Hi everyone, it's been a while! Hope everyone is doing well! I'm just checking in. So it's been a full year since my colostomy reversal, so I thought I'd share what's been going on for those who are interested. I still have pain when I apply pressure to the stoma site, but only when I press on it and where the hernia repair was done. I still have rectal pain that feels like a stabbing or shooting pain, but only when I sit for too long and when I pass gas in a sitting position. Passing gas is not as easy as it was pre-colostomy. I have to push to get it out, but it's not painful. In the last year, I have had multiple blockages because of scar tissue, but only 2 have resulted in the dreadful NG tube and a hospital stay. I have only gained 10 lbs in the last year because I'm still scared of blockages since they're soooo painful, and I hate the NG tube! My bowel habits are back to normal, I've started doing cardio at the gym, but no weight lifting. I'm still being careful because my doc said I still run the risk of getting a hernia, so I will ease into that slowly over this next year. The only thing that I think is significant, aside from all the blockages, is the sensation I get when I have to poop. It's not like before, so I feel like I don't always know when I have to go. My belly feels weird; sometimes it feels like pressure, and sometimes I get pain, and then I go and it's gone. I have an appointment with the gastro in May, where I will ask all of my questions and report back to all of you. I hope that documenting my story will help others. I know every body is different, so I can only convey my personal experience, but hope it helps. Hope you're all doing well, until next time!! Take care!
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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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You know, we can't remember exactly who we learned about this group from, but we're grateful for it every day! Thank you all! 🌻
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