cancer & poop after WLS

I'm mostly on the DS forum or the main board, but I'm really hoping to get some input from you all.    FWIW, here's my story. I met with Dr Hess for my first DS consult the week I was diagnosed with cancer (lining of the uterus) so, no DS at that time.  Surgery, radiation...all was well.  I consulted with Dr Oakley (DR Hess's 'replacement' - didn't last long) and he just wasn't the surgeon for me.  I was switched 3/06 by Dr Lane and DH was 7/06.  No complications and at goal.   We bought my dream house 1/07 and in June celebrated our 25th wedding anniversary.  Things were going well when my dear, wonderful MIL went into the hospital 7/18 (45 min away in the 'big city').  For 3 weeks we worked, took turns spending the night with her, drove to the hospital at least once a day, and watched her pass.  Her funeral needed to be scheduled to not fall on her grandson's (my DS) 16th birthday nor on her son's surgery date to remove a melanoma.  We buried her on 8/14.  The rest of that week was spent catching up at work, preparing for a 16th pool party, sorting through a lifetime of MIL belongs, etc. Sunday 8/19 I had unbearable, sharp abdominal pain.  I immediately thought 'bowel obstruction' and went to the ER.  I have stage III colon cancer and the tumor ruptured the colon.  Long, long summer.... So, if you made it this far, here is my problem:  I have a colostomy bag (temporary but for awhile).  Has anyone here had a colostomy after the DS?  I'm having trouble with it because of the tremendous quantity of DS poop!  Do RNY'ers have more poop than pre-op? I've had to completely change the bag 3 times in 10 days due to leakage.  I have a visiting nurse coming today but she most likely won't really 'get' the DS thing.   Any suggestions?  Do you know where to even send me?  I plan on cross-posting this on the DS forum as well as the cancer board which has almost no traffic. I appreciate you all and value all suggestions/advice you have. Kim

Sorry to hear about your troubles. I don't know if this will help, but be sure to explain to the visiting nurse about your weight loss surgery so she or he can help you figure out a plan to keep your colostomy in good order. I have been a visiting nurse and we as a group have a lot of experience with these kind of problems. Where in the bowel the colostomy is placed has a lot to do with how much poop comes out and the consistency of it. There are skin products the nurse can help you get to help the appliance stick better and sometimes it is a matter of the sequence of application of the products that help the wafer stick better. My other suggestion is if the nurse does not have that much experience with your problem don't be afraid to ask for one who does have more experience or call your hospital and talk to the nurse enterostomal therapist or wound care nurse..most major hospitals have one and they can make you an appointment or talk to you on the phone. The major thing is not to give up, this problem is not hopeless and as all things will get better when you are better prepared to deal with it. I know it is hard with all the things you have endured this summer but hang in there. Good luck Paula

Thank you, Paula.  The info you gave was very helpful.  I just had my first "middle of the night" adventure and freaked out a little.  The traveling nurse that was here today wasn't very helpful, but they didn't really give her good info before she arrived.  She is sending in the ostomy nurse and she should be more helpful. I really was doing very well with all of this until this am.  Thank you for all the info and your support.  You don't know how much it means. Kim

Hi Kim. I'm so sorry I don't have any advice for you, but just wanted to take a moment to say hello. You have certainly been thru alot lately! I hope the nurse that they send you can be of some help. Please keep us updated on your situation. ((((((((HUGS))))))))

Thanks so much.  I am feeling ok right now and I know things do get better.  Think what a rich life I will have lived with all of this excitement! LOL I've seen worse than this and others certainly have a worse situation than I will ever have.  I so appreciate your kind words. Kim 

Bless your heart!!! I have no advice since I've never had to deal with anything like this. I just wanted to chime in to encourage you and let you know you are in my prayers. I LOVE your attitude about having a "rich life" after going through all of this. I'm not sure that I would call it that, but I am so glad that you can. A positive attitude is SOOOOO important. You are right, there are people that are much worse off than you, but do not let that stop you from cutting yourself a little slack. Be good to yourself!!!!      Hugs,            Piggybabe

Thank you for your concern/support.  It means more to me than you realize.  I think I have a pretty good attitude and feel positive most of the time.  I have plenty of times I feel sorry for myself, too.  I have a wonderful family and support system so that helps the most.  Thanks again. Kim

i want to read your post the moving eye is too much of a distraction...  I hope you feel better soon...

i would ask your doctor if you are able to take imodium ad to slow the stool output down.  also talk to the visting nurse that is hopefully an ostomy nurse if she is not go back to the hospital and talk to one.  they have many tricks on controlling stool output hope this helps. Marsha

Thanks for the ideas.  I do have an ostomy nurse but since I'm in a rural area, she travels extensively and hasn't made it here yet.  I got instruction from one in the hospital and although she was very helpful, I didn't know what questions to ask or problems I'd have.  Doc says no Immodium.  Oh well, I'll make it through all this soon enough. Kim