Surgery
Comments
-
The bag
If they say don't worry about the bag, I say don't worry about it. They told me it would be a possibility for me, but remote. So I worried and worried. After I woke up from surgery, the first thing I felt for was the "bag". I didn't have one.
But if you do, as you can attest from your brother-in-law it is doable. There are quite a few here that have the bag and can give tons of advice if it is needed.
But until that point, I'd say, let that be the least of your worries, prayers and good vibes being sent your way for your surgery. (I'm assuming it's colon surgery?)
Winter Marie0 -
Auctioneer -
Re:
"I am afraid of "the bag"."
Before I do anything else, let me give you this link:
The United Ostomy Associations of America
There's a wealth of info there that you can't get easily anywhere else.
The only caveat, is that most all of the ostomates there are not cancer
related; most are Crohnes, UC, etc., and welcomed the relief from
their suffering via the gift of a stoma.
Mine was due to colon cancer , unexpected, unwanted, and mostly
hated for a fairly long time.
That said.......
You would want to make absolutely sure that the surgeon makes an
advance plan, and places the stoma (if needed) where it is best for -you-.
Generally, they use a 4x4 rule: 4" to the side of the navel, and 4" below
your waist line. The stoma should protrude from your body between
3/4 and 1 inch. That is called a "spout", and the right length will insure
the waste goes into the appliance, and not under it.
They should mark the best spot for you, prior to the operation. They
often have the patient wear an appliance at the intended location,
filled with a heavy substance (like apple sauce), to insure it will be
the best location for -you-. Planning ahead avoids grief later!
Like "winter marie", I woke up without the 'bag". Within a week in
ICU, I developed an infection and had to be re-opened.... When
I awoke from that, I had that damned plastic porta-potty hanging
off my side. I truly lucked out, since it was truly in the best spot
without having had to mark the spot in advance; it was sheer luck.
So, that brown stuff happens, and it's best to make plans based on
"worst case scenario" than to leave it to chance.
The first six months are the worst.with a new ostomy. Your body
goes through changes after a major operation, as well as the new
stoma, so it will be a learning curve for you. But don't give up, after
a while, things settle, and your life won't be as miserable as it is at first.
Your bud with the ostomy could probably be of help to you. if he (or she)
has come to terms with it.
If not, and you end up with an ostomy, either go to that above link,
or come here and one of us will walk you through the new experience.
I had gone from sleeping in the bathtub one night (not being able to
stop a leak), and wishing I had died on the operating table, to being
able to leave a non-leaking appliance on for 2 to 3 weeks average.
There are tricks to achieve good results with most anything.
And it needn't change your sex life either! Abstinence for me, is
no different than the last 48 years of marriage.
An ostomy really isn't all that bad; It ain't the greatest, but there can be worse.
Best wishes for you!
John0 -
John's AdviceJohn23 said:Auctioneer -
Re:
"I am afraid of "the bag"."
Before I do anything else, let me give you this link:
The United Ostomy Associations of America
There's a wealth of info there that you can't get easily anywhere else.
The only caveat, is that most all of the ostomates there are not cancer
related; most are Crohnes, UC, etc., and welcomed the relief from
their suffering via the gift of a stoma.
Mine was due to colon cancer , unexpected, unwanted, and mostly
hated for a fairly long time.
That said.......
You would want to make absolutely sure that the surgeon makes an
advance plan, and places the stoma (if needed) where it is best for -you-.
Generally, they use a 4x4 rule: 4" to the side of the navel, and 4" below
your waist line. The stoma should protrude from your body between
3/4 and 1 inch. That is called a "spout", and the right length will insure
the waste goes into the appliance, and not under it.
They should mark the best spot for you, prior to the operation. They
often have the patient wear an appliance at the intended location,
filled with a heavy substance (like apple sauce), to insure it will be
the best location for -you-. Planning ahead avoids grief later!
Like "winter marie", I woke up without the 'bag". Within a week in
ICU, I developed an infection and had to be re-opened.... When
I awoke from that, I had that damned plastic porta-potty hanging
off my side. I truly lucked out, since it was truly in the best spot
without having had to mark the spot in advance; it was sheer luck.
So, that brown stuff happens, and it's best to make plans based on
"worst case scenario" than to leave it to chance.
The first six months are the worst.with a new ostomy. Your body
goes through changes after a major operation, as well as the new
stoma, so it will be a learning curve for you. But don't give up, after
a while, things settle, and your life won't be as miserable as it is at first.
Your bud with the ostomy could probably be of help to you. if he (or she)
has come to terms with it.
If not, and you end up with an ostomy, either go to that above link,
or come here and one of us will walk you through the new experience.
I had gone from sleeping in the bathtub one night (not being able to
stop a leak), and wishing I had died on the operating table, to being
able to leave a non-leaking appliance on for 2 to 3 weeks average.
There are tricks to achieve good results with most anything.
And it needn't change your sex life either! Abstinence for me, is
no different than the last 48 years of marriage.
An ostomy really isn't all that bad; It ain't the greatest, but there can be worse.
Best wishes for you!
John
And let me add, that upon John's advice to me, (very much like his advice to you) I did have the possible stoma area marked for best placeage, glad I didn't have to, but glad in case I did, it would be in the best possible place. Excellent advice from John.
Winter Marie0 -
Thanks!herdizziness said:John's Advice
And let me add, that upon John's advice to me, (very much like his advice to you) I did have the possible stoma area marked for best placeage, glad I didn't have to, but glad in case I did, it would be in the best possible place. Excellent advice from John.
Winter Marie
Lisa, John and herdizziness. Thank you so much for your input to my very limited knowledge base of this disease of Colon cancer and "the bag". You have brightened next Wed, my surgery date greatly. My thanks and love to all, Art.0 -
I had resection in October.
