New Ostomy

Hi all, I'm usually in the ulcerative colitis forums as I was told I had that for about 12 years now. It was just recently that I started to see a surgeon for chronic iron deficiency issues which were believed related to a bad section of my colon. Large pseudopolyps all over the place, inflammation etc. It was decided to do a bowel resection to remove about 40cm. It was to be a one step surgery laproscopically and all seemed to go fine. Two days after the surgery I started to suffer extreme abdominal pain. The original surgery was done on a Friday and on Monday morning they sent me for a cat scan which showed the join in my surgery had opened up and spilled bacteria into my abdominal cavity. I've never felt pain like it. I was rushed back into surgery and given a temp ostomy for the next 3 months. Needless to say It's been a little overwhelming and trying to get my body back to some sort of normalcy has been tough. I was in the hospital for 13 days which included a week in the ICU with an NG tube for 6 days. The amount of bile coming out of me was insane. So I'm learning what I can with my new bag and I'm currently measuring output and will soon need to measure and order more supplies. I was told by my home nurse that there are 2 piece ones that are much much easier to use. I'll take any help or suggestions you have :)

First, sorry you had this come on so suddenly. You need to deal with the depression - there are great medications, and many of us have used them to get through this time ... it is a big adjustment, lots of changes, and you need to be able to function and think clearly. Even your GP can help find you an anti-depressant (my GI actually prescribed mine).

As for the two pieces, everyone has a different system they like. Personally, I preferred a one piece because the profile was much lower, and it was just more comfortable for me. Others like to be able to change the bag out without changing the wafer. I tended to have a lot of skin issues, so I needed to change the whole setup, so that didn't help me. Depends on your likes and needs. But try them all out - you can contact the companies for samples (make sure you also get samples of the Cymed ones, which are super low profile). Or your WOCN can get you samples.

Good luck.

just giving you a e-pat on the back, Gordon! I've read your story, & am sorry that you've gone thru this. Good luck! Try to smile, Christine is right- this too shall pass. But, seek out help if necessary- anti-depressants, therapy, etc.