Decided against posting in the stoma forum

[vonfunk]

For those who have had an ostomy.

I understand there is a possibility of hernias after the surgery. I was wondering how long before one starts resuming "strenuous" activities that don't require heavy lifting? I understand I'll need to work slowly and take a more passive role in such things, but does anyone have an idea?

 

[glum chump]

Hey Vonfunk

I'm scheduled for an ileostomy on May 19th, and according to the stoma nurses I met with a few weeks ago, they said that much was dependent on the type of surgery (laperscopic vs. open), and the speed at which you heal. Having said that, they also cautioned against doing anything strenuous or heavy for the first two to three months.

According to the "Ileostomy Guide" they gave me, under Hernia Prevention, it states: "Avoid activities that strain the abdominal muscles for 8-12 weeks after surgery. This means no lifting anything heavier than a light bag of groceries (3 litres of milk equivalent), no picking up children or pets, no vacuuming or lawn mowing."

I guess this means that the cat will need to find cuddles elsewhere...

Cheers,

Kismet

 

[vonfunk]

I'm going to be honest. I'm specifically wondering about sex and/or things related to it. I was just trying to get around saying it outright.

 

[glum chump]

Oh dear, I do have egg on my face! Re-reading your initial note, I can now see what you were saying "between the lines". Sheesh, I'm slow, and my apologies to you for making you s-p-e-l-l it out for me!

Since I'm still a few weeks off from my own ileostomy, I'm going to hazard my own guesses based on my own thinking. I imagine it would depend on the position and the specific acts you choose to partake in...I don't foresee any sexual activity, though, for at least 8 weeks.

I really hope someone with a bit of stoma time under their belt (so to speak) can lend a better helping hand since I'm just making wild stabs in the dark (so to speak).

Let me know if you find out any answers---I have to see the stoma nurses to get kitted out for where my stoma is going to be constructed, so I'll ask them. I'm sure you'll get an answer before then.

Good luck, and again, my apologies!

Kismet

 

[GutlessWonder86]

I had surgery last year for my hernia surgery. My small intestines was wrapped around it and on top of that, I had 3 strictures that were causing me severe pain for the past 5 years. I was lucky to have strictureplasty for 1 of the narrowings but the surgeon was unable to save the other 2 and they had to be removed.

To answer the original question......it all depends on the type of surgery, it depends on the patient, if there are any complications after surgery like an infection and an open wound like I had since my old ostomy site had to be closed up and a new site had to be made. I had to ask my surgeon that exact question and he told me once everything was cleared up (the infection and wound opening as it was draining)to take things very slowly and don't push it. Plus, there was the pain factor as well.

When in doubt, ask the surgeon and the wound care RN. good luck to you.

 

[vonfunk]

thanks

 

[mizgarnet]

Von- Your body will tell you when. Mine did- 2 wks after surgery but I had to wait because of a colovaginal fistula.

Love the kitty. I have 2 tiny terrors in my home. They are both around a year old and they fight over me. If I can catch it, I will have #3 this weekend. There is a 4 week old ferral kitten here at work that has a hurt leg. So cute. I just want to take it home and give it a safe place. It is dragging its cute little leg. Ray is out of town so he can't complain!

Wendy

 

[vonfunk]

Thanks.
And the cat isn't mine and we no longer live together. He was my ex's cat, she came to get him a couple weeks ago (although he had always preferred me).