This topic is about someone who recently had stoma revision surgery and is sharing their early post-operative experiences and the immediate practical challenges they faced. Here’s a breakdown of their journey and some helpful advice:

The surgery went smoothly with no unexpected issues, and the pain was minimal, similar to a mild burning sensation. The stoma now protrudes slightly above the skin, which is an improvement, and the opening is larger. The output is thicker, and there is less gas, although this might change over time.

However, there were some challenges:

1. The patient did not receive a visit from an ostomy nurse before leaving the hospital.
2. The hospital did not provide starter pouches or measure the stoma size, so the patient had to wait until the first change to size it themselves. They used larger, trim-to-fit pouches they had at home.
3. The lack of supplies could have required taking time off work, but fortunately, the patient could work remotely and limit their leave.

Additional insights include:

- This was the patient’s 21st abdominal surgery. The revision involved trimming the abdominal wall and re-suturing the stoma.
- Post-surgery, sensations feel different, and the patient is using a support belt to help with healing.
- There is noticeably less gas reaching the pouch now.

Advice and insights for others:

- Keep a supply of larger, trim-to-fit pouches at home to accommodate unexpected size changes after surgery.
- Advocate for a consultation with an ostomy nurse and ensure you have basic supplies before leaving the hospital.
- A support belt can be beneficial for healing by providing extra support to the abdomen.
- Discharge from the hospital within 1–2 days is common if recovery is uncomplicated. It’s important to rest and gradually return to work, such as starting with remote hours.
- Sharing details about the surgery, expected outcomes, and personal experiences can be helpful for others considering a stoma revision.