This topic is about a woman seeking advice and support as she prepares to care for her husband, who has just had an ileostomy surgery. She is feeling a bit overwhelmed and is looking for practical tips that go beyond what is typically shared in the hospital. Here are some helpful suggestions and insights from others who have been in similar situations:

1. Protect the abdominal wall and prevent hernias:
- Use a pillow to support the abdomen when coughing or sneezing.
- Avoid any straining or lifting, even beyond the surgeon's recommendations.
- Consider using a hernia belt or ostomy support binder, and ask the stoma nurse for one.

2. Engage professional support early:
- In the UK, an NHS stoma nurse usually visits before and after discharge; they can help with leaks, skin issues, and appliance fitting.
- Find a knowledgeable ostomy nurse and a registered dietitian; they can also connect you with local support groups.
- Useful resources include uoaa.org, INeedANurse.com, and the Ostomy101 app.

3. Rest, but start gentle activity:
- Ensure plenty of sleep and take short, frequent walks, gradually increasing activity to regain strength.

4. Hydration and drinking tips:
- Drink lots of water and non-carbonated fluids; avoid fizzy drinks for a while.
- Avoid using straws and chewing gum to reduce excess gas.
- Sports drinks like Gatorade can be helpful on hot days.

5. Eating guidelines (ileostomy-friendly):
- Eat small, frequent meals and chew food thoroughly.
- Introduce new foods slowly and test portion sizes.
- Initially, avoid foods that might cause blockages, like popcorn and raw carrots.
- Some find that ¼ teaspoon of New Zealand Manuka honey twice daily helps regulate output.

6. Appliance selection and leak prevention:
- Request free samples from multiple suppliers to find the best fit.
- In the early weeks, use cut-to-fit barriers, trimming the hole slightly larger than the stoma size; switch to pre-cut once the size stabilizes.
- A mini binder clip at the tail closure can prevent accidental openings; some use two for extra security.
- Keep a belt handy to support the pouch and tuck it away during intimacy.

7. Emptying and hygiene tricks:
- Carry flushable wipes for quicker cleaning when out, as they work better than thin public restroom toilet paper.
- If only thin paper is available, pre-tear several pieces before emptying to keep both hands free.

8. Emotional and partner support:
- Simply being present, sharing research, and reminding each other that adjustment takes time can help both the patient and spouse cope.
- When comfortable, intimacy can be therapeutic; a support belt keeps the pouch secure and out of the way.

9. Helpful tech and information sources:
- Ostomy101 (mobile app) for general education.
- INeedANurse.com to find stoma nurses.
- uoaa.org for a large U.S. ostomy community with articles and forums.