B/C freinds,
After one year of surviving b/c , having the bag as a deversion, I thought for those who have just done the same may need some guideance.
Surgery is hard to get over, the fact of what you have just gone through is devastating to the one who went through it. Its a step by step process.
Step one:: THE FIRST 4 WEEKS,,, accepting what has just happened.
accepting your new friend the bag!
We had very good stoma nurses from the Cleveland Clinic. After coming home they visited twice a week, changed the bag WITH my husband finding the best one for him.
He also changed the type bag he wore. Maybe as many as 8 times. The nurse had all sorts of bags to choose from.
He can keep his bag on up to 9 days now, without changing it. Emotionally its still a process, so its a fight to not only find the right bag, but accept it as well. The patients needs alot of compassion through this process. To know its okay, everyone is fine with it as well, and it works with all there clothes.
Your still getting over surgery, alot of feelings going on at one time.
YOUR NOT ALONE!!!!
Step 2::: IF you are having trouble go to a stoma nurse, and don't leave until the problem is solved. Your body goes through a change, you have bumps where you never had bumps before. They will go down and yourself will reappear!!! He uses HOLLISTER BAGS. They work for him!!
Step 3:: Use your resources here on the forum, we have 5 particiapants right now or more with the bag, anyone of them can give you this advice. My husband has talked many through the process and if willing he would be glad to talk with you.
Step 4:::As a caregiver, never forget the emotional part doesn't go away in a day for them. Its been a year here and its still an issue!! Reassure them, it looks fine and they are fine!!!
STOMA NURSES, STOMA NURSES, STOMA NURSES,,USE THEM , ITS THERE JOB TO FIND THE RIGHT BAG FOR YOU!!!!!! Ginger Beane
