A stoma is any hold that opens into the human body; the plural form of the word is stomata. Occasionally artificial stoma is used surgically to treat different health conditions. Recovering from stoma surgery can take a little while, but as long as you do what is necessary, it should not be a problem.
Stoma Appearance And Pain Management
The first few dozen days after your surgery, the stoma will be swollen and large. It could even start to use bodily fluids. Over the first couple of months after your stoma surgery, it will reduce in size significantly.
Most patients are given control over analgesic medication after their surgery with a patient control button.
These allow you to control the painkillers' level in your body to manage pain post-surgery effectively.
Immediately After Your Surgery
When you wake up from your surgery, you can expect to be in the hospital for 1 to 2 weeks recovering. You will be discharged once your new stoma is functioning correctly. During the time you are at the hospital, the nurses and doctors will help teach you how to take care of yourself.
Learning How To Take Care Of Yourself
Eating and drinking need a bit of relearning after stoma surgery. Immediately after surgery, you will likely only be able to digest liquids.
Over a few days, your gastrointestinal system will come back online. Some foods that are difficult to digest are essential to avoid if you have a stoma. These can include things like popcorn or potato skins.
Moving Around Again
Avoid the temptation to just lay around in bed all day after your surgery. The quicker you get up and moving again, the faster your recovery will be. It is normal to feel a little weak after your surgery, but you should regain your strength quickly.
What To Expect Once You Arrive Back Home
When you get back home, expect to still feel soreness around your stoma and bowels. Do not live over actively for the first few weeks after leaving the hospital. Eight weeks is the typical length of time for a full stoma surgery recovery.
Exercise Precautions
Lifting heavy weights is important to avoid for at least the first eight weeks after your surgery. If you raise more than 10 pounds, your chances of creating a hernia at the stoma site are extraordinarily elevated and can cause future issues if the stoma ruptures.
Showers And Baths
When you take a shower or a bath, it is your choice to leave your stoma back on or off. You do need to make sure that any bath products you use do not leave any remaining fits behind on your skin, or it could interfere with the functioning of your ostomy wafer.
Changing Your Stoma Bag
It would be best if you had been taught how to change your stoma bag at the hospital. Make sure to regularly take measurements during your first few weeks home to monitor the size changes. Ensure you have an excellent hermetic seal around your stoma to prevent your banks from leaking when you change them.