I had resection in October. And I pretty much knew I would have one when I woke up. I did. But as it turned out mine was reversed 5 weeks later. While I had it a home health nurse came to help was wonderful! I was just starting to get used to it and the idea of having it when my surgeon did the reversal. My iliostomy wasn't working the way it was intended. It was twisted and herniating and leaking from inside. Very hard to manage. But I read so many here have them and just as they learn to manage theirs, I was going to do the very best I could to do the same. I figured if they can do it, so can I. Good luck to you! I think you will do great with that good attitude.
Gail0 -
Thanks for your commentsplh4gail said:I had resection in October.
I had resection in October. And I pretty much knew I would have one when I woke up. I did. But as it turned out mine was reversed 5 weeks later. While I had it a home health nurse came to help was wonderful! I was just starting to get used to it and the idea of having it when my surgeon did the reversal. My iliostomy wasn't working the way it was intended. It was twisted and herniating and leaking from inside. Very hard to manage. But I read so many here have them and just as they learn to manage theirs, I was going to do the very best I could to do the same. I figured if they can do it, so can I. Good luck to you! I think you will do great with that good attitude.
Gail
Thanks for your comments Gail. My surgeon tells me he has plenty to work with. We'll find out Weds. Hope all is going well with you.
Art0 -
Art, i felt just like you.Iauctioneer said:Thanks for your comments
Thanks for your comments Gail. My surgeon tells me he has plenty to work with. We'll find out Weds. Hope all is going well with you.
Art
Art, i felt just like you.I was terrified of having "the bag". My surgeon said it wasn't even a possibility. So i told him he better be telling it straight, cause i would hunt him down if i woke up with one. I didn't and he is still practicing medicine. LOL
Rest easy.
Good Luck, sending prayers your way.
Judy0 -
Hope you don't need the bag
Hope you don't need the bag but it is not so bad once you get used to it. Not worth worring about! Good luck. Mike0 -
Welcome
Welcome to the forums.
Cancer always has so many unknowns. I am glad it appears you have been diagnosed in the early goings. An early diagnosis usually means less progression of the disease. Let's hope that is your case. We have people here from all stages and complexities of this disease. Hopefully we will be helpful to you and can encourage you through your ordeal.
Don't fear the bag. Even if it becomes an inevitability. I had a temporary ileostomy for nine months, had a blockage issue (which was not cancer Praise God) and now I am enjoying a permanent ileostomy. And I mean that enjoying. Without the ileostomy, my life would most probably be much worse than it is with the Ostomy and might possibly have come to an end. I doubt my grandson gives a hoot if I have an Ostomy or not and I know most of the people I know don't even know I have one. Respect the bag, but never fear he bag. If I comes to that it can provide freedom and liberations that you could not enjoy without it.
As you find out more about your cancer journey, let us know how things are going. I am sure we can manage to find all manner of ways to encourage you and help you deal with the nity grity details of your cancer journey.
Best of luck
Rick0 -
Home freeRickMurtagh said:Welcome
Welcome to the forums.
Cancer always has so many unknowns. I am glad it appears you have been diagnosed in the early goings. An early diagnosis usually means less progression of the disease. Let's hope that is your case. We have people here from all stages and complexities of this disease. Hopefully we will be helpful to you and can encourage you through your ordeal.
Don't fear the bag. Even if it becomes an inevitability. I had a temporary ileostomy for nine months, had a blockage issue (which was not cancer Praise God) and now I am enjoying a permanent ileostomy. And I mean that enjoying. Without the ileostomy, my life would most probably be much worse than it is with the Ostomy and might possibly have come to an end. I doubt my grandson gives a hoot if I have an Ostomy or not and I know most of the people I know don't even know I have one. Respect the bag, but never fear he bag. If I comes to that it can provide freedom and liberations that you could not enjoy without it.
As you find out more about your cancer journey, let us know how things are going. I am sure we can manage to find all manner of ways to encourage you and help you deal with the nity grity details of your cancer journey.
Best of luck
Rick
My heartfelt thanks to everybody for comments, thoughts and prayers. Had my surgery 5/11----NO BAG---took cancer along with a length of colon out. Dr. said it was very early stage, took 14 lymph nodes out and they were all negative. I of course am very relieved and very, very thankful. Just waiting to heal and get back on some solid foods. Thanks again.
Love you all,
Art0 -
That's Great, Art!!! Restauctioneer said:Home free
My heartfelt thanks to everybody for comments, thoughts and prayers. Had my surgery 5/11----NO BAG---took cancer along with a length of colon out. Dr. said it was very early stage, took 14 lymph nodes out and they were all negative. I of course am very relieved and very, very thankful. Just waiting to heal and get back on some solid foods. Thanks again.
Love you all,
Art
That's Great, Art!!! Rest easy!0 -
That's Great, Art!!! Restauctioneer said:Home free
My heartfelt thanks to everybody for comments, thoughts and prayers. Had my surgery 5/11----NO BAG---took cancer along with a length of colon out. Dr. said it was very early stage, took 14 lymph nodes out and they were all negative. I of course am very relieved and very, very thankful. Just waiting to heal and get back on some solid foods. Thanks again.
Love you all,
Art
That's Great, Art!!! Rest easy!0 -
Yay! wonderful news. Nowauctioneer said:Home free
My heartfelt thanks to everybody for comments, thoughts and prayers. Had my surgery 5/11----NO BAG---took cancer along with a length of colon out. Dr. said it was very early stage, took 14 lymph nodes out and they were all negative. I of course am very relieved and very, very thankful. Just waiting to heal and get back on some solid foods. Thanks again.
Love you all,
Art
Yay! wonderful news. Now just be good to yourself and take it easy.
Judy0
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