Stoma Help

[guest78]

Hi Guys
I have now had my stoma for just over three weeks.
& have been in a lot of pain, it has now gotten to an unbearable point. I ended up at the hospital this morning, seeing an out of hours Dr as an emergency.
He has prescribed me tramadol and 2 types of antibiotics as he does not think I should be in this huge amount of pain. He is worried there is an infection under the skin, I did have a separation issue too.
He said that if I don't improve in 12-24 hours I am to go and see my colorectal ward/surgeon.
It's all a bit of a nightmare. I guess I'm looking for support that it'll get better...

I also have a bit of an issue. Until now I have been emptying the bag 12 times in 24 hours. I now haven't emptied it in 10hours... Which is so not normal. I have no stomach pain or nausea so don't think it is a blockage.
I'm so stuck and don't know what to do.
X

 

[evescott]

Hey!

I guess my first words would be don't panic!
It took a long time for my body o adapt to my stoma and unfortunately it can be painful and very frustrating. This does sound a little like a blockage though, sometimes it can be something as simple as having eaten a few too many carrots with a roast dinner.
In regards to the infection under the skin, I've had this more than once! Is your crohns still active? When mine is I sometimes get little open ulcers full of pus and nasty stuff that a first only appear under the skin but break through under the bag without me knowing! If that's the case the antibiotics should clear it up fairly quickly and well!

My only recommendation aside from that of the doctors I'd to double the amount of water you drink for 24 hours, just to kind of wash through any minor blockages.

I hope you feel better soon! xx

 

[annawato]

Hi Gec, sounds like you are having a tough time at the moment. All I can say is that things will improve. the first couple of months are the hardest with a stoma and then suddnely everything starts to settle down as you learn how to manage it and as the body adjusts to it. Hopefully the antibiotics will do the trick for the pain around the stoma. As for not emptying for 10 hours, its probably ok so long as you don't have a lot of pain. Have you been eating/drinking less? If it continues though you should get it checked out.
All the best and hugs,