Post Stoma Reversal Wound
I’m one week post-op stoma reversal surgery. So far, so good. I’m off of clear liquids (broth, etc.) and on liquids (yogurt, ice cream, cream of wheat, cream of (whatever) soups, etc.). I was lucky to have a straightforward colostomy involving my Sigmoid colon only after a bout of acute diverticulitis/peritonitis/sepsis/septic shock that almost killed me, and my surgeon said the reversal was also fairly simple. I was discharged after only 2-1/2 days, so overall I’m very happy with the outcome considering the alternatives I could have faced.
I have two questions:
The first couple of days, when I was on clear liquids, I basically had diarrhea (which I expected). Around Day 4 or so, after moving to liquids, my poop became slightly more solid (still runny) for a couple of days. Since then, maybe a couple of days ago through today, I haven’t had any bowel movements at all, other than a small amount yesterday. I’m passing gas, so I guess that’s a good sign. My question to the group is, can I expect these types of fluctuations in my bowel habits (on then off then on then off…) for the foreseeable future?
My stoma reversal wound is slowly closing and is still oozing blood and other fluids (plasma?). The amount of discharge was lessening since the packing was removed on Day 2. I’ve been changing the dressing every day and there was hardly any discharge the past couple of days. This morning, however, the amount of blood/fluid was more noticeable and went through all four layers of the gauze. It’s not bleeding like an open wound, but the fact that the wound is discharging more than yesterday and the previous days - is this something any of you have experienced?
My surgeon warned me about having a wonky digestive system for a while (question 1), and I’ve checked with him regarding the second question, but I’m also interested in hearing real-world answers from the group.
Thanks.