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Hi from the UK... :)

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mouse
(@mouse)
Joined: 6 years ago
Posts: 7
Topic starter  

Hi all,

I'm mouse, and I'm having (loop ileostomy) surgery this week.

It's exciting, because it'll give me more freedom after the healing process is up. It's scary because, well, it's surgery!

At the same time I'll be getting my anal sphincter muscle repaired. This was damaged, in the grand scheme of things, due to crohns disease, hence the need for an ileostomy.

I'm in my 20's, so this is my first actual major surgery I think, I've been under anesthetic a number of times but it was all for fairly simple procedures.

A bit scared would be putting it lightly, anyone have tips for quelling my pre-op nerves?

 


   
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VeganOstomy
(@veganostomy)
Admin
Joined: 10 years ago
Posts: 4188
 

Welcome, Mouse! 

Pre-surgery jitters are totally normal. I found that learning what I could helped to ease my fears and just getting my stuff in order (i.e. Making sure any upcoming bills are paid) also helped to keep me relaxed.

Are you already packed up for the hospital? Do you have anything to keep you comfortable while you're there? Music, books, etc.

Best of luck to you! Let us know how things go :) 

Just your friendly neighborhood ostomate.
~ Crohn's Disease ¦ Ileostomy ~


   
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(@bubbles)
Joined: 6 years ago
Posts: 244
 

Hi Mouse , 

Welcome . I prepared for surgery by looking at YouTube videos . Mainly Vegan Ostomy and The Front Butt YouTuber . Both are a great source of info . Make sure you leave the hospital with enough supplies . I was sent home with 1 changing . It took 2 weeks to get supplies in . So get stocked up with hospital. 


   
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(@john68)
Joined: 6 years ago
Posts: 2021
 

Hi Mouse, If any one said they weren't nervous some thing would be wrong, I was 24 when is had my ostomy and from my experience it won,t stop you doing any thing young folk like to do. Support is important no matter where is comes from and never be afraid to ask questions. I am in the UK as well and the NHS has some brilliant folk in it. All the very best and read this site/forum. Its very useful believe me. :-) 

ileostomy 31st August 1994 for Crohns


   
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Dona
 Dona
(@dona)
Joined: 7 years ago
Posts: 832
 

Hello Mouse and welcome,

As others have said, its perfectly normal to be frightened of this. BUT know you will get through it to a healthier life. Everyone is scared.  My first thought as I came out of the anesthesia was 'HAPPY" like a shout in my mind. Done!.

And pretty soon, there will be that day when you are just going about your life and you forget you have an ostomy. It will happen.

Be well.

Onset of severe Ulcerative Colitus Oct.2012. Subtotal colectomy with illiostomy July 2015; Peristomal hernia repair ( Sugarbaker, mesh, laparoscopic) May 2017.


   
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mouse
(@mouse)
Joined: 6 years ago
Posts: 7
Topic starter  

Thanks for the replies everyone!

I'm currently washing some clothes for the hospital stay, that's as far as I've prepared packing wise for the trip. I've written a list with the help of your guide of what to take to hospital, Eric! Thanks. :)

It's relieving to know it's normal to be a bit scared! I'm currently trying to fill the days up to surgery with positive distractions, it's hard to focus though. Just can't wait til it's done with really... :)

I already have a couple of visitors planned, and a rough schedule of what my stay will look like. I won't actually learn to change my bag til next week, after the surgery at the end of this week. So a weekend recovering and then the learning curve starts.

I'm trying to be optimistic, joking with my friends about my 'exorcism' bowel prep and so on, but I know anesthetic knocks my mood down big time in the days following an operation.

A bit of a ramble. :P


   
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(@derek)
Joined: 6 years ago
Posts: 27
 

Hi mouse.

Im originally from the uk but live in mexico now .

I just had my ostomy done two months ago.yes i was worried and all that goes with it.was supposed to take 3 days in hospital ,cost to me acceptable.turned out to be 10 days in hospital 5 times more expensive then i got sepsis,another 15 days interned and more expensive than the original op!!

The financial cost has changed my life much more than the ostomy.

Here there is no after care support,only tuition i got was from the surgeon who showed me how to put on and take off the appliances and how to clean the stoma and skin.

After that its a quick learning curve and i am still learning.erics videos helped tremendously and subsequent advice recieved here is invaluable but you will soon get into your own way of doing things and adapting to the situation.it is quite easy.

Good luck and dont fret ,prepare for your homecoming.

 


   
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Robert
(@njewell1)
Joined: 7 years ago
Posts: 699
 

Hey Mouse like everybody is saying if you weren't nervous something would be wrong . One good part is when you wake up it will all be over but the healing and learning . Also like others are saying do your homework before so you will know more about what to expect afterwards . I wasn't as ready as I probably could have been so there were a few surprises afterward for me but its all part of the learning experience you will get it and you will do just fine . Oh ya I too have an Ileostomy . Also like they say support and being prepared is the key to everything . Anyway Mouse welcome to the group and Best of Luck with your surgery !

Proctectomy , Ileostomy , Ulcerative Colitis


   
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(@john68)
Joined: 6 years ago
Posts: 2021
 

Hi Mouse, A point I meant to add to my post is getting a good spot on your tummy for the stoma. The surgeon will probably do this with you and what I mean by good spot is a site where the wafer will not be in a crease and the wafer will not sit over your belly button

ileostomy 31st August 1994 for Crohns


   
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sjlovestosing
(@sjlovestosing)
Joined: 6 years ago
Posts: 651
 

Hello Mouse and Welcome,

I recently had surgery and was scared as you are now. Eric is so right in saying to educate yourself as much as possible. Knowing what you are going into alleviates some of  your concerns.  This site is a gold mine of information and will be of great help to you as it has been to me. Also, the advice of all the other ostomates who wrote before me are invaluable.

