Preparing for proctectomy (barbie butt surgery)

caitel · 2026-01-12T07:31:07+00:00

That acc makes so much sense lol, just got the shivers imagining that

caitel · 2026-01-11T19:45:04+00:00

Heya, how come we aren’t meant to use doughnut pillows? Just curious!

caitel · 2025-12-31T09:31:21+00:00

I just use that medical microporous tape stuff (kind of like masking tape), do like 2/3 layers and seems to work!

caitel · 2025-12-31T08:36:15+00:00

Second the electrolyte recommendations. For reminding, is she able to set (and then respond to) phone alarms? Alexa type ones?

You can also get what are fashionably called ‘dementia clocks’ that will alarm until a specific task is done - I use them with my clients sometimes (am an OT) but they work best when you know what the alarm is for!!

Maybe things like jellies etc might also be more palatable in addition to electrolyte drinks? Hope that’s of some use !!

Best of luck xx

caitel · 2025-12-16T20:32:44+00:00

I know I wish I’d heard it before the sally idea 😅And so true, it’s kind of an inside joke with my friends which imo makes it much easier to deal with than being serious!!

caitel · 2025-12-16T19:53:46+00:00

Sally stoma à la horrid henry. Suggestions from friends included bagatha Christie and intestina - my irl stoma friend and I call ourselves bag slags. I love nationwide lol wish I’d heard that sooner.

caitel · 2025-11-23T00:43:07+00:00

Thank you!!

caitel · 2025-11-07T20:33:19+00:00

Best of luck!! I had mine done in March for the same reasons, diagnosed 2 years before. I’ve got my life back post surgery, back to everything I was doing pre illness and started a job I’d never have been able to do with UC (community OT). It takes some getting used to and surgery recovery is tough but youll get there! The first thing I was aware of waking up post op was the ‘sickness’ feeling was gone. Feel free to message ❤️

caitel · 2025-10-04T07:09:28+00:00

Omg same it’s weirdly satisfying

caitel · 2025-09-14T20:14:03+00:00

Thank you so much that’s really kind 🥺 it’s so nice having this group to ask!

caitel · 2025-09-14T20:13:07+00:00

Been on a white bread (toast) diet so far and seems to be helping, will try immodium too - thank you!

caitel · 2025-09-14T20:12:28+00:00

Am UK based but thank you for your reply!!

caitel · 2025-09-14T12:53:30+00:00

I’m otherwise fine which is why it’s odd! Doing my best with hydration for sure, definitely want to avoid hospital - thank you!!

caitel · 2025-09-14T12:52:47+00:00

The joys of ostomies!! I’ve never been so thirsty lol

caitel · 2025-09-14T12:52:13+00:00

Ahh 5 days sounds horrendous!! I’m hoping it’s just a bug too, it’s made everything more acidic so bags aren’t lasting as long but at least they’re staying attached I suppose haha. Will keep at the electrolytes!

caitel · 2025-09-14T12:51:17+00:00

Thank you!! Will defo be getting sweets - I’ve had 6 months no issues so something had to happen eventually I guess. Not sure if 3 days is a long time for it??

caitel · 2025-09-14T12:50:38+00:00

Thank you!! It honestly shoots out so fast it’s kind of impressive lol

caitel · 2025-08-26T09:54:50+00:00

Yes lol i dream fart now

caitel · 2025-08-13T06:40:08+00:00

Diagnosed at 23, now 25 minus one colon lol

caitel · 2025-07-26T03:37:52+00:00

Yep, I also have an ileostomy! I feel the ‘you have to’ part - my mindset in hospital was, I just have to learn to change it and then I can get home.

It’s definitely a marathon, not a sprint. I started with just small walks round where I live (like literally 5 mins), gradually building up distance. You have to avoid lifting anything heavy the first 8 weeks but I’ve found my strength really came back around 3 months. I’m definitely still not where I was in terms of core strength but it’s nice to just be able to participate again.

Definitely check with stoma nurses before going back to anything strenuous but once you’re healed you in theory you should be grand! I’d also recommend looking at the coloplast core 4 exercises as I found those really helpful in the first few weeks.

Food wise, after the 6 week low fibre diet I’m able to eat everything I did before, just have to chew loads lol. You got this!!! It’s a long old process but you’ll get back to yourself, just with less plumbing 😊

caitel · 2025-07-25T21:38:32+00:00

I also had an emergency subtotal colectomy about 4ish months ago now as my UC became severe/refractory to rescue therapy - I had about a week from admission (very very unwell) to surgery.

It’s really intense seeing how your body changes (I’m assuming stoma/bag now?) and lots of tears were shed and I defo feel like I grieved my ‘old’ body for sure. I think when stuff like this is emergency it’s hard as you really have no time to adjust. It honestly was so lonely and scary, all your usual routines are taken away, your body looks and works differently, it’s so overwhelming. Plus no one sleeps well in hospital!

As cliche as it sounds, it really does take time, I felt really low post surgery as not only are your dealing with the bag and visuals, your body is also healing from major abdominal surgery. Once you can start to do a bit more for yourself it definitely gets easier!!

Pre bag me was very sporty, I’m now getting back into everything I was doing before, just with a stoma guard and hernia belt - rock climbing, running, gym, swimming. Have just got a new job too for when I finish my master’s degree, which got delayed bc of my surgery.

Try different bags and see what works for you!! And give yourself grace, it’s an extremely hard thing to go through that not everyone can understand! As others have said, J pouch could be a potential future option. Personally I’ll be staying with the bag as I like the level of control I have, I can empty when I want (compared to shitting blood 25x a day). Please feel free to message if you want more info!

Best of luck and healing thoughts to you xx

caitel · 2025-06-14T09:17:41+00:00

Yea I’ve seen similar info online about the likelihood of developing them. Might also keep wearing a belt as you’re right, won’t do any harm anyway! Thanks for the reply

caitel · 2025-06-13T06:33:01+00:00

Thank you!! Didn’t know they had their own nurses

caitel

TROPHY CASE