Dad is home-yay!

Chriss,
Thats good news, he already wants to get out, just be careful he doesn't over due it. If the bag problems continue I would get a hold of the stoma nurses and make them come out. One gentleman was laying down to change his bag, its not possible, Gene puts a large pad over the sink, the kind they use in the hospital when they first do it for you, getting the area dry is the trick, use a hair dryer on low speed. Theres no feeling in the stoma...you shouldn't have to use the paste at all. helpful hints,,,soon he should be changing once a week...Ginger

Ginger-
Thanks for your suggestions on the bag-hopefully things will get easier with practice.
Other than that he is doing great-we went to the grocery store today -and he wants to go out to dinner tonite-he hates hanging around the house!
Chris

Chriss,
Are you changing his bag while he is standing, thats the best for getting it to lay properly, also it has to be very dry before you apply the bag, do you have the powder??? My husband would be glad to talk with you if these problems continue,,just ask and we will give you our cell.. the skin is probably bumpy and not flat, you have to get all the wrinkles out therefore no leaks, it will get better, if you have the right bag, did you try the Hollister 8478,,bag, it is really light and comfortable.... Chriss, another forum member had the swelling problem, I remember them having this for awhile, very uncomfortable and annoying. Ice was one solution, and the raising them up but I would ask the Doctor for sure.....take care of mom too...you have your hands full right now, Ginger

Thanks for all your replies. It is great to get feedback for the various problems that arise. Today the bag fell apart and I had to change it myself because the nurse wasnt available to come out for a few hours. It was quite an ordeal as I have watched the nurses change it but never tried myself. I dont think the bag is fitting properly as there seems to be leaks.
I dont always get time to post on the forum because besides my Dad, my brother and I are dealing with my Mom being in a car accident with head trama injury just 2 weeks before my Dads operation-so we are navigating between both parents-its been pretty intense.
Chris

Chriss, the testicle swelling is not uncommon. A nurse at the hospital showed us how to roll a washcloth and place it under the testicles to elevate them. It helps to reduce the pain and swelling. This will take awhile. Good luck.
Sam

Today is 2 weeks post op and Dad is doing fine. He is eating well and looking great. No energy is his main complaint-but that I know that will just take time. He has mentioned that his testicles are swollen-have other males had that problem? and if so how long does it last?
Chris