So often I meet or mentor people post-ostomy surgery and my goal is to support them as they adjust to their new anatomy. The focus is frequently on the emotional aspect of becoming an ostomate and all that entails. Beyond new anatomy, there is fear, recognizing and utilizing their strength, developing coping skills and strategies on navigating the medical world into which they have just entered. This is enough for any newly recovering patient, and my arms are open to embrace with them all of this.

Recently, however, some of the patients that have contacted me are temporary ostomates with plans for a reversal within the next three to six months. That amount of time is necessary for internal healing; much longer and there is a chance that the rectum may atrophy and the reversal may be at risk.

My goal with temporary ostomates is different than those with a permanent ostomy. Beyond the emotional upheaval of the surgically altered anatomy, I want to help prepare for their reversal surgery. That preparation cannot be minimized, because it is imperative the patient be physically and emotionally ready. The emotional piece is rarely an issue. Many with a temporary ostomy are anticipating the reversal with gratitude their stoma gave them health, and now they can return to what they knew prior to their ostomy. However, are they physically ready for another surgery?

My recommendation to those anticipating a reversal, or anyone anticipating surgery, is to be ready! By that, I mean getting as healthy as possible before the impending date. Get plenty of exercise, even if it is simply walking around the house or on the driveway until being able to walk farther. I remember that following my first major small bowel obstruction and resection I asked my husband, Bruce, to bring my running shoes to the hospital so I could walk the halls. Yes, I had my pole (known as my “boyfriend” that had tubes and bags hanging) and it was cumbersome, but I walked as often as I was capable of doing. It made all the difference. A great benefit is that others saw me out walking and joined me, so I met some nice patients and we passed the time together chatting.

Eat well, drink plenty, and take vitamins as directed is another bit of advice to prepare for surgery. This is no time to miss meals or try to get off weight. Nourish yourself physically and it will help emotionally and spiritually. Of course, I am not suggesting overdoing, simply be mindful your body will be assaulted and being healthy will be the best weapon in your arsenal.

Lastly, get plenty of sleep and rest as needed. From my first bowel resection, many surgeries ago, I need a daily afternoon nap, and actually can’t function without it. Many have teased “it must be nice to be able to have such a luxury.” In actuality, it is a burden, because I must make it part of my day, and it keeps me from fulfilling many things I wish to fulfill. But I can’t function without it and accept it as part of my physicality.

Whether you are planning an ostomy reversal, knee replacement, cardiac surgery or any of a myriad of procedures, do your best to be healthy. I am forever grateful I was in good health when I had my first small bowel resection in January of 1993. When the surgery was performed in the late hours of the night, the surgeon reported I was hours from death. Prayers were said for my survival. I was strong enough to fight, and I have never taken that for granted.  We never know what is coming, but we can be prepared by staying as healthy as possible, so we can return to our good health.

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