This topic is about someone who is experiencing persistent pain six weeks after having a colostomy, and they are concerned about whether this is a normal part of healing or a sign of colitis. They are seeking advice and reassurance from others who might have gone through similar experiences.

Here are some helpful insights and advice:

1. It's quite common to feel mild to moderate pain or discomfort around the stoma for 6 to 8 weeks, or even up to 2 months, as your internal tissues and abdominal muscles are still in the healing process.

2. It's important to keep your surgeon informed about any new or worsening pain, but also remember that your body might just need a bit more time to recover unless your symptoms become more severe.

3. Experiencing gas pains and being aware of stool passing is normal in the first few months after surgery. These sensations usually decrease by around 4 months post-surgery.

4. To prevent a parastomal hernia, which is quite easy to develop early on, consider wearing a dedicated stoma or ostomy support belt continuously for at least the first 6 months. This is especially important when you are coughing, sneezing, or lifting anything heavy.

The person is also 52 years old and is wondering if age might be a factor in a longer recovery time.