Bowel surgery, stomas, etc..

[Reenypip]

Anyone had bowel surgery before and what was it for and what did they do?

And is there anyone with or knows someone close with a stoma?

I'd like to know how you coped with the options of surgery, your fears, and then the actually surgery, recovery and now.

Would be great to hear from someone.

Don't have personal experience of the above, but am a nurse and I did work on a gastro ward pre-DC, stomas were a lot of what my job was about so would be more than happy to offer advice if I can. Anything in particular?

I've had two lots of bowel surgery, once as a baby and again in my early 20s.

I had a twisted bowel as a baby and the surgery in my 20s was for an obstruction/infaction caused by adhesions. It was open surgery with a vertical incision, emergency not elective; part of the bowel removed but avoided a stoma.

I was in hospital for about two weeks but as I said it was an emergency and I was pretty sick so elective I would expect a shorter stay, recovery was basically do nothing for 6 to 8 weeks. I wasn't allowed (or able tbh) to drive. Now I'm fine though my bowel can be a bit temperamental. I get bunged up very easily as it's a bit lazy.

Sorry Reeny. What are you having done?

I have a permanent ileostomy, had it done seven and a half years ago for ulcerative colitis. Have had 8 bowel surgeries so lots of experience!

The thought of a Stoma is always 100% worse than the reality.

If you have any questions just ask. Most hospitals now use the enhanced recovery programme for bowel surgery, so much shorter hospital stays, and up walking and eating normal food the day after the op.

There are two great patient support groups, both of whom can put you in touch with someone who's had the same or similar surgery.

Ileostomy : www.iasupport.org
Colostomy: www.colostomyassociation.org.uk

Hi
I have recenctly had a sub total colectomy resulting in an ileostomy.
I am currently learning how to cope with my stoma.
I am about 10 weeks post surgery and feel quite confident at the moment although I have had a few wobbles. Feel free to ask me any questions. I am not an expert yet!!!
As Londonderrysue has said the support groups are a mine of information and people on their forums very helpful.

Take care