Will I Ever Feel Better After My Surgeries?

Yes, you should feel better but you can't rush it. It can take up to a year to get over such a large surgery. But, if you are experiencing a lot of pain, you might want to check in with your surgeon just to confirm there isn't anything serious going on. Hope you feel better soon.

My ileostomy was in 2010 following a prior surgery turning into full blown septic shock. I too spent two months in the hospital and was left to open air heal to prevent internal infection. Honestly it took me about 3 years to feel somewhat normal. Be kind to yourself during your healing process!

You are so smart to reach out. It can be very discouraging when you aren’t progressing as quickly as you hope. Each day seems like “is this my new normal?” Then a month goes by and you will look back and see how far you’ve come.

My surgery was in 2021. I was also in the hospital for 2 months and too weak to even sit up on my own or turn over. By the 3rd month I was getting around the house and climbing stairs with great difficulty. I  tried to do a little more each day and celebrated each small victory. I did not let myself lose hope or fall into self pity. Now I’m living an active normal life.

Keep asking questions and stay positive.

Believe me, you will get stronger and stronger. There is one thing we cannot rush, and that is "time." Love♥️

Yes! Time and attitude... Try to stay as positive as possible... I found sharing my problems with anyone that will listen helps a lot! Best wishes 😊🎃🎉

Stories of Living Life to the Fullest from Ostomy Advocates I Hollister

Agreed. I'm 5 months post op, 3 of which were in ITU, so no movement or exercise at all. It's a big smack to the system, I keep getting told that it was a very big deal by all my medics and nurses etc. I would suggest WindEze (Simethicone) for the wind, and I find well chewed cherry tomatoes help with moving things along if you get bunged up. But I have a colostomy, not an ileo, so maybe things are different. And a microwave heat bag also helps with wind. You'll get there, but it is slow, sadly. I focus on the lack of pain and sepsis these days. Is Keir the name of your stoma?

Things I wish I had known earlier in the UK - you throw your little black bags in the normal refuse bin. You can also drop them in, I suppose. Throwing them isn't an Olympic sport yet. You are considered disabled in the UK, so you can probably at least get an Attendance Allowance. If you ask for a visit from your community occupational therapists, they will assess your house and give you all sorts of kit that may help. I found Coloplast really helpful. They have a phone service which is very very useful. Sorry if this is coals to Newcastle. And you can now enjoy your new stoma superpower, if someone is being a pain, you can poo while they're talking to you, particularly enjoyable if they're telling you about your "attitude problem!" Or if you're watching PMQ on Wednesdays.

I always found that 6 weeks seemed to be the turning point for recovery after my surgeries.  You are almost there!  One day at a time.

Yes, you will get stronger week by week, but you have just had major surgery, so it takes time to regain your strength. Eat four small meals a day, eat slowly, and make sure you have plenty of protein. It's important for healing. Take frequent rests and don't feel down if you sleep a lot. It's all part of the healing process. Take time to see friends and share your concerns with loved ones. A problem shared is a problem halved. Good luck and best wishes. 🌈🌈

I snack on nuts, just a few and chew them very completely. Probably the same for raisins. Popcorn is a no for me.

This advice is pretty restrictive. I got ileostomy two years ago and I don't have any problems with bananas, alcohol, nuts, most meats (as long as I can chew it really well). Seafood is super for me, if I can choose that's what I always go for. I think you should experiment, carefully, once you start to recover. Find out what works for you. Best of luck! 

Welcome to the site.

One day at a time is the best advice I can give. For everything that may seem to be getting worse, you can find something that is better. I don't know your situation before surgery, but for me, being in control of my life versus my bowels being in charge is huge. I'm traveling more now than I thought I'd ever be. There are only a few friends and family that know of my bag. I still enjoy adult beverages and can eat basically whatever I want. Advice above to chew your food cannot be overstated. It will become a habit before you know it. A year or so and I'm betting you'll be in a better spot. You took the first step by reaching out here. You're not alone.

Best of Health,

SharkFan

Thank you so much for this information! You put it in a “nutshell!” (No pun intended)

Now I just need to figure out how to print the lists and keep them handy. My husband is a great cook and learning to cook for me since my Ostomy has been a challenge to say the least. 
Thanks again Shamrock!

Former rock climber/rappeler. Deja vu! 5 weeks in Mayo, 3.5 months in a scuzzy nursing home. My "core" vanished. Got home and brought 2 "grabbers", as I could not bend over or get up from the floor. Two years of PT and I can hike, kneel again.

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Add garlic to your list. PU!

Howdy! You are proof that we can... and do, "get our life back." I remember the first time after surgery, peeking at this strange thing sticking out, covered by a "stuck on" plastic bag. "What... the... hell... is... that?" Two years later, that memory is funny to me now.

Like one of my surf rat friends used to always say: Keep on Truckin'.