Colostomy and Weakness

abernethy
abernethy Member Posts: 2
edited March 2014 in Colorectal Cancer #1
Hello! A year ago my father was diagnosed with colon cancer. The surgery resulted in taking out a large portion of his colon and rerouting the remaining colon to his side, resulting in a permanent colostomy. Since then he has gone through chemo and radiation. His treatments are now over; however, he is so weak and has a hard time walking due to this weakness. Does anyone know of anything he can take to increase his energy level? Also, at night is when he stays awake largely due to his stool emptying. Numerous times he has awaken and his bag has burst. Does anyone know what he can possibly do? Please help!

Comments

  • arntn
    arntn Member Posts: 15
    #2
    Those treatments took all the wind out of my sails for quite a long time and I was 46 at the time. Try shopping for a larger capacity colostomy bag. There are several different brands. I irrigate daily so I have no spillage into my appliances. Sometimes I even wear a plug which also eliminates "noises" yet it allows for gas to escape.
  • arntn
    arntn Member Posts: 15
    #3
    If his bag is bursting at night, it may be more gas than anything else. Try using a bag with a charcoal filter that allows the gas to escape without odor. Like anything else, time heals.

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