Congratulate yourself on completing the dog days — I know how exhausting they can be. You are one week closer to getting your life back. You’re likely not where you want to be yet and may still be battling discouragement at times. Hang in there and DO NOT give up hope. Human beings can go 40 days without food, three days without water, and eight minutes without air but you cannot live one moment without hope…and there IS hope!
Today, I’d like to introduce you to the POW that had the greatest impact on my recovery, Captain Charlie Plumb. It was his book, I’m No Hero, that I read and reread during the most challenging days of my recovery. Captain Plumb spent nearly six years as a Prisoner of War in an 8 by 8-foot cell. During his 2,103 days of captivity, he distinguished himself among his fellow prisoners as a professional in underground communications and served for two of those years as the chaplain in his camp. His story is one of hope and outlines how the same techniques he used to survive his brutal captivity can be applied to the challenges of your recovery.
Also bringing back my friend Josh, a C-130 pilot in the US Air Force who encourages you to never give up!
Lean into the power of hope!
Former NFL Kicker
Former NFL Kicker, Walter Payton Man of the Year, Grateful Ostomy Patient
Adversity and Hope
Air Force pilot Josh Nelson encourages you to believe that nothing is impossible and to never give up.
Meeting POW Captain Plumb a few years ago was one of the greatest honors of my life. Being able to thank him in person for the impact he had on my life was a moment I will never forget. Enjoy this message from Captain Plumb today! (These 10 minutes could change the course of your recovery!)
Roadmap to Recovery
Take a few more steps today than you did yesterday.
Ileostomy surgery increases the risk of dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. The small intestines absorb nutrients, but the large intestine (colon) normally absorbs most of our water intake. When surgery removes our colon, we must recognize staying hydrated can be a challenge.
Stay hydrated!
1. Drink 8-10, eight-ounce glasses of water/fluid daily (avoid fluids with high sugar content). Water is great but you also need fluids which have electrolytes like coconut water, vegetable juices, dilute squash and low sugar electrolyte drinks.
2. Keep track of how much you drink each day…especially early on after surgery.
3. Keep your drink bottle with you and sip throughout the day.
4. Consume fruits and foods with high water content when possible.
5. Be mindful that excessive sweating or diarrhea can increase the risk of dehydration.
6. Learn the signs of dehydration as they can come on quickly if you don’t have a colon:
• Dark or concentrated urine
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Dry mouth, thirst
• Feeling disoriented, dizzy, shaky or having difficulty concentrating
• Shortness of breath
• Dry skin
• Stomach or leg cramps
• Nausea
• Heart palpitations
• Constipation or bloating
If these symptoms are persistent contact your physician immediately.
Potential Complications
Be vigilant so you can stay out of the hospital
These potential complications may be preventable if you recognize the warning signs early and take the appropriate action.
1. Dehydration. One out of three ileostomy patients will be readmitted to the hospital for dehydration within 30 days of their operation. Learn how to stay hydrated here.
Learn more about hydration from our dietitian, Danielle.
2. Skin problems. Peristomal skin is the skin surrounding your stoma and should look and feel just like the skin on the rest of your abdomen (not irritated or red). Learn more about how to care for your peristomal skin and catch any problems early so they can be addressed.
3. Hernia. This happens when an organ or other tissue pushes through your abdominal muscles and creates a bulge. Since having ostomy surgery increases your risk of developing a hernia, you will want to follow these guidelines:
• Limit your lifting to 5-10 lbs. for the first 4-6 weeks post-surgery (or as directed by your surgeon) and always use proper lifting technique.
• Support the area around your stoma if you sneeze, cough, or laugh by squeezing a folded blanket or pillow.
Learn more about hernias and how to protect yourself here.
Hear Nurse Melody talk about hernias and how to prevent them here.
4. Problem Solving. You may encounter problems like skin irritation, leaks, no output and others. Click here for more details.
5. Medical Emergencies.Review this list so you will know when to call your surgeon/nurse or go to the nearest emergency room.
Embracing Ostomy Life Goals
Goals for Today
• Staying well hydrated can prevent rehospitalizations and other complications from ostomy surgery.
• Work toward independence on changing your pouch.
We offer our sincerest thanks to Joan Scott — a kind ostomate and brilliant writer — for allowing us to include excerpts of, her book, “The Ostomy Raft”, in Alive & Kicking. To purchase a copy filled with tons of practical tips for living with an ileostomy or colostomy, click the button below.
Rolf Benirschke is a former NFL Man of the Year and All-Pro placekicker who played 10 seasons in the NFL for the San Diego Chargers. His career was briefly interrupted when he was diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease that required ileostomy surgery in his third season. Remarkably, Rolf returned to play seven more years with the Chargers, becoming the first ever professional athlete to play with an ostomy appliance. He has been an outspoken champion of the ostomy community for the past 40 years and created Embracing Ostomy Life™ to provide the hope, education and encouragement to ensure that no one goes through ostomy surgery alone.
Join Team HOPE
Do you wish you could connect with someone like you who has an ostomy and similar life goals? You can! Our Team HOPE (Helping Ostomates through Peer Encouragement) program can pair you with a volunteer who has an ostomy that will listen, empathize and suggest resources to help you along your journey.
