This topic is about someone dealing with a complicated temporary colostomy, prolapse repairs, and PTSD after a sudden medical emergency. The person is facing numerous challenges, both physically and emotionally, and is seeking advice and support. Here are some helpful insights and advice shared by others who have been through similar experiences:

1. Emotional and Psychological Support
- It's important to remember that experiencing PTSD after sudden and complex surgery is not a sign of weakness.
- Professional counselling is crucial. If there are long waiting lists, consider reaching out to helplines or joining virtual support meetings through organizations like UOAA.org or local ostomy groups.
- Allow yourself to grieve and take recovery one day at a time. Many people find it takes a year or more for life to stabilize.

2. Post-Surgery Sensations
- It's normal to feel a persistent urge to use the bathroom and experience rectal mucus or bleeding for months after surgery.
- Loud gas, cramping, and occasional discharge from the anus are common and usually decrease over time.

3. Leakage Prevention and Pouching Tips
- Recessed or uneven stomas often benefit from convex wafers and mouldable seals like Eakin Cohesive Rings.
- If full rings cause the wafer to lift, try using small pieces to fill only the recessed area. Some find it better to adhere the piece to the pouch rather than directly to the skin.
- Marlen shallow-convex one-piece pouches with thin hydrocolloid backing have helped many with recessed stomas, and Marlen offers free samples.
- Some people have success with Hollister convex wafers combined with Eakin seals and an ostomy belt.
- Empty the pouch more frequently, especially at night, and change the pouch every 1–2 days and the skin barrier every 3–4 days to maintain cleanliness and reduce skin irritation.
- Protect your bedding with disposable or washable pads and use a body pillow to avoid sleeping directly on the stoma.

4. Diet and Hydration
- Stick to a low-residue diet until your bowel settles, and reintroduce foods slowly to identify any triggers.
- Eating high-nutrition, small, frequent meals can aid healing without over-filling the pouch.
- Be cautious with gas-producing foods and alcohol, as they can increase output. Some people find they tolerate small amounts of red wine better than beer or spirits.

5. Skin and Pain Management
- Keep the skin around the stoma dry. Use stoma powder and barrier spray under the wafer if the skin is weeping.
- Gentle abdominal support garments or an ostomy belt can help reduce pain from twisting or pulling sensations.

6. Practical Encouragement
- The first year with an ostomy, especially after multiple complications, is often the hardest. Many people report significant improvement once they find the right pouch system and routine.
- Several individuals have returned to full-time work or undergone successful reversals after prolonged recoveries, showing that a sense of normality, though different, is achievable.