Recovering from a stoma re-formation can be quite a journey, especially if you've been dealing with issues like leaks and the anxiety they bring. This topic is about someone who recently had surgery to fix a retracted stoma, which was causing a lot of distress. They are now home and healing, and they’re looking for advice and experiences from others who have been through similar surgeries.

Here are some helpful insights and advice shared by others:

1. **Skin Protection**: It's important to protect the skin around your stoma. Many people suggest using a skin prep spray to help shield the skin and prevent irritation or burns. While no specific brands were mentioned, this can be a useful step in your care routine.

2. **Surgical Encouragement**: If you're experiencing frequent leaks or have a retracted stoma, and conservative measures aren't helping, consider consulting with a surgeon. Many have found that a successful stoma revision can significantly improve their quality of life.

3. **Pre-operative Communication**: Before surgery, make sure to discuss with your anesthetist about tailoring the anesthesia and IV dosing to your specific needs, especially if you've had complications in the past. This can help ensure a smoother surgical experience.

4. **Emotional Support**: Keeping a positive outlook is crucial. Monitor your recovery progress and share it with others. This not only helps you stay motivated but also provides encouragement to others who might be considering similar surgery.

The person who started this conversation is already seeing positive results just a week after surgery, with no leaks or other issues, which is a great sign of success. They feel more confident and encourage others facing similar challenges to consider this option.