Hi Susan,

You've had some supportive replies from Kim and Brewster and I just wanted to add a note of reassurance. 

I had a bowel resection op back in September 2013 and like you, I was doing so well they let me out after 6 days (once I'd shown I could take care of my stoma) 

In the early days back home, I remember watching the clock to see if it was time for the Tramadol and paracetamol, but gradually, I was able to go longer between doses and the pain certainly reduced significantly. 

It's still worth getting in touch with your medical team though as they have access to Pain Management teams who can find the right medication to help you. 

Take it steady, it's very early days as Brewster said. Take care, Jo xx

Hi Susan,

You've had some supportive replies from Kim and Brewster and I just wanted to add a note of reassurance. 

I had a bowel resection op back in September 2013 and like you, I was doing so well they let me out after 6 days (once I'd shown I could take care of my stoma) 

In the early days back home, I remember watching the clock to see if it was time for the Tramadol and paracetamol, but gradually, I was able to go longer between doses and the pain certainly reduced significantly. 

It's still worth getting in touch with your medical team though as they have access to Pain Management teams who can find the right medication to help you. 

Take it steady, it's very early days as Brewster said. Take care, Jo xx

Hi  Meerkat

Y

Thankyou,  its  reassuring  to  know  that  other  peopke  have  been  through  this  op  and  came  out  the  other  end (so to speak) My  hubby  is  not  happy  at  hospital  putting  me  home  so  early, he  thinks  the  infection  in  my  wound  would  have  been  dealt  with  quicker  had  they  not  put  me  home  after  only  4 days,  I  have  to  say  that  things  are  not  quite  so  bad  today   and  I   am  hoping  the  pain  will  start  to  ease  a little,how  have  you  coped  since  your  resection  and  did  you  have  your  stoma  reversed?

 Best  Wishes  Susan

Hi Susan, 

I hadn't realised you had a wound infection too. But glad you  had a better day yesterday. 

In honesty, I coped well after the operation and soon became confident about stoma care and managing my diet to suit my 'new plumbing' 

Someone on the forum recommended a closed Facebook site called The Colostomy Association which I requested to join (you have to ask to be a member and if you're already on facebook, any posts from the Colostomy Association do not show on your own face book page so it's very discreet.) I got lots of information and advice, just reading the comments and questions that other stomates posted, but I appreciate, social media is not for everyone.

It was also reassuring in the early days, to know there were more stomates out there! I found out about products, tips about going on holiday, dietary hints etc. from people who really understand what it's like to have a stoma. 

I have not had a reversal due to circumstances, but I have a friend (met through the FB site) and she has successfully had her stoma reversed just recently. 

If you have any questions you think I could help answer, please post again. 

Take care, Jo xx