going on and how you have been taking care of your ostomy. Doc needs to know what's been going on in order to help you. I know it sounds really scary, but you need to do it. Sometimes when I get scared or overwhelmed about an appointment, I write down what I want to say to the doc/make a list of important points to tell them. Then I am sure to not leave anything out, and for some reason, it just feels easier to read from a piece of paper.

And when the doc enters the room, let them know first thing that you are nervous/scared because you haven't been taking such good care of yourself. I'm sure you won't be the first person to tell the doc that you haven't been doing things by the book, and certainly won't be the last to do so. I have found that when I let my doc/provider know that I am nervous or scared right from the start, it eases my mind and sort of clears the air/gets it out in the open.

One last thing to think about...if your Dad or your grandson hadn't had proper care in a while, and had been scared to go to the doc, what would you tell them? I'm sure at the very least, you would encourage them to make that appointment, and that it's going to be ok. What's done is done, things were very stressful and you put yourself last. Now its time to take control of the situation, get things taken care of, get back on track with your care. You need and deserve better.

No more waiting, make (and go to) that appointment. You can do this! It WILL be ok!! Now tomorrow/today, I hope to see a post from you telling us that you have set up an appointment. :)

Hope this helps at least a little bit....


Sunny.

You certainly should see a doc / CR surgeon to bring up any concerns and get their opinion, but also you should find and see an experienced wound/ stoma nurse (WOCN). When you call to make appointments, get a list. Ideally the stoma nurse and the doc would be at the same or at least affiliated facility or practice so that they can share any information and opinions and treat you as a team.

Martiniman
Do you still have to pay for your ostomy supplies?

Remember, the surgeon is working for you. Nothing to be embarrassed about.

Dan

Sounds like others need you man, if you can't bring yourself to go to the docs for yourself, maybe you can

for them. Best of luck.

 

            -Mike