Karen,
Thanks for explaining the "pins and needles" sensation -- that makes a lot of sense. I figured it was part of the healing process and my stoma is getting smaller. I'm surprised I don't feel it at other wound sites but glad I do not. Not too heavenly! There's also a strong feeling like bruising below the stoma. The last few days, the pain under my stoma has been pretty intense but NOTHING like the pain I experienced in the hospital. I'm not into suffering but with that memory and since my surgical team told me that Tramadol could slow down my system and cause a blockage, yes, I'm just relying on Extra-Strength Tylenol -- and back to scheduling it every 6 hours. Odd that a few days ago, the pain seemed less. Again, just part of the healing process and since I don't have x-ray vision (which would indeed be very cool), I'm just observing, not judging, and going with it -- and having tea or resting when the pain goes up. By the time it's 8:30 pm, I am really wiped. And I think that's due to the pain.
And I feel as though I have so much to do which isn't a good feeling. The visiting nurse wants me to tell her what supplies I need by Monday and I have so many ostomy supplies now -- need to sort -- send some to FOW -- and there's so much paperwork after being gone. And much else with the year ending soon. You are 100% correct about the clean-out and sanitizing of my condo by the folks my cousin brought in. Plus, he is from NC and researched organizations -- and hired them -- alhough I ultimately paid. I'm trying to get over my frustration and admit it's not easy because every single day since they were in here (and keep in mind, I'd been working with an organizer on my own so the place was not a disaster but NOT clean -- and I'd had several irrigation accidents and the remnants of those are GONE) I look for something and it's "gone, girl." As I said, not the end of the earth -- and I do have to order some of these items again -- perhaps Friday or Saturday. Having some back again will make me feel better, esp as I need them.
Weight has always been an issue -- and even the "new" women's movement hasn't changed that. I went hog wild when I had the hernia and no clothes would fit and I stopped swing dancing out of embarrassment. You read words of anxiety, ambivalence, depression, and even anger. I'm enjoying losing the weight -- although at times, crave carbs (gluten/bread -- unsure I'll get the energy to bake the very ez corn bread and still have to find the mix as that was pitched for some weird reason) but seeing the number on the scale go down from 158 is delightful. Haven't weighed myself lately but am guessing I've lost about 15 lbs. I noted in my surgeon's reports (I must order that operative report as it's not on the portal and I'm curious) that he wrote that during every visit, he claimed he gave me guidance on losing weight. This is total fiction and I find it semi-laughable and sometimes plain aggravating. I certainly knew I was overweight (I'm sure anyone who once was anorexic would know this) and he gave me absolutely no "guidance" and never mentioned it until he told me that my hernia had increased and was encased in layers of fat. Perhaps that was a medical assessment, as it was repeated in reports about the surgery. In some way, knowing this and reading his words spurs me on. I want to fit in my clothes again, regain balance which has really suffered with my abdomen losing tone since 2000, get back in shape -- and it's going to take a lengthy time and effort. It's super important to me -- as much as wound healing is.
The most unusual activity is trying to finish dinner by 6:30 or 7 and then not ingesting more except liquids. I didn't live this way before and we'll see if it continues after recuperation. I'm not yet volunteering, attending theater, or going to swing dances that end at midnight and returning home hungry. So again, it's an experiment. After 2 nights of defecating almost constantly and waking up in stool (pulled out the puppy pads from my closet!), I just don't want that kind of sleep-deprivation again. It made pain and everything worse and I certainly wasted my time with the PT who came to my home. I was a zombie. I thought I'd be sleeping now -- but something woke me up -- and glad it did. Have switched from Convatec to Hollister. Sigh, the filter which seems far better placed is totally wet and soiled and non-functional with the pouch looking like a balloon. Today, I received Coloplast samples and the filter seems in the perfect place... so hoping THAT will work better. This is obviously something I'll have to get used to -- and also do something about the ongoing gas. Maybe go back on Gas-X? (The major gas I had after surgery is gone.) Today the nurse who visited remarked on how much less distended I was and that the stoma looked smaller. GOOD!
Eating much protein and need to buy more tomorrow. Had a balanced dinner today with a small serving of cooked string beans and non-gluten noodles -- without sauce. Hydration feels great and I'm actually enjoying the water and tea. I mentioned a while ago that a product called Cirkul (it was a start-up) provides an easy way to drink water with various flavorings you use with your own filtered water.
https://drinkcirkul.com/ They've added tea flavors -- some sweetened with sucralose (I know this can cause diarrhea but the amount is small) or stevia and some without any sweeteners-- and if getting enough water down is hard, this makes it MUCH easier -- although I'm really thirsty these days and never drank so much water. Nice to pee and not see that deep, intense yellow!
I'm going to Google "articulating bed frame" because more and more, I'd really enjoy that kind of bed. Will check out prices. I haven't driven since 10/31 but have been starting my car frequently due to the cold. Hmmm, there is a very strong odor of gas (from a car, not a gut) so I hope to get my car and the engine checked out Friday. I've a 2005 Toyota and they last a long time. Buying a car wasn't in my plans but that would come before a new bed if necessary. Will learn more tomorrow or Saturday, I hope. I also feel I can drive on short errands now -- if I am not in pain (the Extra-Strength Tylenol kicks in after about an hour) and with my special pillow on the car seat.
Do wish the wound in the rear would heal a bit faster. Continues to bleed (the others are not) and am using this silver Aquacel dressing which seems useless. I see the surgeon on Tuesday but have a sense he'll say all is going as it should and just keep going. I brought up the issue of silver and he pounced on that. Wish I had another idea. Some have said to have Vit. C, and zinc is also healing. Finally back on supplements and L-Glutamine continues to make my digestive system feel better.
Was unaware that many with vertical sutures lose their belly buttons. Aw, mine served such a great purpose with the MACE -- I was actually sorry to see it gone. Well, here's to newness -- in my condo and body. Many thanks, Karen, for your encouragement. It means a lot. Time to take my next Extra-Strength Tylenol and try to get some zzzzz.
G'nite (or good morning), all!
Diane C
