Once again I aim to be honest and tell you my thoughts and opinions about being an Ostomist.
After my operation and removal of a rather large amount of my insides getting comfortable when laying down takes some getting used to.
So how do you sleep? Again not something explained to you when you happily leave the hospital.
SIDE NOTE:
I often wonder if I should write a book titiled:
Being an new Ostomist...Answers to the questions you really wan/need to know!
A book reccomended for new Ostomists explaining the real world questions that arent covered during your hospital debrief
Answering questions I think every Ostomists asks themselves when they first return home. Perhaps I will ;)
Anyway I got side tracked. Back to my original point. How do you sleep?
Laying on my stomach feels odd as I feel like im trapping my stoma.
On my right or left side creates amother rather unique Ostomy phenomenon. As my stomach/body cavity now has alot more space when I lay on my side everything moves and drops to this side. Its a VERY weird sensation. Ill try and tag an accompanying pic but the opposite side im laying on shrinks. It like having a tummy tuck just on one side.
That leaves laying on my back. No Ostomy issues here, just good old fashioned man issues. I snore! Badly if my wife is to be believed ;)
After 8 years I have found my suitable sleeping position. Half said half front...problem solved?
Afraid the truth is no matter how I sleep one issue never goes away. Lets be honest people when sleeping our body digests. Digestion creates output and.....gas!. It also very common during this process for air to build up..resulting in bed farts!
Cumon people..dont deny it you know it happens ;)
Well having an Ostomy doesnt stop this happening. What does happen is during the night or morning you wake up and your bag has turned into a balloon! A zeplin of air. Very uncomfortable! Also this often tests the bonds of the adhesive. This is also the worse time for me and my arch enemy....LEAKS!
Actually ive said it many times as a joke but I mean it sincerely. If asked what do I miss now Im an Ostomist...what has it taken away from me. Honestly many things mostly based in vanity.
However, I genuinely miss farting! Yep sorry, you can deny it but when your alone there is nothing like that sensation of passing wind. You can feel it building then the sensation of relief! Lol
Crude, but honest and true. Now dont misunderstand me I can still hold my own in the flatulanve smelling division. In fact emptying air from my bag would rival anyone!
Dont underestimate the little pleasures in life. You may miss them when they are gone. ;)
