I woke up feeling pretty good. I had a bit of a headache again as I tried to fall asleep last night. I was tired of not sleeping, so I took an Oxy. It took a little bit for me to get to sleep but once I did I stayed asleep until 6. I had to pee. My bag was fuller than I had expected given I emptied before bed… so I emptied it too. I went back to bed and woke up around 9. I received sample bags yesterday that were a bit different than the bags I’ve been using since surgery. This one is more aesthetically pleasing as it is not see through, I liked the idea of that. I was worried about throwing a wrench in what was already something I wasn’t 100% comfortable doing. The instructions made it seem like it was similar enough process that I was confident it was worth giving it a try.

Before we get to the changing of the bag, I’d like to mention one thing I have not yet mentioned that is important. I’ve read on multiple forums and online more than anyone had mentioned to me in the hospital about passing “mucous” from your rectum sometimes. This is absolutely true. It happens. Almost every morning I have the urge not to necessarily go to the bathroom, but I know that I have to sit down on the toilet. There’s no need to push or force anything, just sitting a bit will allow it to drip out and that’ll be that, but it does happen more often than I had thought it was going to happen, so be prepared, and don’t worry if it happens.

I got out of the shower, and began. It took me a bit longer than I had hoped to get the bag off with the adhesive remover. I figure this is because it hasn’t been that long since my last bag change and the adhesive is still stronger than it would normally be. I can tell I am getting a bit better about handling and touching my stoma, but definitely still have a long way to go. Eventually, the new bag was on. My initial opinion. Not happy. I had to lie down for a second once it was on because I felt a tiny bit dizzy, and was trying to avoid another passing out episode…I couldn’t risk waking up to my dad in his underwear twice in one week. It passed, but I still was a bit uneasy about how well the bag was stuck to my skin. One of the most important steps is to push firmly around the stoma to make sure the circular part of the bag that sticks to the skin is pressed hard against the adhesive to avoid leaks. Because I cannot see through the bag it was hard to get my fingers in and around the stoma completely. I did my best and covered the stoma with my hand for five minutes to allow for the adhesive to melt a bit. The only other thing I’ll say about these bags is that the adhesive that sticks to the skin is much more uncomfortable than the other bag. It’s a bit bigger so it sticks to more skin and the material seems to be a bit stickier, what I fear may be a bit more painful when it comes to take it off… we’ll see.

i ate some breakfast, waffles, fruit loops, and a bagel, and went back to bed for a few hours. I wanted to sleep a little more today than usual because sleep is important and I feel I haven’t been getting the amount of rest I should be. I woke up at around 2 and was feeling pretty good. My stomach around the stoma was a bit sore and I never know if that is just from the surgery or me being at it more than usual today. That will be something I ask the surgeon tomorrow at my first check up since surgery. Also, because I’m paranoid of a leak every unfamiliar pain or feeling when I maneuver I am scared is a problem. Ugh! The Stress. I’m looking forward to the appointment and hopefully getting the stitches out of my incision. It will be nice to hear from him that things look good, that I am progressing nicely, and all my concerns are normal concerns that will fade with time. That’s tomorrow though, today I’ll continue to worry, it’s just my nature.