Hi everyone. It has been awhile since my last post. I am at home recovering from hernia surgery. I had 4 repaired. One parastomal hernia under my stoma, and 3 incisional hernias. I still have 2, one in each groin, but because I was under for 5 1/2 hrs, my surgeon saved those for another time. He repaired the one under my stoma and also made my stoma smaller (which is good). It has been over 2 weeks since my surgery. I was in the hospital for 5 days. I had a lot of adhesions and scar tissue that needed to be cleared away. Surgery was laparoscopic with robot assist, the only way to go. But don't let anyone tell you it is not major. I am just now taking it one day at a time and feeling a little less pain as each day goes by. Well, that's my story. The other thing that has helped was my surgeon applied a binder after my surgery, and I am wearing it during the day and at night.
Hello Little Red. Thanks for the update and it sounds as if everything is progressing well so far. I do hope it continues to do so and that your recovery is a rapid one.
Best wishes
Bill
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I am one of those few people who still have a lot of output at night. However, I suffer from short gut syndrome after seven bowel surgeries that led to the loss of much of my small intestine as well as my large intestine from the initial bowel cancer surgery. It does get better over time as your system adjusts, but an ileostomy can be a challenging adjustment. It's important to connect with a good Enterostomal Nurse - ET nurses who can help you problem-solve over time. It's been five years since my initial surgery, and I had a great visit with a new ET nurse in December. He really helped me with the problem of high output at night. I had been getting up every 90-120 minutes to empty my high output bag because of filling. If I slept for three hours without emptying, I would have problems. My ET nurse helped my husband and me make a nighttime collection system using a Rubbermaid juice container with a handle and my old CPAP hose. This is connected to one of my two-piece high output bags and allows for continual drainage. It isn't pretty, but it has been a real lifesaver. I guess the real message I want to share is to stick with it, find a nurse who you can work with, and together you will find solutions to whatever challenges you face. This website is also an important support for me and others. There is nothing you will go through that others haven't already faced and figured out. There is so much wisdom here. Read the materials they've put together for newbies. There are a lot of great suggestions to use. I hope things get better quickly for you.
Karen
Hey Little Red!
So glad to hear all things went well and you are on the road to recovery! I am sure life will be a bit easier with all those hernias taken care of! Take it slow as you know!
Keep us posted!
Rest up! Enjoy that time! Hope you have someone waiting on you hand and foot!
Puppy
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Thanks Puppy, but I have been on my own here at home, except for a gal that comes in to help with housework and meals 3 times a week. My granddaughter was with me the day of my surgery; she was my lifeline. My sons' sister lives away or out of state.
It has not been a fun trip, LOL, but glad it is behind me. Thanks everyone.
Wow,
I know that has to be tough! Doing all that on your own is a big thing. I really like to be left alone when I have surgery. My husband does cook for me and brings me anything I want, so I am very lucky. My animals would suffer if I was not able to tend to them. It would be tough feeding them and letting the dog in and out.
Thanks goodness for your niece! I know that was a big help.
Hope you continue to do as well as you have!
Puppy
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Puppy. I have a cat and she is an inside cat. My gal that comes cleans her litter box and I can feed her. I slept on my sofa the first 8 days at home, only the past 4 or 5 in my bed. I feel the worst is behind me. And yes, it is tough not having anyone to help.
Hi Little Red,
Thanks for the update. I am glad you're recovering well now. That was quite an ordeal you have been through. I hope you will continue to mend.
All the best,
Rebecca
Hi Little Red, sorry you have had to go through so much and mostly by yourself. I am glad you are on the mend and hope for a complete healing.
Hi Little Red
You have been through a lot... I wish you all the best as you recover.... Take it easy and take care.
Ange
Hi Little Red.
Any surgery is taxing to our bodies. Take your time as you recover. My prayers are with you!
Take care,
Angelicamarie
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Hi, Little Red. Just wondering how you are doing. Hope you are a lot better.
Thanks all. It has been awhile since posting. My hernia repair under my stoma failed and is now the size of a cantaloupe. The other three are good. I am just plugging along with what I have. Unless I would have a problem with the parastomal hernia, I won't have anything done now. Hope this finds you all well and enjoying your life.