I was asked recently what I expected before my surgery and after (colostomy).
Fast forward: I was referred to a Rectal and Colon Surgeon in 2015. I wasn't on board with having surgery, was searching for another avenue. I didn't have cancer; it was caused by the slip of the knife while unblocking my small intestines (not this surgeon though). While sitting in the doctor's office, I always looked at the magazines that were displayed. I was amazed there were men and women with buttocks that had no opening. I had never seen this before; they also posed proudly with pouches on. I never thought this would be me. Really!
My health issues became critical with no solutions. I had the surgery (colostomy) in Aug 2015. When I woke, my right hand searched my body. Yes, there was something new attached to my abdomen. I asked the nurse if she smelled poop. She responded saying no, I did. Not long after, I was cleaned up, and my nurse removed my appliance. Then I saw what protruded out of my skin, my new reality. Unlike some, my rectum was untouched, though no longer functioning.
Before my release, I was shown how to clean and apply my appliance. Trust me, I was definitely in kindergarten all over again. In the beginning, I stayed inside unless it was necessary to go out. Mentally, it was devastating, I must admit. Did I have a hang-up? Yes, of course, I did. I've never seen the naked body as something to be ashamed of - now I was.
Accidents? Sometimes I won't elaborate on that because it was discussed in a blog. I have learned that I cannot control the intestines. Even when I had a functioning rectum, the intestines did its own thing. I did learn to irrigate compliments to my fellow ostomates, wish I knew at the start. I don't wear a cap, as some do... I still wear a pouch! My security blanket perhaps.
The question always comes up about scenting foul odor. You're not crazy. Some smell odors, others don't. In the beginning, I didn't. If I do now, it means for me to exit immediately and check or change. We become very conscious of odors "remember" the nostrils are very sensitive. I am still on a journey learning, no longer in kindergarten. I have accepted what I cannot change. All days are not sunny, but the sun does shine. I do hope this helps someone. Good Luck!
Angelicamarie
