Hi, I am new to this site, but reading it now I wish I had joined months ago. I had a permanent colostomy done on 31/1/2011 due to a bowel to bladder fistula caused by severe diverticulitis. The trouble was that as I also have quite serious heart disease, the cardiologist wouldn't let them stop my blood thinners, so I was given all these dire warnings about how I might not survive as I could "bleed out". However, I told them that I had the utmost faith in my own ability to survive although my family were very nervous!! I was fine and discharged after 5 days BUT 2 days later I had to rush back in as I had a nasty pelvic collection (abscess, I presume they meant) which was not at all pleasant and left me feeling really ill in myself. I had an operation to try and drain it but that didn't work so had to have a rectal drain inserted under X Ray. After this, I was told that I couldn't move for 4 days. I think that was probably the hardest time as doing everything on your side in one position was quite difficult. Luckily, because I still felt quite ill, I didn't have to worry about eating too much as I didn't feel like it. Anyway, I was in for another 2 weeks and then discharged. However, my recovery was put back a bit when I had a bad asthma attack 6 weeks later and so was admitted (to the heart ward this time) for another week. The trouble was I had a productive cough and guess what that gave me a hernia!.. In the meantime, I have also had to have numerous tests done on my heart as my angina was playing up, and they have found that my right coronary artery has completely blocked off again, and this time they cannot do any more as I already have 11 stents in that one.
HOWEVER, none of that is my problem, the only thing I have a problem with is the hernia. This is now the size of a melon, and the stoma just keeps on growing! At the moment it is 50mm but I am having terrible problems getting the bags to fit. They pucker up and then let smells etc. out. Luvverly!! I have a hernia belt with a hole which helps with the general discomfort and such and have gone over to maternity trousers, but I just wish I could get a better fitting bag. The trouble I have found with the medics is that I am only seen as departments e.g. cardiology or colorectal. But sometimes they cross over such as when the skin surrounding the stoma breaks down when it has had a growth spurt, it bleeds a lot due to the fact that I am on strong blood thinners, but the stoma nurse won't accept this and says get my GP to reduce them. If I went to the GP and said that then he would just say, no he can't as I would have a heart attack and would refer me back to her. Doh!!! So if anyone out there knows of a good bag for hernias I would be eternally grateful.
Anyway, sorry for going on so much, but it has done me the world of good getting all that off my chest and after seeing what other people have to go through it makes me feel so lucky to be where I am today. By the way, I can't have a hernia repair due to the heart, as it would be a morbidity problem. XX
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Hollister
As a student, there are easy ways you can prepare ahead and manage an ostomy while you are at school.
Read answers to frequently asked questions about how to change your pouch and participate in activities.
Read answers to frequently asked questions about how to change your pouch and participate in activities.
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Hollister
Returning to work after ostomy surgery should not be rushed.
Check out our 4 necessities before getting back on the job, and our other workplace tips.
Check out our 4 necessities before getting back on the job, and our other workplace tips.