Congratulations......

on your decision and success of your surgery.....  

Been just over 3 years for myself and I still share your excitement every time I think of it and especially when I catch a glimpse of myself in a mirror (whilst changing clothing, of course; not just looking at myself)

However, like yourself, my old stoma site remained open whilst healing, although I'm certain, I was advised to keep the wound covered at all times, even when showering and to try not get the dressing wet.

For the first 2 weeks; my dressing was changed by home visit Nurse every day; then every 3 days by the 3rd week, which remained the same until wound had completely healed; also, by the 3rd week, my home visits stopped and I had to attend the clinic for my dressing to be changed.

Initially, my home visit Nurse wanted to pack the wound but my Surgeon was insistent, that to prevent infection and reduce scaring, the wound must not be packed..... maybe worth checking what your Surgeon advises.

So pleased you're doing so well!  Sounds a lot like how I was doing at this time of my recovery!  For me, it just got better and better!  Continued success for you!  At 19 mos. out, I can pass gas both during a BM and otherwise.  Very rarely do I have leakage.  When I am out, I look for a Starbucks or Dunkin when I need to go.  But if I have no choice, I am learning to deal with it.  If someone doesn't like it, oh well!

Congratulations. 

Gives me goosebumps to what could have been. 

(which is a good thing) 

Richard

P. S. 

Happy for you. 

Although my pouch is gone now I do remember the feeling of getting rid of the bag. 

I've come to terms with it because it has made me better. But that feeling. Wow. 

And your pic says it all.

You'll have more good than bad days. 

Think positive......may not have a bad day at all. 

Awesome! I’m sure you’ll have good and bad days. Looks like you’ve got a great doc. Glad it went well! 

Awesome! I’m 3 days post take-down and my pouch has been working nicely as well. I went home 24hrs after surgery and although my abdomen is so sore, the pouch has been much less scary than I had anticipated. I’m looking forward to the future!

strange posted:

Congratulations......

on your decision and success of your surgery.....  

Been just over 3 years for myself and I still share your excitement every time I think of it and especially when I catch a glimpse of myself in a mirror (whilst changing clothing, of course; not just looking at myself)

However, like yourself, my old stoma site remained open whilst healing, although I'm certain, I was advised to keep the wound covered at all times, even when showering and to try not get the dressing wet.

For the first 2 weeks; my dressing was changed by home visit Nurse every day; then every 3 days by the 3rd week, which remained the same until wound had completely healed; also, by the 3rd week, my home visits stopped and I had to attend the clinic for my dressing to be changed.

Initially, my home visit Nurse wanted to pack the wound but my Surgeon was insistent, that to prevent infection and reduce scaring, the wound must not be packed..... maybe worth checking what your Surgeon advises.

 

 

 

Thanks for the advice! My surgeon specifically told me to not pack my wound and keep it dry and covered unless I’m in the shower. When I’m in the shower I’m supposed to let water roll over the wound but not directly into it then gently pat dry and recover. I’m pretty sure he told me I’m supposed to change my bandage every day but I’ll have to check on that to make sure it doesn’t go down to changing it every couple of days like you said your surgeon told you. Thanks again! 

For first week, dressing will defo require changing daily, as there's a discharge, which in my case, the Nurse use to inspect the dressing and the discharge, I guess looking for traces of infection.

I think my wound acquired a mild infection, due to the presence of an unpleasant odour when the dressing was removed, also the skin around the wound was very hot to touch, but I dont remember being prescribed antibiotics .

I'm surprised, you're expected to change the dressing yourself, although my mobility was good, it would of been awkward and difficult to change the dressing myself, especially during the first week since takedown.

strange posted:

For first week, dressing will defo require changing daily, as there's a discharge, which in my case, the Nurse use to inspect the dressing and the discharge, I guess looking for traces of infection.

I think my wound acquired a mild infection, due to the presence of an   unpleasant odour when the dressing was removed, also the skin around the wound was very hot to touch, but I dont remember being prescribed antibiotics .

I'm surprised, you're expected to change the dressing yourself, although my mobility was good, it would of been awkward and difficult to change the dressing myself, especially during the first week since takedown.

I actually feel perfectly comfortable changing it myself. Not awkward for me at all. My fiancé is a paramedic and my sister is a registered nurse so I will be sure to have them look at the wound often in case of potential infection.

I had a small area held together by steri-strips that I placed a square dressing and taped it on.  I didn't have a nurse at all after my last surgery and never had to pack it.  I changed the pad daily and eventually only needed a bandaid.  No packing at all.  I guess each surgeon does things differently.

CTB23 posted:

I had a small area held together by steri-strips that I placed a square dressing and taped it on.  I didn't have a nurse at all after my last surgery and never had to pack it.  I changed the pad daily and eventually only needed a bandaid.  No packing at all.  I guess each surgeon does things differently.

No Home nurse required for me either and I prefer it that way. One less person for me to keep track of haha

Jmitch39 posted:

strange posted:

For first week, dressing will defo require changing daily, as there's a discharge, which in my case, the Nurse use to inspect the dressing and the discharge, I guess looking for traces of infection.

I think my wound acquired a mild infection, due to the presence of an   unpleasant odour when the dressing was removed, also the skin around the wound was very hot to touch, but I dont remember being prescribed antibiotics .

I'm surprised, you're expected to change the dressing yourself, although my mobility was good, it would of been awkward and difficult to change the dressing myself, especially during the first week since takedown.

I actually feel perfectly comfortable changing it myself. Not awkward for me at all. My fiancé is a paramedic and my sister is a registered nurse so I will be sure to have them look at the wound often in case of potential infection.

Well with a Paramedic Fiancé and a Sisters who's a Nurse, you're in very capable hands.

Continued good luck!  And success with your new body!  Wonderful to,hear good news every now and then!