This topic is about recovering from a parastomal hernia repair surgery and dealing with the pain and healing process afterward. The person sharing their experience is three weeks post-surgery and is facing several challenges. Here are some of the issues they are dealing with and advice from others who have been through similar experiences:
- They are experiencing stinging and stabbing pain on the right side of the colostomy appliance when walking.
- There is sharp pain from six incision points on the left side.
- New, severe hip pain started immediately after the surgery.
- Swelling in the lower abdomen is causing rubbing, leading to an intense heat rash.
- The overall pain is worse than the original stoma-creation or bowel-resection surgery, causing regret and anxiety about recovery time.
The person is seeking advice on how long it took others to feel better and any useful tips for managing pain and healing. Here are some insights and advice shared by others:
1. Pain Timeline: One person mentioned that significant pain lasted until about week 5 after a similar surgery. After that, the pain was mostly at night and gradually improved.
2. Gentle Activity: Starting with gentle walking and gradually moving to low-impact stationary cycling can help with recovery.
3. Night-time Pain Relief: Taking Tylenol (acetaminophen) up to 4,000 mg per day, with 3 tablets about 45 minutes before bed, can help reduce discomfort.
4. Positioning: Lying flat may help lessen abdominal pain.
5. Clothing: Wearing loose elastic sports shorts with a drawstring can prevent rubbing and keep garments in place. It's best to avoid tight waistbands.
6. Skin Care: Using Desonex antifungal powder can relieve heat rash and chafing under the abdominal swelling.
7. Appliance Application: Apply the wafer and pouch very gently to minimize pressure on bruised, sensitive tissue, which can reduce stinging and burning sensations.
8. Car Travel: Holding the lap portion of the seat belt away from the abdomen can help avoid pressure on tender areas.
9. General Encouragement: It's important to take prescribed pain medicine, be patient, and handle the abdomen gently. Symptoms should improve with time.
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