Should I Opt for Stoma Revision Surgery?

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2286
Kathy
Apr 28, 2018 12:16 am

need help with a decision. My surgeon has offered to do a revision of my stoma since it has become flush and is in a dip . Although I have been very depressed about it ,I am getting 4 days wear with it this way. I also have a stricture which he will remove at the stoma site. My decision is should I have this done as he is a very good  busy talented surgeon, or should I pass. The old adage keeps coming to mind - if it ain’t broke don,t fix it. I really need help with this as my name is on his elective surgery list and will come up soon. If I put it off and I run into trouble will he offer to help me again?

kathy

Bill
Apr 28, 2018 6:20 am

Hello Kathy.

If you are not happy about your present situation, then it is only natural that you should be contemplating putting it right. Sometimes depression is worse that the physical ailments and resolving them both is very important. I'm not sure about helping you with the decision as to whether to have the revision as this is a very personal matter which you need to work through. However, your question about whether the surgeon will help you if you were to put it off is a very valid one, which I would be putting to him directly for an honest answer, long before the operation is offered. This way, any decision you make will be well informed rather than guessing at a possible answer.

Best wishes with whatever you decide

Bill  

Posted by: GoinWithTheFlow

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.

We described this group as folks with every kind of ostomy, some for days while others for decades, but all willing to share what's worked for them with the caveat that every individual is different.

We described the most valuable element as feeling like you're not alone in this. That really piqued their interest, and they wrote down the link. It seems they had a few people in mind that might benefit from the community and thanked us for telling them about it.

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! 🌻

Kathy
Apr 28, 2018 4:44 pm

Thanks Bill! Such a tough decision. Unnecessary surgery is certainly something I can do without.

kathy