This topic is about preparing for an end colostomy, especially after having multiple pelvic repairs. A 42-year-old woman, who has severe nerve damage affecting her bladder and bowel, is considering this procedure. She currently uses a suprapubic catheter and has had several unsuccessful surgeries to repair her vaginal wall. Her doctor now recommends a permanent end colostomy. She is looking for practical advice on what to expect.

- Immediate Post-Operative Experience
- People generally report some discomfort after the surgery, but not severe pain. Hospitals usually provide effective pain management, such as morphine pumps.
- Pain levels can vary greatly from person to person, depending on their health before surgery and how many surgeries they've had before.

- Length of Hospital Stay
- The time spent in the hospital can vary. Some people leave sooner if they are in good health before the surgery, while others may need a longer stay if they are not as healthy.

- Recovery Time
- It typically takes about three months to feel mostly recovered, though this can be shorter or longer depending on your overall health and previous surgeries.

- General Preparation Tips
- Being well-nourished and physically fit before surgery can help speed up recovery.
- Learning about the procedure in advance can help set realistic expectations.

- Possible Future Issues
- Fixing one problem can sometimes lead to another. For example, one person developed total bowel incontinence and needed another surgery a year later.
- Scar tissue and hernias might cause ongoing abdominal pain, which could require more surgery.

- Emotional Support
- Many people find that, despite the challenges, having a stoma can improve their quality of life compared to dealing with manual evacuation and unsuccessful repairs. The community offers encouragement and support for those going through this transition.