After undergoing emergency colostomy surgery for a perforated colon, you might notice some surprising changes in your body and daily habits. Here are some common experiences and helpful tips shared by others who have been through similar situations:

- You may find yourself sleeping much more than usual, with night-time sleep increasing from around 4 hours to 8–10 hours, plus taking daytime naps. This extra sleep is normal and beneficial as your body heals, so feel free to nap during the first few weeks.

- A complete loss of appetite is common, and foods you once loved, like coffee, might now make you feel nauseated. Many people find that their appetite and energy levels return within 2–4 months, although some food aversions can last longer.

- It's important to gradually increase your daily activity. Try to get up and move a little more each day to help rebuild your stamina.

- If coffee makes you feel nauseated, it's best to avoid it until the nausea subsides. Cutting back on coffee might even be a healthy change in the long run.

- Initially, foods might taste "chemical" or bland. Many people find comfort in simple foods like cold cereal until their sense of taste returns to normal.

- At just 10 days post-surgery, feeling fatigued, having a poor appetite, and experiencing food aversions are typical. It's okay to take your time to return to your normal routine.

- Be cautious with your abdomen; avoid heavy lifting early on to reduce the risk of a parastomal hernia. After several weeks, you can start gentle core-strengthening exercises specifically designed for ostomy patients.

- If you have access to an ostomy nurse, they can provide valuable guidance on activity limits, hernia prevention, and how to progress with your diet.

- In the long term, some people may feel more tired even months later and need to push themselves to maintain their previous activity levels. It's important to listen to your body but also to keep engaging in activities you enjoy.