Ostomy self care post surgery

[NEskier]

I'm having open heart surgery next week. Yay me. I'm not too worried (yet!) about that. I've got a great team.

For a while afterward I can't move my arms too far from my body from what I've been reading. I've been setting up the house and expect professional help will come via Medicare. But I'm wondering about difficulty changing the flange and all. Has anyone gone through this sort of thing? Taking care of the Ileostomy and my cat are my two biggest concerns at the moment!

Thanks for any ideas or stories.

[Mara]

NEskier - best wishes for a very successful surgery!! I don't know the answer to your question - I had an aortic valve replacement but it was done through my femoral artery so no real issues like you are facing.....

But I would think you can move enough to change your flange....hopefully!! Plus if you change before your surgery that pouch should last you a good few days, right??

[NEskier]

NEskier - best wishes for a very successful surgery!! I don't know the answer to your question - I had an aortic valve replacement but it was done through my femoral artery so no real issues like you are facing.....

But I would think you can move enough to change your flange....hopefully!! Plus if you change before your surgery that pouch should last you a good few days, right??

Lucky you on the valve replacement! If I did not also have an ascending aortic aneurysm we would be doing that, too. It is possible the valve can be repaired vs replaced but we will see.

I've been watching a few patient story videos on YouTube and it does sound like there should be enough movement. Fingers crossed! I'm most worried about getting home and recovering. Friends are stepping up to stay over nights. The medical types would prefer people around for 24 hours for a week. Tough in a two bedroom condo where one was converted to a Pilates studio! A client is dropping off an inflatable bed for whoever stays. And I want my 16 year old cat to be able to come home! I do have friends who have offered to take me in but ..... I'm used to being just me and the cat.

Thank you for the good wishes! I sort of figured I'd hear from you!

[To Dream a Dream]

Just happened to catch your post. Please know I send prayers & am there in spirit. Your great outlook must come of being a skier. Flying down mountainsides. (I fear heights myself.) Please consider thinking of your current surgery as another slope to conquer.
On the more practical side, please mention some of the issues you are facing to your medical support team to be included in your postop care. There must be a WOCN contact that can be consulted virtually if not on staff. If you take your own supplies in plastic bags, labeled & include the manufacturer's instructions (including their phone number) that is in most new boxes (I know Convatec supplies them) it may encourage the staff to address your needs.
As for Kitty, your friends sound like they will gladly help. Also, some vets or shelters actually board people's pets in a pinch.
With all best blessings for the surgery & a speedy recovery.

[NEskier]

Just happened to catch your post. Please know I send prayers & am there in spirit. Your great outlook must come of being a skier. Flying down mountainsides. (I fear heights myself.) Please consider thinking of your current surgery as another slope to conquer.
On the more practical side, please mention some of the issues you are facing to your medical support team to be included in your postop care. There must be a WOCN contact that can be consulted virtually if not on staff. If you take your own supplies in plastic bags, labeled & include the manufacturer's instructions (including their phone number) that is in most new boxes (I know Convatec supplies them) it may encourage the staff to address your needs.
As for Kitty, your friends sound like they will gladly help. Also, some vets or shelters actually board people's pets in a pinch.
With all best blessings for the surgery & a speedy recovery.

My cat is going to hang out with my vet and staff, so she'll be well cared for. Just not with me her preferred person.

I mentioned the ostomy in the pre-op and was reminded the hospital has a separate crohn's and colitis department (it's a big Boston hospital with ties to three others, including a cancer center). I'm feeling better about that but will bring supplies just in case.

I like your image of another mountain to conquer!

[To Dream a Dream]

Glad to learn that you & your kitty will be in capable professional hands. You may find that taking along some little luxuries like skin lotion, throat lozenges, an emery board etc. might help also. As for that mountain, onward & upward!

[NEskier]

I am home, a little worse for the wear. The good news is very successful surgery. Better than new! I had forgotten how much general anesthesia whacks your brain and emotions. I am more than blessed to have all kind of friends willing to watch over me. I am honestly humbled. and

My cat is home and purring. I wasn't sure they were giving her back. They loved having her!

[NEskier]

I am home, a little worse for the wear. The good news is very successful surgery. Better than new! I had forgotten how much general anesthesia whacks your brain and emotions. I am more than blessed to have all kind of friends willing to watch over me. I am honestly humbled. NO problems with the ostomy. I even showed a new nurse how to change one!

My cat is home and purring. I wasn't sure they were giving her back. They loved having her!

[Mara]

Welcome home!!
Glad all went well!!

[NEskier]

Welcome home!!
Glad all went well!!

Thanks!! I'm exhausted from taking a shower! I vaguely remember the 'tireds' after ostomy surgery .... I guess being 39 years younger might have some play in that!

[Mara]

lol...got that right!!!
I had mine as a teen....no real memory though....

[To Dream a Dream]

Good for you! Sounds like you are on the onward & upward path. I love the part about your teaching ostomy care during you own time of challenge. Hoping your pupil realizes that & appreciates your endurance & kindness to them. Thanks so much for sharing with us. Always helps in ways we cannot know at the moment to spread some empathy!
'Now, get plenty of rest, watch your nutrition & remember liquids & electrolytes.'
And especially enjoy your friends & the comforting purr of your furry companion. It amazes me how pets sense our deepest emotions.
With much praise & thankful prayers for a swift & complete recovery!