its hard to not to get stressed and worried i am the same but think to yourself you can it cannot get any worse it can only get better, stay strong 

Hi Kirsty, 

i can't imagine what you are going through but I'm so glad that you have been brave enough to reach out … you've taken your first step ..Well done you ..

Its good that you are able to identify your fears perhaps now you can start to face them ️ :) some suggestion might be to start journaling ..write down you worries and fears and then perhaps try and put them in order ie prioritise what you fear most to what you fear least..breaking it down to smaller pieces will help you to feel less overwhelmed..there is nothing that you can’t overcome you just have to believe in yourself and take small steps, realise that you will have set backs & that’s ok you just pick yourself back up & start again… perhaps you could think of setting your alarm to half an hour for a few nights then an hour & build up ..being exhausted from broken sleep is exhausting without everything else you are struggling with …meanwhile 

contact your stoma nurse, if your not such who they are just contact the hospital & they will tell you, they are a great source of knowledge hints & tips on how to manage your stoma & will support you through this..

next have you any family fiends, partner to go to these appointments with you? That might help a lot ..otherwise a) some hospitals will have people that can sit with you during appointments and when people are contacting you or when you attended tell the staff how scared you are…you’d be amazed how many people are scared indeed terrified of needles it’s a very common fear and staff will help you though it if you tell them…have that on your list ‘to reach out & tell staff of my fears’ 

Have you tried relaxation techniques ?? There are lots of 10 minute relaxation, anxiety, coping strategy’s etc have a look round see is any of them resonate with you 

don’t try to hard or to many things at one ..small baby steps is the key to success..remember sometimes just breathing is enough for one day & that’s ok 

wishing the very very best Kirsty, it’s so important that you keep these appointments so no fear is worth your life and you can do this..believe in yourself :)x

Thank you x

Hi Kirsty, and thank you for posting.

I am so sorry to hear you are struggling at the moment, you must be exhausted. If you have a mental health support team it would be good for you to make contact with them today. 

I would also urge you to speak to someone in your hospital team, like a specialist nurse (CNS), to let them know how you are feeling. Or you could speak to your GP.

If you become very concerned about the bleeding, please do call 111.

You may find it helpful to talk things through with one of the nurses on our helpline.  The number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9 am till 5 pm Monday to Friday.

Take care Kirsty, and I hope things get better for you soon.

Sarah.

Thank you for this helpful reply. My mum hA moved in with me to help due to being exhausted and I will call and chat with someone as I've been told ill wait months on NHS to get some help.