My first, possibly only, blog. Thought I might share my experience of having a hernia repair. I have a Urostomy, since Sept. 2010, and the hernia came about 4 months later. As I have stated before, my surgeon called it a "mother of a hernia." It was probably the size of a softball (I use the analogy of a softball as a deference to our American cousins instead of 'cricket ball'). The operation was carried out about 10 days ago and, as I came to in recovery, they decided to move me to another hospital owing to bed shortages. So, 2 hours after the op, I am bundled into an ambulance and hit the road. First, we have to drop off another passenger at another facility which didn't bother me too much as I'm away with the fairies. Then the ambulance took a wrong turn and we traveled the wrong way for 1/2 hour. Finally, I arrive at the destination, get settled into bed, and then I notice I am wearing a colostomy bag and not a urostomy bag. Nowhere to plug into my night bag. Had to then change bags, fit wafer and new bag from my own emergency kit, and supply my own night bag. Asked ward nurse if she wanted to help me change bags, etc. She was a first year and did not want to go near it! Luckily, my wife was handy to help out. The next morning, I was told I am fit to go home and to please vacate by 10 a.m.! They must have thought it's every person's dream to linger in the hospital! However, the hernia has, so far, been fixed and is a lot more comfortable. The first 7 days were painful but gradually now coming back to normal. The op scar is about 6 inches long but neat and tidy. I am finding it easier to walk, etc., and it doesn't catch on objects like before. Positive so far.
Wonderful Ocker. You sound like a real trouper, keep up the good work and keep us informed, okay? Best wishes, BEG
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Hubz had a regular checkup with the oncologist on Friday (his numbers are improving), and as they were asking how he's feeling since surgery, they became curious about how he's doing so well with his ostomy, both physically and mentally. He credited doing research online, trying different things, and especially the support from this group. They were asking because they see so many patients struggling to adjust.
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It doesn't work! I have had an ileostomy since November 1992 and have had 21 major operations to repair my hernias, but it appears somewhere else. I have had mesh inserted every time, and I now have the mesh infected and a discharge from the side of my stoma!
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Onya Ocker Geezus, where the hell didya get ya op done, Matey? Goondawindi or Yakandanada? LOL, what the!!! Mooza... Melbourne xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Yep, I do know the system way too well, Ocker!! Hahaha, hoping you don't have to go back. Oh, Southern Health, is that the Monash? I have been to that hospital, also Box Hill, Cabrini, Alfred, one in East St. Kilda, Mercy for Women, Royal Melbourne, St. Vincent's, Mercy Werribee. Can't remember the rest, hahaha. Know what you meant though, getting worse, free my arse, lolol.
Geez Mooza, there aren't many hospitals left to try - maybe a little bush hospital at the back of Bourke would be worth a visit. If they gave out frequent flyer points for hospital visits, you could have gone around the world a couple of times. Well, it's good to hear you're still cheerful. The Monash is part of Southern Health as well as Moorabbin, Dandenong, Casey, and a few health centers.
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Do NOT go to Dandenong Hospital!!! I was taken there by ambulance at 3 a.m. with a bad attack of gallstones. I was the only one in the emergency room and waited in severe pain until 5 a.m. before being seen by a doctor!!! After X-rays and blood tests, I was told to go home. They don't take the stones out unless you have a temperature, headache, and vomiting!!!