ileostomy

donnyb
donnyb Member Posts: 22
edited March 2014 in Colorectal Cancer #1
Hi again everyone! Once again it has been a while since my last post. Turns out after recovering from 3 weeks in intensive care after emergency surgery for a perforated colon, I needed more surgery on July 31. Recovery from the May surgery was so hard, but the colostomy never seemed to function correctly. After fighting with my surgeon, he reluctantly agreed to see what was going on inside me. Well, new blockage at the small/large intersetine site forced ileostomy surgery. I'm back out now, but fell so weak and tired after 2 major surgeries in 3 months. I pray to God this is finally over with. I can eat normally again so thats an improvement. Sometimes you gotta push those surgeons to do whats right. Mine wanted me to go home with a morphine drip and wait for the end. I've fought to lomg and and too hard for that. Any one have ileostomy experiences they can share with me so I know what to expect? Bless you all, Don.

Comments

  • KathiM
    KathiM Member Posts: 8,028 Member
    #2
    No ileostomy story....BUT I have just passed (sorry!) my 6th small bowel obstruction since my resection in May '05. I eat small meals, frequently, LOTS of WATER (keeps things flushed) and cautious with the spices...IBS diet, basically....
    Congrats for the strong will! The beast HATES it when you get angry at it....

    Hugs, Kathi
  • markatger
    markatger Member Posts: 314
    #3
    Hi Don,

    Sorry to hear about your recent struggles. But it sounds like you're on a smoother track now.

    I always refer people to Shaz's ostomy support chat site. I learned a lot about ileostomy care there. There are many long time "ostomates" there very willing to offer tips and tricks on variety of things including diet, skin care, and products. There are many cancer survivors on that site as well.

    Here's the link.

    http://st80.startlogic.com/~ostomate/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl

    Best wishes for better times
    Maria
  • 4law
    4law Member Posts: 110
    #4
    A good ileostomy nurse is the key. He/she will give you more helpful information than your doctor. A good fit with equipment that is best for your body is important. There will be a lot of trials and errors -- never give up. I lucked out -- the nurses in the hospital were of no use -- the first nurse who was sent to my home was not much better -- but, I then lucked out with a nurse who had an ileostomy herself -- and she helped me choose equipment that was best for my body, and gave me encouragement. Mine was temporary and reversed after a few months, but there are many, many people who lead full lives with an ileostomy and I am sure there are many people on this list who can attest to that and will be happy to share their stories.
  • AuthorUnknown
    AuthorUnknown Member Posts: 1,537 Member
    #5
    Hi Don,
    I am very sorry for all your troubles. I can't give you any advice on ileostomy. I am glad that you insisted on the treatment and that you can eat normally now. I wish you a speedy recovery.

    God Bless, Eleonora
  • jenalynet
    jenalynet Member Posts: 361 Member
    #6
    Don,
    Keep up the fight...I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers, Audrey.

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