Having stoma surgery is a considerable hurdle to overcome both physically and emotionally. Staying positive isn’t always easy, but if you can, it will not only help you but also the family and friends around you. I appreciate that what I’m going to say in this blog will be more beneficial to future ostomates who are having a planned surgery as there is more time to plan ahead, but hopefully there will be some points that are relevant anyway as they will apply more generally.
- Try to understand the surgical procedure you’ll be having as much as you can. This way you will have a clearer picture of how your body will work with your new stoma. I had to have my ileostomy following ulcerative colitis – but I’d only ever heard of a colostomy and didn’t know the difference until my initial meeting with the stoma nurse. So make sure you know what stoma you’re having and talk to your stoma nurse and your surgeon, if possible, about anything you can’t get to grips with. In preparation for your surgery, your stoma nurse may even provide you with a pretend stoma and a bag to put on so you can feel what it’s like to wear an appliance which I found quite useful. Sometimes they may even be able to find and mark the best position for your stoma before you have the operation.
- Prior to your operation you can find out about the basic supplies you will need for your new toilet routine. My stoma nurse organised my first order, but eventually you will find what suits you and discover additional products that might address issues specific to you and your stoma. They are as individual as you are! After your operation, a stoma nurse will come to show you how to put on a stoma pouch/bag and make sure you are able to empty and change it confidently.
- Address the anxieties and concerns you will have about the operation itself and life afterwards. Face them head-on; don’t be afraid to talk to people who can help. It could be your stoma nurse, other ostomates or reliable online websites or forums. There is plenty of support for you if you are brave and reach out.
- Moving on to post-operation considerations, you might want to think about what pain relief you might need. I am sure this is something you can talk to your stoma nurse about, but one tip I will give you if like me you have a laparoscopic (keyhole) procedure is to have some peppermint cordial to hand to combat the after effects of the CO2 gas inflation used to make the space required for the surgeon’s instruments.
- To prepare for your discharge from hospital, you will need to make sure you have made careful choices about clothing; something loose with elasticated waists such as joggers and tops that aren’t too tight may be the best bet of practicality and comfort. Also you might want to think about having a few things to make you comfortable and or confident once you get home. For example, I had a supply of puppy training pads to put in the bed as I was worried I might have leaks. As I had a proctocolectomy where my bowel and rectum was removed, I found a ring cushion or donut pillow a massive help. And set aside a space in your bathroom where you can have your essential supplies near you when you do a bag change. It can be something simple; I used to have all mine in a baby’s changing box before I changed the sink unit for one with drawers. Most of all, your family and/or friends can be invaluable. Accept offers of help if you feel it appropriate and don’t ever think you’re being too much trouble.
- Make sure your employer is aware of your situation and give them time to put measures in place to support you on your return to work. The employer I had in 2012, when I had my stoma, made sure that a specific toilet was identified for my use so that I wasn’t dependent on having to manage in the communal staff toilets for example. In work now, I have a locked cupboard where I can keep spare products, toiletries and a clean change of clothes should I ever need to make use of them.
I was lucky to have a laparoscopy, my recovery was quick and I was back to work after eight weeks. In conclusion, I would say that maintaining a healthy lifestyle and staying fit and well is so important for your recovery. Try to observe dietary advice before and after the operation and you’ll discover what works for you. I have found that gentle exercising such as walking has not just kept me fit but also helped to raise my mood and keep me positive. At the end of the day, I am living my best life thanks to Homer the stoma who has never let me down and actually gave me my life back.
