Hi guys,
It's now nearly 5 months since my AP resection and colostomy. I am still in a lot of discomfort sitting and can only manage to drive for about an hour before it becomes too much. Has anyone had this slow recovery and can offer any advice? I have tried all types of donut cushions.
I have no problem with my colostomy bags or stoma.
G-Day Allan, you have just told me why you still have pain; it's because you're using a donut cushion. They pull your cheeks apart and stop your butt from healing correctly. Throw the donut away and just get a flat soft rubber pad. They should have told you that when you had the operation. Regards, IGGIE
This is a remarkable community of 40,887 members.
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Justbreathe
MeetAnOstoMate website turned out to be a lifesaver for me. I say this because, for me, this ostomy journey was a devastating event both physically and mentally.
Here, I found folks who understood my feelings even better than my family or friends could. Only a fellow ostomate can understand how you really feel.
Information sharing is key, as well as support and understanding, to ultimately bring more harmony into our ostomy life journey. I found here, virtually no ostomy questions that are not touched upon. Questions which some might feel, may be too trivial to contact a doctor about or even too shy or embarrassed to ask their own doctor about. They are all addressed here.
For me, anonymity was very helpful in seeking answers to each phase of this life changing medical and mental event. Sharing initial trauma feelings, ongoing support and finally acceptance was what I found with my membership here. I am not sure what my mental and physical attitude would be today without having found this site.
Additional benefits included: finding products and ideas to help with daily maintenance, innovative ideas and as a bonus - some great humor.
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Sincerely,
An Ileostomate nicknamed Justbreathe 🫶🏼
Like Iggie said, a donut cushion is about the worst thing for you. Healing takes time and is very individual.
Hi Allan. I'm 3 months out from Barbie butt surgery and still have an open wound, but I did buy a nice pillow for when I'm able to sit on my butt again. It was a little pricey, but I've read it's well worth it.
thecushionlab.com
“Purple” is another seat cushion that post-Barbie butt patients have sworn by.
Purple.com
I hope you find some relief and comfort!
Hi, I had the same surgery many years ago. I also had that issue. Has anyone suggested a sitz bath? That's what they call it. You put a basin on top of the toilet seat and sit in there with warm water to ease the pain. You should consult the doctor regarding this issue. I hope you feel better very soon. Don't get discouraged; this too shall pass.
Hi, I forgot to mention asking the doctor if they still use the salve that has zinc in it. That's what I was recommended. It doesn't hurt to ask. Good luck.
I am 8 weeks out of surgery and still have issues with my "Ken Butt." Still not good enough to go back to work. The doctor did say to put diaper rash cream on it last week. The stuff with zinc in it.
I'm 12 weeks out and also nowhere near close to being able to return to work, which stresses me out immensely! I did get approved for short-term disability, but I'm supposed to return next week. I'll be putting in a request for an extension; unfortunately, there's no guarantee of job security though. I hope your job is understanding and offers these options for you as well.
Best of luck to you, Rancher!
Don't know what you do, but not having job security would be stressful for sure. I was almost at the max of my short-term disability when I went back to work. I'm very fortunate; my employer and union gave me short-term disability, railroad sickness benefits, paid my union dues, paid my health insurance for 6 months, etc. Plus, according to every healthcare provider I dealt with, I have top-of-the-line health insurance because all I've ever paid are copays for everything. After 6 months, my health insurance was only $100/month for up to 24 months of being off work, luckily I only had to pay for 3 months.