Anne is due to have this procedure in February. She is quite nervous. Any idea what preparation she requires as she has no output from the bottom? What is it like?
Hi Brighteyes, sorry I can't offer info about the procedure that Anne is due to have (hopefully someone will be along soon who can offer more insight into what's involved) but another useful source for information that I've found, is a closed Facebook group called The Colostomy Association. Not sure whether social media is your thing, but I've learned a lot about diet, products, procedures, what's normal etc etc from people with personal knowledge of having a stoma. (None of the posts show on my personal facebook page and one has to request to join the group.) Another option may be to contact Anne's stoma / specialist nurse at the colorectal department. Or give the nurses on the forum a call?
Just to finish, I recently had a flexible sigmoidoscopy and only had an enema just prior to the procedure. Not sure if that helps? Hope you find the answers you need to help reassure Anne about the process. Take care, Jo xx
Hi Jo, thank you so much for your kindness. Anne has already had that procedure when they did initiial diagnosis.
They plan to do the full colonoscopy to check the full bowels this time. We know it is done the normal way but as she has a loop iliostomy - how does it change things. We think they will do the enema same as you describe.
Glad things are good for you. We had terrific rain/ wind here last night and morning. I am off today as using up my hols. it feels good.
The colostomy association has a leaflet called “colonoscopy through a stoma, a patient’s perspective” This goes into a lot of detail about the bowel preparation prior to the colonoscopy and what to expect during and after the procedure. You can download it here.
I hope the leaflet helps answer your questions. If you need any further information please do get back to us.
Hi - well today was the day!!! Overall it wasn't too bad - and I say to anyone having it that its not too bad and the day will go by quickly!! I won't mention the 3 hour traffic queue on the motorway due to the snow this morning - but I will mention The Harvester manager who opened his Harvester Restaurant early - so that weary motorists could go to the loo and get a drink - nice one sir! (we were gagging :devil:
The whole business took 3 1/2 hours. She was so drowsy afterwards she turned down the oportunity to go shopping (we live in a little village - so visiting a large town is always good). They used pethidine to knock her out for a couple of hours. The procedure - she can't remember TBH - but was private, warm, and discrete. The department was well run and there was no hanging about.
There is some output from the nether regions afterwards and we were given a couple of absorbant pants I nipped into Asda and got more = they are quite cheap) - they are needed as the output continues.
I have to be with her for 24 hours to ensure there is no side effect. The simple point is that she can't drive due to the tranquilers.
In conclusion - its altogether not too bad at all!!!
Good to read that the procedure went well and hope Anne is resting up today. How lovely that the Harvester Manager was such a decent bloke and took pity on the snowy motorists (just a very light dusting in my neck of the woods and was gone by mid morning). Regards Jules x
