Hello all! I am a close friend of an ostomate that is in recovery from an ileostomy takedown and currently it is not going well, or perhaps it is and what they are experiencing is normal. I am here to gain perspective and to pass on what I learn.
My friend became an ostomate after getting Cdiff from a general surgery but has also suffered from GI issues his whole life. He is 8 days post-op from the ileostomy takedown surgery and experiencing severe severe severe bloat with minimal BMs and gas. The bloat is a big concern as it is starting to rip the staples from surgery and his stomach is becoming increasingly taut. He looks 9 months pregnant, the distention is so bad.
All other vitals are normal, no fevers, is on a liquid diet, had an NG tube for a few days and was successful and is passing gas but it's not enough. The midline wound is starting to leak and staples are stretched to the point of ripping the skin.
Has been going on multiple walks, can do light squats, marching in place, and yoga poses for movement.
Was in ICU for four days, is on regular floor now, and went for an X-ray this evening.
Anyone else have a similar experience? Any suggestions to help this one? Due to COVID restrictions, my friend is also spending much of his time in the hospital alone, and so I worry about his mental health. Any perspective to pass along would be greatly appreciated!
UPDATE: X-ray came back normal. Labs came back normal. Is now on a magnesium drip and getting abdominal shots of Relistor.
He is still walking and moving as best he can, but is also experiencing a lot of fatigue. The head surgeon says that his bowels are still asleep and only partially responding and since the X-ray and labs are normal, all we can do is wait. This angers me though, I also feel there is something missing and not right about this.
Will continue to update, thank you all so much. This is really scary. Please PM or respond anytime.
