This topic is about someone who is adjusting to life with a new colostomy after an emergency surgery. They are facing several challenges during their early recovery period. Here are some insights and advice that might help:

- The person is dealing with low stoma output and severe sweats, which can be concerning.
- They are experiencing intense depression and frequent crying, which is understandable given the situation.
- There is a fear of leaving the house, returning to work, or socializing until the planned reversal surgery in a few months.
- They are uncertain about showering, having been told to "keep it dry," and worry that soap might harm the stoma or incision.
- Pain from the surgery, the risk of hernia, and the inability to exercise beyond slow indoor walking are also concerns.
- There is no guidance from agency staff on how to waterproof the appliance.

Additional questions and information include:

- They wonder if the "keep it dry" order refers to the incision rather than the pouch and have not yet showered.
- Their diet is now "no-fiber" to manage diabetes, and they are using stool softeners. They note that Mounjaro may be slowing output.
- The Florida heat makes outdoor walking difficult, and their son, who is their caregiver, is leaving, so they will be alone.
- They struggle with clothing as the bag looks bulky under loose dresses, and they are afraid yoga pants will "crush the bag."
- They experience a phantom urge to pass gas or stool rectally, and the doctor says the stabbing pain in the left abdomen is "referred pain."
- They had their first major leak and solo appliance change two weeks post-op, which caused major anxiety. Later, the wafer broke, and a nurse had to return.
- Three weeks post-op, they are still only leaving home for doctor appointments and are hoping for a reversal at the three-month mark.

Here are some pieces of advice and insights shared by others:

General recovery and mindset:
- It will get better over time. Allow yourself to grieve but also celebrate your survival. Practice patience and set gradual goals.
- Seek professional help if depression persists. Some have found doubling antidepressant doses helpful.
- Join support resources like the United Ostomy Association of America, local support groups, Ostomy101.com, and veganostomy.ca.

Showering and hygiene:
- Modern pouches are waterproof, so you can shower normally. Lather the pouch and rinse well; you can even swim.
- Cover the incision at first with Glad Press’n Seal freezer wrap or waterproof sheets until the surgeon clears full soaking.
- Use warm water or residue-free soaps to prevent adhesive failure. Avoid soaps that leave moisturizer films.
- Use waterless hair-washing products if standing showers are difficult.

Appliance changing and leak prevention:
- Leaks happen to everyone, so view them as practice, not failure.
- Watch how-to videos from Hollister, Coloplast, and VeganOstomy.
- Measure and cut the wafer accurately. Stomas are tough.
- Use a Hollister or generic ostomy belt for added security. Convex one-piece bags also have belt tabs.
- Empty the pouch more often to keep the profile flat. Some use pediatric pouches for shorter outings.
- Keep a spare kit and disposal bags in a small travel pouch.

Skin care and output issues:
- Low output in the first weeks is common due to anesthesia, Mounjaro, pain meds, and surgical gas. Walking, hydration, and stool softeners help.
- Phantom rectal pressure is usually mucus. Gentle bearing down on the toilet can help expel it if bothersome.
- Sweats are often medication-related. Switching dosage time eliminated night sweats for some.

Diet and nutrition:
- Follow the surgeon’s low-residue list at first. Add protein like eggs, fish, poultry, and low-glycemic protein shakes to speed healing while controlling diabetes.
- Advance foods slowly and learn blockage signs from UOAA guides.

Exercise and activity:
- Start with one-minute indoor laps and add a minute each week. Avoid heavy lifting to prevent hernia.
- Early-morning or mall walking provides air-conditioned space in Florida heat.
- Once cleared, light yoga/stretching pants can support the bag rather than crush it.

Clothing tips:
- Layer a snug camisole, tank, support panties, panty-girdle, or an ostomy wrap under looser tops or empire-waist dresses.
- High-waist pull-on pants, elastic-waist shorts/skirts, leggings, or yoga pants apply light pressure to keep the pouch flat.
- Ostomy-specific clothing lines like Ostomy Secrets and StealthBelt can help. Flax brand loose cotton dresses in dark colors disguise outlines.
- Most people never notice unless the pouch is very full, so empty often and focus on comfort.

Helpful products and brands mentioned:
- Hollister 2-piece and convex 1-piece systems, Hollister ostomy belts, and free sample program.
- Coloplast appliance videos.
- Glad Press’n Seal freezer wrap for DIY waterproofing.
- Protective shower sheets for PICC lines.
- StealthBelt, Ostomy Secrets wraps/underwear.
- Flax loose dresses.
- Pediatric/kid-size ostomy bags.
- Low-glycemic protein shakes, stool softeners, Bupropion (antidepressant), Mounjaro (noted for slowed motility).