5 days post op

Well, first night home 5 days post-op after my ileostomy.

To say I was nervous was an understatement, but here I am, still smiling and relieved it's done. I wouldn't say it was easy, and I know I'm only at the beginning of the recovery process, but to not have the constant pain for the first time in 5 years is a great feeling, and the surgery pain is a blessing.

They had to place my stoma (nickname Squidge) higher than we had hoped due to scarring from previous operations. It came as a shock, as like most women, I love my clothes, but I think it's a small price to pay because I'm here :))))

I'll blog more soon as today I'm shattered and happy to be home with my kids :) Thanks for all the supportive messages pre-op; it helped immensely and gave me hope.

X Taz x

Taz So glad you are home! My ileostomy is the same height as my funny looking belly button. Placement also due to previous scars. There are many creative ways to wear clothing that will look fine and trendy. Just heal well with positive thoughts only. You will get through the initial issues fine. Do not panic as you learn how to manage better and better. Will take a while. I am here for any questions/advice. Barry

Glad to hear from you, Taz. I have been thinking of you and how you're doing. I am day 19 since my ileostomy surgery, and I have gotten many tips and such support; it has really helped me through. I wish you a speedy recovery and keep coming back.

Thanks, Barry and Pammer, last night I didn't sleep much and today seems to be as day 1 with discomfort. My stoma nurse is coming tomorrow, so hopefully, she can help as I have developed redness/soreness around my stoma which is stinging a lot. :( I'm not sure what I can put on it, as in creams, so that the bag seal will still stick. Any ideas? I'd appreciate it.
Taz x

Hi Taz. I too have a lot of redness around my stoma. I am putting a call into my doctor to see what I can use to help soothe it as it's quite sore. I hope you too can get relief.

Words of Encouragement from Ostomy Advocates I Hollister

Hi Taz Pammer. Irritation is not unusual, especially initially. There is always an initial fitting adjustment and possibly a little leakage immediately around the stoma area. After surgery, the stoma is always swollen to a degree. Have the stoma nurse measure the diameter and adjust the pouch opening size. Do not use creams or ointments! Use only a powder like stomahesive powder, which will not affect adhesion. Ask the nurse about it. This is all normal for now, but it will get only better. Barry

Thanks, Barry! I'll bring it up to my stoma nurse tomorrow; hopefully, it's just a case of resizing.

Hi Taz, I hope you're doing OK. My boyfriend and I have been thinking of you. Hopefully, the redness will go down soon. My BF found that a two-piece was less irritating to his skin than a one-piece. But it's still early days, and soon you'll be able to work out what works best for you. Let me know how you're getting on. x x

Hi Taz. Never told you my stoma's name. It is Mr. Schmaltz. Named it when I was 11. It is an ethnic name which means chicken fat, Barry.

Hi Rach, thanks for the message. I asked my nurse about the 2-piece, but apparently, they prefer these to begin with, so maybe look into it for the future. They have given me a powder to put on the redness to help relieve the soreness and help it heal. That's a strange name, Barry, lol, but unique :) Taz x

Yes, my BF stuck to one pieces for a while and then moved on to two pieces after a month or so. He asked if you've tried barrier wipes to soothe the soreness? They really help him not to get sore skin around Rocky! Ask your IBD nurse for a couple x x

Thanks, Rach. I've been given a powder called Orahesive to try, so I will mention the wipes when she comes out on Monday. ?X

Sounds like you're getting to grips with Squidge! Keep going :) Me and BF have just come home from the gym... We wouldn't have been able to do this 7 months ago. You'll be back to doing your old activities in no time x x

Thanks, I hope so. Can I ask how long it took before your bf could actually take part in the gym? Before I got really ill, I used to teach Thai boxing and miss it immensely. I know I can't do full contact anymore, but just to take part, as my nurse keeps stressing about hernias/prolapse :( so I'm confused about when?

Taz, you will be able to teach again! Be wary of contact sports. They do make a protective cover for ostomates, but I would not take a chance. Remember, your abdominal muscles were cut. Surgeons usually try to minimize damage. I was able to start lifting/transferring after 3-6 months depending on progress. Being an occupational therapist, I needed to get back to work. That was after my last revision to Mr. Schmaltz. Things were fine for almost 40 years before this. As time goes on, you could start minimal abdominal strengthening and toning exercises. Try to be patient. Check with your surgeon. Hope your irritation around the stoma is improving. Barry

I know patience isn't a thing I handle well, as for the soreness I've been given 'orahesive powder' which has stopped the stinging ???? so here's hoping it does the job x

It took BF four months before he went back, and he's doing really gentle exercise for the time being, like cycling and very light weights. His consultant and surgeon both said that he will know himself when he's ready to go back. It's a case of learning to walk before you can run for sure! But do check with your surgeon to be double sure. Yes, you do have to be careful in case of hernias, but take everything slowly! You'll know your limits. And BF is hoping to get back into his hockey soon. Talking to other folks who partake in contact sports, there are a few products that will help protect Squidge, but it seems that protection just gets in the way and they've ended up playing rugby/hockey without one. Hope you're having a good weekend! X x

I've been told they do ostomy armor guard, but I'll see to that when I'm ready. I go back to my surgeon in April for a follow-up and results, so I have all these questions for her. Thanks, Rach, your and your bf's advice and support have been appreciated. Taz x

Hi, Taz, it's strange reading your blog as March 10th was the day they were cutting me up. How are things going now? I had a nightmare the first few weeks; a seal went in the cash and carry at the till one day, but now things have settled, and I even pop out without thinking about taking spare stuff now. I'm back to work now and feeling so fit with energy not found in years. P.S. Are you a full member on here, and if so, what benefits are there?