Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Only the apps you allow.

Meet the Other Phone.
Only the apps you allow.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
General health

Mumsnet doesn't verify the qualifications of users. If you have medical concerns, please consult a healthcare professional.

Original poster

Stoma surgery experiences

11 replies

Amichelle84 · 08/03/2022 16:38

Hi - due to have stoma surgery in a few weeks and I've had a bit of a slap in the face chat with the stoma nurse about recovery.

She said I would be on beige diet for 3 months and not allowed to drink much water, I wouldn't be able to pick up my children or anything heavier than a half filled kettle for 3 months...

Is this just being over cautious?? Seems extreme to me unless I've been seriously downplaying this in my head up until now.

Keen to hear peoples recovery experiences especially if you had surgery and have babies and how you made that work.

OP posts:
MargotEmin · 08/03/2022 16:43

Hate to say it but that sounds reasonably accurate to me. My Mum needed to use a wheelchair for a while after whilst she built her strength back up.

OnGoldenPond · 11/03/2022 18:51

Had an emergency Hartman's procedure a few years back, not sure if it would be exactly what you are having. I wasn't told to restrict drinking or diet in any way and afterwards ate and drank whatever I wanted. Even had a curry while still in hospital which did result in some fairly vigorous bag activity! Grin

I think I was told to be careful with lifting for about 4 weeks, couldn't drive for 6 weeks. But was back on my feet fairly quickly. Had to start a new job four weeks after the operation and managed it, though wouldn't recommend that was a bit soon but I needed the money.

Certainly never needed a wheelchair. But it very much depends on the specific procedure you are having. Mine was necessary due to a bowel perforation. If you are having treatment for cancer and having significant amounts of the bowel removed may affect recovery and dietary restrictions.

BorisBooster · 11/03/2022 18:55

My husband had bladder removed due to cancer and now has stoma.

Major abdominal surgery so no heavy lifting or bending due to getting hernias.

No driving for at least 6 weeks.

Depending on reasons for stoma I suppose will have impact on diet.

Husband was eating solid food by time he was discharged from hospital.

Itsbackagain · 11/03/2022 18:56

I haven't got a date for mine yet, just waiting on a CT scan. Met with stoma nurse yesterday. She didn't mention anything about food but I've read it's a low residue diet for a month or so then gradually introducing things. The lifting is so as not to get a hernia I think..I asked about recovery time and she said roughly 3 months. Feel free to DM.if you want, maybe we can support each other x

BorisBooster · 11/03/2022 18:56

And he's walking two miles a day 6 weeks post op.

Bekind19 · 11/03/2022 19:14

I had stoma surgery 10 years ago now - seems accurate to how I was treated. Feel free to pm me if you want a chat.

Itsbackagain · 11/03/2022 19:17

@BorisBooster.thats fabulous!

Original poster
Amichelle84 · 11/03/2022 20:16

Thank you everyone!

I have colitis and the whole large bowel will be removed.

I've had a chat with the stoma nurse and I was just quite shocked when she said 3 months but having spoken to her again she was being a bit over cautious.

I have 2 babies under 2 so the thought of not being able to pick them up for that long really upset me.

Im happy to be getting the surgery in the hope I will finally feel better and am staying as positive as possible with the odd little wobble.

OP posts:
Original poster
Amichelle84 · 11/03/2022 20:17

@Itsbackagain

I haven't got a date for mine yet, just waiting on a CT scan. Met with stoma nurse yesterday. She didn't mention anything about food but I've read it's a low residue diet for a month or so then gradually introducing things. The lifting is so as not to get a hernia I think..I asked about recovery time and she said roughly 3 months. Feel free to DM.if you want, maybe we can support each other x
Let's stay in touch then :)
OP posts:
Bekind19 · 11/03/2022 20:29

@Amichelle84

Thank you everyone!

I have colitis and the whole large bowel will be removed.

I've had a chat with the stoma nurse and I was just quite shocked when she said 3 months but having spoken to her again she was being a bit over cautious.

I have 2 babies under 2 so the thought of not being able to pick them up for that long really upset me.

Im happy to be getting the surgery in the hope I will finally feel better and am staying as positive as possible with the odd little wobble.

I have crohns disease and before my surgery I couldn't leave the house. I still have the odd wobble about stoma even now. But it has changed my life for the better. My recovery was steady and took 3 months to fully recover. I did feel alot better after a few weeks though. Feel free to message me.
BorisBooster · 11/03/2022 20:44

Best wishes @Amichelle84 for your surgery.

New posts on this thread. Refresh page