First Week with an Ileostomy: What Not to Do

Don't drink a huuuuge red Gatorade. Because then you will poo reddish and freak out until you realize duh, red Gatorade. That was fun. I'm 99% sure it isn't blood as I had so much red blood coming out pre surgery due to rectal cancer that I know the look and smell but dear Lord it scared me for a moment! 

When will I stop freaking out? Every thing is do new that every gas pain or poop or soreness and I'm like crap I'm dying. Probably also a weird form of p.t.s.d. people get often as they battle cancer and stuff but I'm far too alert as to what my body is doing. And if it stopped cramping I would panic, too, like what's wrong there must be a blockage nothing's going on... even my Dr. Told me my body is still adjusting. Due to a t blocker my innards didn't even wake up until 36 hours post op and my surgery was late afternoon Sept 12 so my body is still healing and adjusting. 

I just want the worry gone. Ive been worrying since diagnosis in march.

Thanks for the reminder, Gemd. Everything we see, feel, and even imagine in the early days can cause panic. I think our bodies are a lot more resilient than we thought. Not sure about our minds, but if we know up front how good the odds of an excellent recovery are, our minds might rest somewhat easier.

Get well really fast.

Mike