Post surgeries issues
Tue, March 22, 2011 11:19 AM
Mitchell had his colectomy on March 11 but problems started on the morning of the 13th. He began vomiting severely and ended up with a ng tube in his nose. This lasted for a week and they had to go back in again on March 18. They found a double blockage and his stoma had twisted itself around 180 degrees. He is now recovering from that surgery. Although both surgeries were done laprascopically; he does now have an incision that goes from his belly button up about 3 inches.
Things are going well and he seems to be on his way to recovery.
His bottom is constantly leaking mucus and blood. Doc said this can last for a long time. Does anyone have any tips or tricks for this?
He will have the illeostomy for about 3 months. Spring Break is coming and then there isn't much school left. I'm thinking I may just homeschool for the rest of the year. I can't imagine sending him to school with the bag and these issues.
Anyone else been through this with a preteen?
Joined Jun 20, 2008
Mon, June 27, 2011 2:03 PM
Reply posted for SherwoodMaZ.
Hello, I was 17 years old when I had my first surgery. I left school in Feb and was expected to return after spring break, but this didn't happen for me. I was home schooled during my time with the temporary pouch. Having pouch was very unpredicatable for me. Even though a leaky pouch can be fixed, restrooms are always sanitary or comfortable for a quick fix and participating in the activites as other kids isn't always the same. My expected 6 weeks with a pouch turned into 6 months and I'm glad I didn't go to school with the pouch. But my opinion on comes from experience and I had really bad conditions following my surgery. So talk to your son. Explain to him his options and let you and your family decide together. :)
tooyoungforthisJoined Jun 27, 2011
Tue, March 22, 2011 7:33 PM
Reply posted for breezy.
As the mother of a son with a stoma and a ET, my best advice would be to get him involved as soon as he is comfortable with taking care of his stoma. Always be positive because self esteem and body image is huge. Let him know that having the stoma is not a big deal and he can do almost anything with it. If the pouch leaks (which it will at some point) let him know, it's no big deal- we can fix it. The sooner he is able to accept things he will be able to move forward and feel comfortable. I say this because sometimes a 3 mo time frame becomes 6, then 12 etc. So you want him to know that no matter what happens he can do this. I have taught 12, 14, 16yr olds and once you show them the diff pouches and explain what they still can do, that no one will be able to tell that they have a pouch, and they actively participate-they tend to adjust sooner. I have had parents decide to homeschool and I think that is fine if you think it is best for your child. I always say you can teach someone how to care of a stoma, but you can not teach attitude...the right attitude goes a long, long way! Good luck and hope this helps
Joined Jul 6, 2009
Tue, March 22, 2011 11:59 AM
Reply posted for SherwoodMaZ.
I was in my early 40s when I had a temp. colostomy. (Middle age preteen?) I had difficulty going back to work. The adjustment to the bag was overwhelming. Figuring out the best appliance took me a while and I never became used to the bag. I was always stressed about it. I did not have the leaky situation. If I had that too, I probably would have not gone back to work. You also need to consider that he is healing and will quickly undergo more surgery. 2 surgeries in one year put a whammy in my works. I would do the homeschooling unless he just absolutely begs to go to school. Neat trick- bananas thicken ostomy output! They really do. Make sure he chews his food very well.
Hugs to you both,
Wendy
Joined Jan 5, 2009
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