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• It is advisable to go for a short walk daily
• You should be able to manage stairs
• Spread tasks over the day and rest in between, but remember you are likely to feel more tired as the day goes on
• Do not lift anything heavier than a half-full kettle
• You will be able to make small light meals
• You must not drive in the early days after your surgery because you are still sore and may have restricted movement. Also, certain medication can affect your ability to drive

• Continue to rest when you get tired
• Continue to avoid heavy lifting due to the risk of developing a hernia. If you do need to lift, keep the objects close to your body, bend knees and wear a light support garment. Your Stomal Therapy Nurse will be able to advise you
• Household activities such as ironing can be done sitting down
• Continue to walk on a daily basis, going further over the week
• Avoid stretching up to reach high cupboards
• You should be able to drive after 3-6 weeks, depending on your type of surgery but you should check with your insurance company
• Continue the abdominal exercises you were taught in hospital

A hernia is a weakness in the muscle wall. A parastomal hernia can occur around the stoma and is more common depending on the following risk factors:

• Age
• Weight
• Strenuous or heavy lifting
• Smoking

Multiple abdominal and/or emergency surgery A parastomal hernia can vary in size from as small as a golf ball to as large as a football. There are numerous abdominal support garments that are helpful in concealing and supporting the hernia. It is recommended that you wear a light support garment as prevention. However, if you are partaking in strenuous activity, it is necessary to be measured for a more supportive garment. Your Stomal Therapy Nurse can arrange this for you.

In some people, the parastomal hernia will not cause any discomfort, but others may experience a dragging sensation, discomfort or pain. This will often depend on the size of the hernia and can be eased by wearing a measured support garment.

It is possible to have surgery to repair the hernia depending on the symptoms and effect on quality of life, but this will be assessed on an individual basis by your Surgeon. It should be noted that there may still be a risk of another hernia developing following the repair.

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common. In people with urostomies, it affects the upper part of the urinary system: the ureters and kidneys.

Signs and symptoms of a UTI:

• Flu-like symptoms
• High temperature
• Pain in back and sides
• Shivering
• Chills
• Cloudy and/or smelly urine

Tips to avoid a UTI:

• Drink plenty of fluids
• Ensure the tube of your night drainage bag is kept clean
• Drink cranberry juice or take cranberry tablets
• If you experience recurring UTIs speak to your Stomal Therapy Nurse as you may need to change your urostomy bag and night drainage bag more frequently.

Treatment of a UTI:

It is important that you contact your GP or Stomal Therapy Nurse if you experience any of the above symptoms. They will need a sample of your urine and will advise you when to take a sample, as the urine should be as fresh as possible.