Realistic Recovery Time After Ileostomy Resuturing?

Hello friends,

I have a prolapsed ileostomy and am having a (hopefully) simple procedure done of resuturing the intestine. No cutting, no re-siting, just separating the stoma from my skin and resuturing it (who knows if it will do the trick). My surgeon tells me I should be able to help out around the house within a week, but they can be out of touch with what actually happens. My surgery is June 6th. I have a gig (I play keyboards) on June 14th and an out-of-town conference June 16. Is it realistic to plan to be able to do those things, or will even the discomfort of the sutures make life miserable for a few weeks?

Thanks in advance,

David

I wouldn't count on a week being enough time to heal. It might happen, but I'd hate for you to plan on it and then have your plans fall through. You will be disappointed.

Hi David, I would ask your surgeon right out if you can play the keyboards eight days after the procedure. They typically speak in basic terms like, "Can I shower? Can I drive?" Maybe he's a musician and will understand exactly what playing your gig means!

I understand and admire your commitment to your bandmates. My husband is a musician, and he will play a gig even if he's feeling like he's on death's door, just to avoid having to find a sub or make his bandmates find someone else at the last minute, or worst of all, having to cancel a gig. It might be prudent to pass on this one now instead of waiting until the last minute.

Terry

G-Day TOstomate,

My feeling is if he is only bringing out the stoma a little further than it is now with no cutting, only stitches, then I feel you should be OK very soon. But talk to the surgeon and your stoma nurse to be safe. Good luck and let us know the outcome.

Regards IGGIE

My Ostomy Journey: Kimberly | Hollister

It's doable, but no one can give any guarantees. It's minor surgery, and after going through major surgery in the past, it hardens you up. You don't feel pain or discomfort in the same way. The next time around, with other surgeries and procedures, it just feels less and easier to deal with and accept.

Thanks, everyone, for your thoughts. I might put a plan B in place.