This topic is about someone who recently had bowel removal surgery and now has a stoma. They are experiencing unexpected, sharp pains in their abdomen, anus, and groin, which are causing concern. They are wondering if these pains are part of the normal healing process and are seeking advice from others who might have gone through similar experiences.

Here are some helpful insights and advice shared by others:

1. Get checked by professionals:
- It's important to contact your surgeon or stoma nurse immediately. Schedule a follow-up appointment and insist on seeing the surgeon who performed your operation.
- A scan is a good idea to rule out any complications like retained surgical items, abscesses, hernias, or obstructions.

2. Sharp, unpredictable pains can be part of normal healing:
- Surgery can disrupt nerves, muscles, and organs, leading to random twinges and stabbing pains, which are common in the first few weeks.
- Occasional sharp pains are usually less concerning than constant, increasing, or localized pain.

3. Healing takes time—don’t rush it:
- Full recovery can take 6 to 12 months. Some people might return to desk work around 8 weeks, but overall strength and comfort may take longer.
- Listen to your body and slow down if it hurts. It's common to feel pain away from the surgical site.
- Major surgery is challenging at any age, so be gentle with yourself.

4. Watch for parastomal hernia and use support garments:
- One person developed a parastomal hernia about 15 weeks after surgery and recommends wearing a hernia belt when active.
- It's great that you've already ordered custom stoma support wear, as it can help prevent hernias.

5. Reassurance and peer resources:
- Many people have shared that they felt much older right after surgery but gradually returned to feeling normal.
- For more personal recovery stories, you might find it helpful to read "Moemoe’s reversal updates" on the forum.