Less aware of the ileostomy

[Kris]

It's been 5 months since I got my temporary ileostomy, and I must say that I am becoming less aware of the darn thing everyday. I get scoped at the end of August to see if I am ready to have it reversed. My doctor told me that many people put this off, because they are too busy living their lives. I thought she was nutts! Now here I am, a month away, and I am dreading taking time off of work and missing my kids play football just to have surgery. Who knew I would become one of those people! Having an ileostomy after 5 months kind of reminds me of the same attention we as women have to put into having our periods. Without the cramps and bloating though. To those who are facing a permenant ileostomy and have never had a temporary one, please know that everything will be okay. You will live your life again, with just a few minor changes. God bless everyone going through this hell, there is light at the end.

 

[littlefreebird]

just wanted to thankyou for your post, couldnt have posted it at a better time as i am currently waiting for permanent ileostomy surgery at the end of july and its my 1st ever surgery so im a bit scared. thanks for sharing your story, hope the reversal is sucessful and you get to enoy some crohn's- free years.
all the best. hannah.x

 

[Terriernut]

Kris....

So very glad to see you post this! If it wasnt for my hernia problem, I'd be right with you on this. The thought of major surgery again for reversal, and having to go back to the loo possibly 25 times a day again doesnt thrill me! I'd prefer Stan thank you very much!

 

[Kris]

Good luck Hannah! Surgery is sooo scary. I had a ton of anxiety before mine too. It turned out great though.I hope all goes well with you too, and you are eating what you want soon
Misty, sorry about your hernia. Hopefuly they can fix you up soon!

 

[kekemonster101]

I had the same feeling when I had my temporary ileostomy. Before I had the surgery, even the mention of a bag by my doctor gave me stomach butterflies and seemed awful. Then, after a few months, you realize its not as bad as you thought. Its like that with most things. You learn to adapt and manage it, and after a while, it becomes almost second nature. It just seems overwhelming at first.

Especially when you are feeling well, it almost feels like you want to just go on with your life and leave the hospital behind. But its up to you!

 

[sue85]

Id just like to say thanks for this post,im going in to have a bowel resection on monday and as scared as i am about having the surgery itself the thoughts of having an ileostomy is whats really getting to me,its nice to know though that if i do wake up with one ill get used to it and its not the end of the world!

 

[Kris]

Sue, it was sooo scary for me too. It was like a grieving process, but it's totally normal. I wish you lots of luck and I'm glad I can give you some relief from the anxiety before surgery. Thank God for this website. I don't know what I would have done without it. It really helped me through the entire process finding people who have been through the same thing. Good luck, and I'm glad the surgery will be over soon!