My doctor, a colorectal surgeon, has recommended a temporary ileostomy for puborectalis contraction and constipation that have resisted other treatment for years. I'm trying to seek out all the information I can beforehand. I want to be prepared particularly for the smaller details I should expect. I want as much of the stress and shock as possible over with while I'm not sick either from a colon prep or surgical recovery.
I'm sure I'll think of more, but right now I've got three top concerns.
First is the burning caused by digestive enzymes. I've had the yellow water that burns if I go to the bathroom too much in too short a period. OUCH! With an ileostomy, is this burning and stinging as painful around the stoma as it is around the anal area? It's hard to imagine it would be. If so, is it going to be occasionally inevitable?
Second is the ability to sleep through the night. I saw one company made a gallon-sized nighttime drainage bottle with a tube for such output. As big a problem as getting up in the night would be, why is this not more common? Would this work for any ileostomy? Is anyone familiar with it in terms of how often it needs replacing or whether it has posed any other problems?
Third and finally is the cost of supplies. Most insurance, including mine, will not cover them. Even if it did, I would not want to depend on it given the nature of insurance today. So, I'm wondering how much I would need to budget per month in the worst-case scenario for supplies. I would guess I'd need to go with a two-piece system if I used that nighttime contraption.
I'm not really sure which supplies are necessary and which are used for comfort or convenience. It's hard to tell what's what looking at online stores that sell these things. I'm sure it's going to take some testing to see what works best (brands, sizes, durability, etc). However, I'm looking for a monthly price range for basic necessities assuming the maximum recommended frequency of changes just in case I were unable to catch a special deal or offer.
I've asked my doctor's office to put me in touch with the stoma nurse I'd have, though I suspect it will take some time. Until then, I'm hoping someone here might be able to offer some more information.
Thanks!
I'm sure I'll think of more, but right now I've got three top concerns.
First is the burning caused by digestive enzymes. I've had the yellow water that burns if I go to the bathroom too much in too short a period. OUCH! With an ileostomy, is this burning and stinging as painful around the stoma as it is around the anal area? It's hard to imagine it would be. If so, is it going to be occasionally inevitable?
Second is the ability to sleep through the night. I saw one company made a gallon-sized nighttime drainage bottle with a tube for such output. As big a problem as getting up in the night would be, why is this not more common? Would this work for any ileostomy? Is anyone familiar with it in terms of how often it needs replacing or whether it has posed any other problems?
Third and finally is the cost of supplies. Most insurance, including mine, will not cover them. Even if it did, I would not want to depend on it given the nature of insurance today. So, I'm wondering how much I would need to budget per month in the worst-case scenario for supplies. I would guess I'd need to go with a two-piece system if I used that nighttime contraption.
I'm not really sure which supplies are necessary and which are used for comfort or convenience. It's hard to tell what's what looking at online stores that sell these things. I'm sure it's going to take some testing to see what works best (brands, sizes, durability, etc). However, I'm looking for a monthly price range for basic necessities assuming the maximum recommended frequency of changes just in case I were unable to catch a special deal or offer.
I've asked my doctor's office to put me in touch with the stoma nurse I'd have, though I suspect it will take some time. Until then, I'm hoping someone here might be able to offer some more information.
Thanks!