Gloria:
My pelvic abscess came to be as a result of my original intestinal perforation, which was extensive. I had two drains placed through my “butt cheeks” that was successful in slowly siphoning off most the purlent drainage. Like you, I had a residual amount of material that remained - a porridge, of sorts, of cellular debris that was eventually absorbed by my body from within. It was a s-l-o-w process of several months (4-5 months$.
All the while, I felt as though I had an ongoing case of the flu. Deep pelvic pressure, not unlike menstral cramps. Low grade fever. Periodic drenching night sweats. Unrelenting fatigue, fatigue not relieve with rest. Diffuse muscle and joint pain.
I purchased a few buckwheat-filled microwaveable warming packs (often marketed for neck and back pain suffers) and would place these between my butt cheeks when lying on my side. These warm packs were immensely comforting. You may find similar warm packs (or ice packs) helpful.
Nausea and low appetite was concerning as I am a small/petite person. I kept mainly to liquids. Sipping/drinking was easier for me then chewing solid food for substance. Carnation Instant Breakfast became a staple. I focused on drinking clear liquids as a means of helping my body flush the toxins from the infection.
Because of underlying endocrine problems, my immune system is not robust. I have had this abscess reappear under circumstances when my immune system is otherwise run-down. Unfortunately, for me, reappearance of the abscess is something that I have to be watchful for. If your immune system is fairly healthy I would not think this would be a concern for you once the original infection has been “cleaned-up” by your body’s immune warriors.
Living with an ostomy pouch is a process of adapting and adjusting. Taking time to find the optimal pouching system (wafer and bag) for you can make a significant difference emotionally. The bag that was provided to you initially at the hospital is one of many permutations available.
Take time to call each of the main ostomy manufacturers and talk with a customer representative. The customer representatives are knowledgeable of ostomies and give generously of their time to help new patients find a best system.
The main manufacturers: Coloplast, Hollister, Convatec. Google each for 1-800 telephone numbers or e-mail addresses to request samples.
You can also visit the United Ostomy Association website and forum (
www.uoaa.org) for support in sourcing a new ostomy wafer/pouch and pouching maintenance. This is a nice group of people who know everything there is to know about ostomies - adding a sense of humor. I am a regular poster.
The Coloplast Mio is my recommended ostomy pouching system. The Mio wafer has imbedded elastic polymers which provided for a thin, pliable wafer that moves as the body moves. Coloplast offers pouches in 3 sizes/capacities: Mini (about 5 inches), Moda (about 7 inches), Maxi (about 10 inches).
I barely give my ostomy any notice during the day when I have the Coloplast Mio on. I am a loyal Coloplast customer.
Many people like a the feeling of a fresh pouch after draining fecal contents into the toilet. A small squirt bottle filled with warm water does the trick. Place the spout of the squirt bottle into the tail end of the pouch, squirt 2-3 ounces of warm water into the pouch, secure/close the tail end and sloush the warm water around the inside of the pouch to “clean” the inside of the pouch. Open the tail and empty the contents, again, into the toilet. Hocus pocus . . . The inside of the pouch is clean.
Many ostomates swish their pouches with warm water. A small squirt bottle does the trick.
Come on over to the UOAA support form. You can always read and browse. Living in harmony with an ostomy pouch can be helped by learning and sharing with others.
www.uoaa.orgSending healing wishes,
Karen
Dear friend to Bella Piazza, former Colon Club member (NWGirl).
I have a permanent ileostomy and offer advice on living with an ostomy - in loving remembrance of Bella
I am on Palliative Care for broad endocrine failure + Addison's disease + osteonecrosis of both hips/jaw + immunosuppression. I live a simple life due to frail health.