This topic is about understanding what might be considered normal when experiencing pain, itching, and rashes seven weeks after ileostomy surgery. Here are some insights and advice that might be helpful:

- The scar from surgery can remain itchy for some time.
- It's common to feel intermittent sharp pains in the sides, abdomen, chest, and back, especially when trying to sleep. There might also be burning sensations in the abdomen.
- While the pain is uncomfortable, it's not unbearable, and paracetamol is being used for relief after stopping tramadol four weeks post-surgery.
- A daily rash on the legs, along with widespread skin itching, is being experienced, raising questions about whether these symptoms are normal.

Additional concerns include:

1. The desire to be more recovered before starting upcoming chemotherapy.
2. Difficulty reaching stoma nurses, with the next appointment not until October, leaving many concerns unaddressed.
3. Taking cetirizine for allergies, but the rash has spread to legs, feet, and hands and remains itchy despite using prescribed antifungal cream.
4. Dealing with persistently watery output and general fatigue.

Advice and insights from others include:

- Post-operative pain can linger, with some experiencing it for months or even years. Full recovery might take up to 12 months. It's important to mention any sharp or unusual pain to a surgeon or GI specialist.
- If stoma nurses are unresponsive, consider requesting a different nurse or using supplier-based nursing services. Maintaining a strong relationship with the medical team, including the GP, stoma nurse, surgeon, pharmacy, and ostomy supplier, is crucial.
- For itching and rashes, if cetirizine is ineffective, Benadryl (diphenhydramine) might be recommended, but check with a doctor first. Topical options like 100% rose-hip oil, aloe vera gel, or soothing powders can be tested on non-surgical skin. A rash under the appliance might be a yeast infection, which a stoma nurse can confirm and treat with antifungal powder. Crohn’s disease can also cause skin eruptions, so discussing this with a GI specialist is advisable.
- For pain relief, short-term opioids are common immediately post-op but have side effects. Paracetamol alone is acceptable if it provides adequate relief.
- Avoid strenuous abdominal exercises early on to reduce hernia risk, and gradually build up activity. Eating nutritiously and drinking extra fluids is important to compensate for fluid loss via the ileostomy. Maintaining a sense of humor and patience can help mentally during the lengthy healing process.
- Remember that major abdominal surgery is a significant trauma, and lingering aches, odd sensations, and "phantom" feelings are common but usually fade with time.