GrannyRocks sounds like someone that wouldn't have coping issues. đ On a more serious note, what are your coping issues: leak? skin irritation? smells? frequent pouch changes?
You mentioned you spent ~5 weeks in the hospital. Was most of this time before or after the ostomy? If after, I assume the ostomy nurse was able to figure how best to manage your ostomy and train you how to manage it. If not you probably have not had the time to learn to properly care for your ostomy.
If you have only been home for 2 days then it is expected that you would have an adjustment period. You didn't state whether you had an ileostomy or colostomy â if you have an ileostomy then you will have to empty your pouch fairly frequently, alternatively if you have a colostomy you will need to change it less frequently.
The number of times you change the pouch will also lessen as your digestive tract heals and your diet settles. You will learn what foods can lead to constipation or diarrhea. You will also learn that foods such as chocolate can trigger a bowel movement. You will learn when you typically have bowel movements. Most importantly you will learn that eating triggers the digestive system into action and most times will lead to a bowel movement. For example, If am going out on a social outing, I will snack on something to trigger a bowel movement, put on an ostomy vest or a wrap to support the pouch with the knowledge that I won't have a bowel movement for a while.
To learn how foods affect your ostomy you should get a mobile phone app such as mySymptoms to keep a diary of the foods you eat and the effect on your ostomy output.
The hospital usually has you using a transparent pouch so they can monitor how your ostomy is performing. You can change this and use and opaque pouch if you prefer not to see your output. You can try different products from the same or different manufacturers â they will send you free samples to try. Don't hesitate to try different appliances (wafer and pouch) for the right products can greatly simplify your life.
Finally your stoma will probably shrink so don't be alarmed. If you are willing to learn and experiment, you will still be able to enjoy your golden years.