Upcoming Colostomy: Tips for Before and After Surgery

Replies
3
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4716
shrek74
Aug 07, 2013 3:07 pm
hi everyone
I'm due to have my colostomy op on the 12th
I would like to try to find out  what to expect before and after my op
any tips or hints to make coping with life and it better
mild_mannered_super_hero
Aug 09, 2013 11:18 pm
what is the reason for your op ?? the main thing i think early on, is to keep a positive attitude....you will have some problems, but you will get thru them like we all do. everyone here on this forum will be glad to help you.  lots of folks on here live healthy, happy, fulfilling lives with an ostomy....you can too. keep the faith...we are pulling for you. mmsh
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.
After all “laughter IS the best medicine”.

I have been a member for 3 years, an ostomate for 4 years - yes, I certainly wish I would have found it immediately after surgery but so very thankful I finally found it when I did as I truly believe it turned my troubled depression and situation into a more positive attitude and acceptance.

Sincerely,
An Ileostomate nicknamed Justbreathe 🫶🏼

shrek74
Aug 10, 2013 5:14 pm
Hi I have nerve damage in my lower back after an op I dont know I want a poo till it is coming out the fluid the bowel comes out the sphincters dont keep it in I get through 3 heavy duty tenna pads a day some times more tried irrigating did not work this is only option sick of changing pads
Mrs.A
Aug 11, 2013 2:24 am
Hi Shrek74,
There are lots and lots of stories on this site that can give you an idea of what you might experience. Everyone is different and coping is the key. MMSH is right, attitude is everything and we will be here to support you the best we can. You can also find U-tube videos about the products that are available or just do a search. Most companies are great in sending out samples for us to try if requested. Prayer is something I believe in so I will say one for you.
Come back when your ready and let us know how you are making out.