Finally had the pouch removed after multiple attempts to get it done. For anyone that has had theirs removed, were you advised not to sit for 2+ weeks? After leaving the hospital I was told it would be quite some time before I could actually do anything besides lay down or lay at a slight angle. All my nurses were confused because they never heard of doing that and I can't recall seeing anyone on here who has had this done mention it either. I've been sitting up for what I can tolerate without any sort of discomfort because frankly, laying down is driving me nuts.
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I was in the hospital 11 days after removal. One reason I was in so long is because my surgeon didn't trust me. For good reason. But as soon as I was released and even before I was good to get up and walk around. Out of the four surgeries I had this was the easiest to get through. I was back to work in eight weeks. Could have gone back at six but was just too lazy so I took two more off. I was never told to stay in bed at any time.
Richard.
Walking around I can do. The thing is I'm not supposed to sit whatsoever which makes life difficult.
Now. You have me wondering why.
Maybe it's where you bend and where the cut is.
I really don't know. I do know my incision this time healed faster than the others. All you can do is ask the surgeon why exactly you cannot sit.
Richard.
I had mine removed and got the barbie butt at the same time -- was never told not to sit. I remember it being uncomfortable for long periods and switching position a lot, but that's about it. Sounds like a miscommunication -- I'd clarify.
Jennifer
Finally got ahold of the surgeon. He basically told me that I needed to keep all pressure of the butt to ensure it heals properly. Apparently this is the only surgeon that thinks that way since everyone on here says they sat after? I'll be honest I've kinda ignored that completely and I've been sitting on pillows and what not. Laying down for weeks is pretty much impossible for me since I'm a really active guy.
Doughnut...
I sat on an inflatable doughnut for about a month...they used a hemovac on me for about 10 days to suction out the fluid and then I healed up slowly on my own but felt like I got rammed with a blunt object...
The doughnut allowed me to sit and not put pressure on the area.
There were no rules or regulations it was just what worked for me.
Sharon
The stitches healed but I had a small opening, where my rectal stump use to be, that took 8 months to heal up completely. I used a great seat cushion in the car and sat on one cheek if I had to sit on something hard, like a chair at a wedding reception. My surgeon at Mayo's didn't tell me to avoid sitting all together. I think you will automatically change the way you are sitting due to the related pain/discomfort. Also my local stoma nurse told me to not sit too much. I think your doctor is cautious - which is a good thing.