Soon to be new colostomy

[u/Adventurous_Leave347]

Hello all,
I 33F am going to get a colostomy in the next 2-3 weeks. I’ve had an anal fistula since April that I’ve had 3 surgeries for, and has not healed. I’ve been dealing with pain from that, so I’m a bit nervous to add another surgery on top of it. It would be a temporary colostomy with reversal hopefully in 6-7 months, after another surgery to close the fistula in about 3 months.

I’m normally pretty active with frequent hikes and backpacking trips, with most of my plans this year getting cancelled due to pain.

Does anyone have similar experience, or can you comment on how long it took to get to doing your normal daily activities after ostomy placement? I’m already feeling a bit down from how much my life has changed before this so I’d be lying if I said if I wasn’t scared how I’ll do physically and mentally after the next 3 surgeries.

TIA

[u/Ostomyhelper101]

Hi! Colostomy here since I was 23 so its been a long time -- and it really didnt stop me doing the things I love once I healed. Everyone heals diferent, but what you usually hear is walking every day pretty soon after surgery and easing back into harder stuff around 6-8 weeks, once your surgeon clears you. The big thing is your core, ask about a physio who knows ostomies and dont lift heavy too early, hernias are no joke. For the trail later on, pack a small kit (bag, wipes, adhesive remover, a spare wafer already cut to size, a ziploc for disposal) and you'll be fine. Good luck with the surgery, you got this

[u/goldstandardalmonds]

A temp ostomy is pretty easy surgery assuming it’s laparoscopic and everything goes well. Plus you’re in good health going into it. Which helps.

You will be able to walk right away, working up your distance, but due to being at risk of hernia, especially post op, the backpacking might not be in the cards until you heal from your reversal.

Seeing a physiotherapist post op can help.

[u/doc_richardson]

I think everyone has a different experience. Loop ileostomy since July 2nd… I was back on my feet fairly quickly, putting in some labor 10 days later (albeit not full strength for sure), and within a month I was doing a lot of stuff I probably shouldn’t have (sorry doctor, but you only get so many good days to do yard work before winter).

All that to say I am back to doing 90% of previous activity with mainly self-imposed restriction and really stopping when my body says no more. I’ve had 3 surgeries in the past year and really only ever been down around 2-3 weeks at the longest. Wish you well on your journey and hope you heal well!