This topic is about someone who is dealing with some concerns after having a major surgery that involved creating a urostomy. They are experiencing a swollen abdomen and a small bump near their incision, and they are in the early stages of adjusting to life with a urostomy. Here are some helpful insights and advice for managing these concerns:

- The person had surgery 10 weeks ago and noticed their abdomen became swollen, hard, and hot, followed by a small lump near the scar. They suspect they might have injured themselves by pushing hard on a gate.

- A nurse suggested over the phone that it might be shingles, but the doctor later thought it could be a boil and did not find a hernia. A follow-up appointment is scheduled to check for any infections.

- It's common to feel soreness in the abdomen several months after such a major surgery. However, if the pain persists or worsens, it's important to discuss it with a stoma nurse or surgeon.

- The person is trying to change their pouch themselves but finds it challenging because urine keeps flowing during the change. They wonder if there will ever be a time when it stays dry.

- The caregiver, who is the person's wife, is looking for resources specifically for caregivers.

- They plan to see the doctor again to rule out any abscess or infection at the incision site.

Here are some tips and advice:

1. Reach out to ostomy product manufacturers for free samples and advice on how to use them. They are usually very helpful.

2. Consider consulting a dedicated stoma or ostomy nurse for personalized guidance on appliances, sample options, medications, and lifestyle adjustments.

3. Joining a local ostomy association or a urostomy subgroup can provide face-to-face support and practical tips.

4. When changing a urostomy pouch:
- Many people change their pouch once every 24 hours.
- Warming the new pouch under your arm can help it stick better.
- Try changing the pouch while standing by the sink with all supplies within reach. Experienced users often manage a quick change with minimal leakage.
- Using a night drainage bag can help reduce leaks while sleeping.

5. Managing the pouch yourself can give you a sense of control and confidence. With practice, the time it takes to change the pouch and the likelihood of leaks will decrease.

6. Leaks during sleep are often due to twisting. They are less common when the appliance is applied firmly.

7. If you notice spreading redness, increased swelling, or develop a fever, seek immediate medical evaluation to rule out an abscess or other infection rather than shingles.