After surgery and healing, it will continue to be a learning experience. I know that I am still researching and learning! Also, you will gain confidence as you find the routine that is best for you. Be patient with yourself and your healing - it does take a while before you'll be in that feel good place. 

Wishing you God's blessing and healing in all this.

Stella


   
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mouse
(@mouse)
Joined: 6 years ago
Posts: 7
Topic starter  

Thank you all! It means a lot to me to know there are so many supportive ostomates out there! :)


   
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mouse
(@mouse)
Joined: 6 years ago
Posts: 7
Topic starter  

Hi folks!

An update... I still haven't had my surgery. When I went for it back in August, it was realised that I had some heart trouble and it wouldn't be safe to proceed. I have since been prescribed heart medication, cleared for surgery by the anesthetists, and been seen by cardiology - so my surgery can go ahead. It's just a question of when...

It's been a horribly frustrating 8 months so far. I rarely leave the house (due in part to my incontinence).

I'm not sure when my surgery will happen. Last time I inquired I was told "months" so I'm basically hanging around in pain and distress. It's frustrating to say the least.


   
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(@john68)
Joined: 6 years ago
Posts: 2021
 

Hi Mouse, that’s frustrating to be left waiting but on the other hand good to have found out about the heart problem so it could be medicated. I am in the UK also and while we enjoy free health care we know too well how long waiting lists are. I can suggest contacting your GP to write a letter explaining the discomfort and problems the delay is having. It’s something that may help moving surgery along. It’s also worth bearing in mind when giving approximate dates the NHS is always giving the very worst case. But please check 

ileostomy 31st August 1994 for Crohns


   
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Dona
 Dona
(@dona)
Joined: 7 years ago
Posts: 832
 

Hello Mouse,

So sorry to hear you are dealing with the heart issue too. When you are ready for surgery , it will come as a great relief. We all remember living our lives on the run from the bed to the toilet.

Also be sure to tell people who schedule these things that this is a real quality of life issue. As you say, pain, distress and just plane wearying. I was loosing several pounds a week before I got my illiostomy.

Best of luck in getting all this sorted.

Keep in touch here and keep asking questions.

Onset of severe Ulcerative Colitus Oct.2012. Subtotal colectomy with illiostomy July 2015; Peristomal hernia repair ( Sugarbaker, mesh, laparoscopic) May 2017.


   
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sjlovestosing
(@sjlovestosing)
Joined: 6 years ago
Posts: 651
 

Hello Mouse,

I am very sorry to hear about your predicament. I don't know what it is like to have to wait for so long for much needed surgery. Hopefully, it will be soon. I will say a prayer that things will speed along. Take care and God bless.

Stella


   
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VeganOstomy
(@veganostomy)
Admin
Joined: 10 years ago
Posts: 4188
 

Mouse, thank you for the update. 

Waiting, especially under those circumstances, must be frustrating. I am glad that your heart trouble is being addressed and that it was caught before the surgery. You'll be in better health going into it, and that's always a good thing. 

I know what it's like to live with incontinence, so I completely empathize and hope that surgery happens soon.  

Just your friendly neighborhood ostomate.
~ Crohn's Disease ¦ Ileostomy ~


   
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 LK
(@dlkfiretruck)
Joined: 7 years ago
Posts: 1450
 

Mouse...I hope you are as well as can be. I too have dealt with incontinence. The first time I was walking my dogs. Teenagers behind me, so you can imagine the rip roaring tie they had! I joked that I believe in karma. I brought forth the quality of life thing to my surgeon and asked if he would let his wife run around with that issue. Surgery went from a long waiting list to 4 days away. My necessary ileostomy is so appreciated. Try not to to be too patient with your symptoms, quality of life is bigger then most realize and something I found doctors take very seriously. If your not in front of them they may think you are doing just fine with few events or problems. The severity of your situation can only be old by you to the surgeon. I would certainly let them know I am getting fed up, this is too long of a wait. As far as patients go,  they will always take life and death seriously first, but if things increase in severity, you are the only one who can tell them so. Be encouraged to go back and update them. all the best Mouse. Be well ASAP.

Linda


   
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mouse
(@mouse)
Joined: 6 years ago
Posts: 7
Topic starter  

Hi again,

This time I have some positive news - I received a call giving me a surgery date at the end of this month! I still need to go to the pre-op assessment but I'm really hoping that it can go ahead this time. Thank you all for your well wishes and prayers! :)

I'll keep you posted!


   
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(@john68)
Joined: 6 years ago
Posts: 2021
 

Hi Mouse, That’s great news for you, make a note of questions you may have. The very best and good wishes for moving forward. ?

ileostomy 31st August 1994 for Crohns


   
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 LK
(@dlkfiretruck)
Joined: 7 years ago
Posts: 1450
 

This is really great news. I am so happy for you. It will be nice to have that issue dealt with. Be sure and let us all know how things are going for you. All the best! 

P>S> I tried to send this last night but was unable to.  It seems Eric fixed the issues.  You originally wrote that you were feeling nervous and was wondering how others dealt with this issue before surgery.  One thing I will do before surgery is to "up" my fluid intake.  and I also will drink chamomile tea when I start to get the small jitters.  Check with you doctor first before you take any vitamins or herbal products a week before surgery.  Drug interactions come in the most innocent forms.  Take a good long bath or shower the night before  you go in and pamper yourself.  No nail polish. You are young and you have lots of life ahead of you.  The first thing they want you to do after surgery is to get you up and walk.  Walk. Then walk several times a day.  The sooner the better.  Even tho it may hurt a little it is so worth the benefits and you will likely go home feeling better about things.  Any issues, you know we are here to help.  Chime is anytime,  all the best to you dear. 

Linda


   
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