This topic is about a person who experienced a series of medical challenges and is now seeking support and advice after undergoing an ostomy due to alleged negligence by the NHS. They faced a long journey of misdiagnosis and inadequate care, which led to severe health complications and emergency surgery. Now, they are looking for guidance on legal actions, emotional support, and practical tips for living with an ostomy.

Here are some helpful insights and advice:

1. Legal and Complaint Process
- It's important to consult a solicitor as soon as possible, as there are time limits for filing medical negligence claims (three years in the UK, and as short as one year in some U.S. states).
- Obtain your full medical records promptly to ensure all information is accurate and unaltered. These records are crucial for building your case.
- Consider filing formal complaints with the support of your GP or hospital patient-liaison services to hold specific healthcare providers accountable.
- Be aware that insurers may seek reimbursement from any settlement you receive.

2. Emotional and Peer Support
- Connect with ostomy forums, local ostomy associations, and other people in the UK who have ostomies. Sharing experiences and coping strategies can be very helpful.
- Accept offers to talk with others who have gone through similar experiences, as this can help ease feelings of PTSD and anxiety.

3. Medical and Practical Tips
- Be mindful that morphine and other opioids can slow down gut motility, so it's important to take a recommended laxative to reduce the risk of constipation.
- Seek care from surgeons and stoma nurses who have experience with ostomies. Not all hospitals are well-equipped for this, so ask to be referred to a specialist center if needed.
- While reversal surgery is possible even after an end colostomy, it carries higher risks. It's important to weigh the surgical risks against the impact of current stoma issues on your quality of life.