Seeking Contributions on Pain Management for Tidings Magazine

Hi Guys and Gals ....

A friend of mine is the Editor of Tidings, the Colostomy Association's magazine...

The magazine represents the interests of those living with a colostomy, those working in the field of stoma care and industries involved in providing stoma care products.

The Autumn issue of Tidings will focus on pain and its management - they often have enquiries to their helpline about pain eg rectal pain, phantom pain etc ......

The Editor (Jane) is looking for articles for the magazine from ostomates who have experienced such pain and have or have not successfully managed it, or from doctors or nurses who specialise in this area.  If anyone is willing to contribute, write their story or would like to speak to Jane regarding this in order to assist others, please contact me and I will give you her contact details ....

Many thanks

Rach xxx

Hi Rach
I am a member of the UK Colostomy Assoc also and receive the Tidings magazine. It is a very informative magazine so I think it would be great if some of the people on this site sent in their life stories or whatever. It is good to read of other peoples experiences.
Maureen

Hey Maureen, many thanks ..... I agree, may well end up with my story in there if no-one comes forward, but mine isn't really painful (well the stoma part of it all isn't generally!) so we don't want that, far too gruesome!

So come on guys! xxxxx

Hi Rae, did you ever get anyone to fix your fistula?  I was worried about you there must be a way!

Eddie

Hi Eddie .... thanks for asking, but not yet I 'm afraid - the idea was that I would go for tests end of april, have an examination under anaesthetic in May, then see surgeon with results in June to discuss options etc etc...

I went into spasm big time during one of the tests (after being given some bowel prep - called Fleet!)and ended up in the ER for the morning missing the remainder of my tests. I go for that one 9th June ... then see surgeon 14th June (she won't have results by then anyway...) then they have booked me for exam under anaesthetic on 15th September!!! So - looks like I won't get the surgery to repair hernia/end the ileostomy and repair fistula until sometime next year - not sure I can hang on that long - but what is the alternative? I feel generally very unwell and suspect that by the time it all comes around I will not be fit enough for this major surgery ...

It is just wait, wait, wait - looking like it will be 13 years in total before anything really gets done.

Will keep updating on my blog!

Take care my friend

Rach xxxxxxxxx

How to Get Back to Fitness After Ostomy Surgery with Ryan | Hollister

Hi Rach

I would love to share some information which can effect others life for better condition and management of their stoma.
I promiss that I will surprise every one.
Please tell me how  can I contact your friend.
All the best

Rocky

Hi Rach - I suffered for years from rectal pain, after the first resection, then after the temporary colostomy was reversed (for 5 difficult years) and now occasionally since the permanent colostomy 18 months ago.  Through all this I have retained my anal sphincter and a tiny portion of a rectal stump.  The most helpful things I have found were: ibuprofen (if the person doesn't have bleeding issues - I did); Neuragen - a homeopathic remedy with tea tree oil in it - it is sold in the US in large drug stores like CVS and Rite Aide, but there is also a website; finally - and what has helped me the most through the years are just Anusol Hydrochloride suppositories - they contain 25 mg. of cortisone which reduces the inflammation enough to really help me. They are by prescription in the US but may be OTC in the UK and Canada.  

I have been sitting on a "donut" cushion for 8 years - people think I have a back problem
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        Sitting is usually the culprit, and sometimes just getting up and walking will help too, especially for spasming.    Pinky (AKA Pam).    
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