Preparing For An Upcoming Ostomy Surgery - Peer Advice
As you approach your ostomy surgery, it's natural to have concerns and questions. We've compiled tips and advice from the MeetAnOstoMate Discussion Forum, a community dedicated to supporting those undergoing ostomy surgery. Every journey is unique, and leveraging the wisdom of your healthcare team and the ostomy community can be invaluable. Based on the discussions from the MeetAnOstoMate Discussion Forum, here are some tips and advice to prepare for your upcoming ostomy surgery:
1. Educate Yourself: Join online communities, watch ostomy videos, and seek advice from the ostomy community to prepare yourself for the challenges ahead.
2. Seek Support: Embrace the support from family, friends, and ostomy support groups for emotional support and practical tips.
3. Consult with Healthcare Professionals: Meet with an ostomy nurse ahead of time to determine the best place for the stoma and try out the ostomy bag before the surgery.
4. Learn Practical Skills: Watch YouTube videos to see how to change the appliance and practice emptying/changing the bag in the hospital while you have help.
5. Be Patient and Positive: Understand that the emotional side of things can be trying, but keeping a positive mindset is crucial. Recovery takes time, and it gets easier with time and adjustment.
6. Experiment with Products: Experiment with different ostomy products and learn to apply them correctly. Seek support from a WOC nurse and local support groups.
7. Prepare for Lifestyle Changes: Adjusting to the lifestyle change may take time, but support from the community and ostomy supply companies can be helpful.
Check out these links for more information:
- Seeking Tips for Upcoming Ileostomy Surgery (August 10, 2013)
- Feeling Unprepared for Ileostomy Surgery (June 25, 2019)
- Preparing for Surgery and Life with an Ostomy: My Journey and Lessons Learned (March 12, 2020)
- Advice for Upcoming Ileostomy Surgery? (October 06, 2019)
- Preparing for ileostomy surgery - need advice on supplies and post-op care (January 14, 2018)
- Preparing for Surgery: Seeking Advice and Positivity! (June 27, 2013)
- Facing Ostomy Surgery: Real Talk and Hospital Stay (May 13, 2023)
- Recovering from Surgery: Need Encouragement (June 05, 2023)
- Seeking Advice for Ostomy Surgery and Rectal Removal (January 09, 2016)
- Shoulder Surgery and Ostomy: Need Help Managing Both! (January 04, 2014)
Why Join MeetAnOstoMate?
First off, this is a pretty cool site with 33,485 members. Get inside and you will see.
It's not all about ostomy. Everything is being discussed.
Many come here for advice or to give advice 🗣, others have found good friends 🤗, and there are also those who have found love 💓. Most of all, people are honest and truly care.
Privacy is very important - the website has many features that are only visible to members.
Create an account and you will be amazed.