After Surgery Questions

I was diagnosied with Colitis about six years ago and have been hospitalized many, many times, sometimes for as long as 3 months at a time.  I was on Remicade but had some major reactions and switched to Humaria.  I have had 5 previous bowel surgeries but have never been in full remission.  about two months ago after a real bad bout they removed all of my large colon and have formed an internal pouch.  I now have a temporary ileostamy while the inside is healing.  I developed an absess shortly after surgery right where they removed the drain valve, was hospitalized once again after ten days of IV antibiotics the ct scans show it is all cleared up but I still have terrible pain on that side.  Not sure what is causing it and all involved seem quite puzzled also.  I am just looking for some good hints to try with my pouch.  The stupid thing leaks all the time and am having to change it about every two days.  ugh! I am very frustrated and hoping someone has some useful hints.  Will try ANYTHING!!  Anybody else have the same surgery...are you happy with the end result..Does it get BETTER..any advice would help

Is it your ostomy you are having problems with? If so, I recommend that you get an ET nurse to visit you at home, they are the Gods and Goddesses of ostomy care! Yes, things will get better but it will take time. I've had my jpouch for 10 years and love it. No regrets. Also visit www.j-pouch.org for more ostomy tips and to learn more about life with a jpouch.

Sue

You should post on the Ostomy board here on HealingWell, you would probably get a lot more response there. Most of the users here on the UC board haven't had surgery and are trying to treat their UC with medication. If you click the link at the top of the page for diseases and conditions, you will see a board called Ostomies. There are many people there who have had their colon removed. I've heard that the temp ileo is much more difficult than a perm. how much longer until yo have step 2? Try to keep your chin up, it's only temporary :)

Thanks all for the information will for sure check out the web site...will take any help I can get.

i will give you a couple of quick suggestions, in case you dont head over to the ostomy forum
if you are using skin barriers that lessens wear time
your stoma size probably shrank, remeasure each time for the first 6-8 weeks at least
after applying the wafer, warm it with a hair dryer for about 30 seconds and then press again