That way they can see the valve at the esophageal end. I take it, put it to my lips and puff a little air through it so they can see the flap move. I don t hide any problem since it gives me the opportunity to explain what it is and how to deal with it. Often they ask when they can go home or have questions that have to be referred to the doctor. I explain their doctor will decide that and there are many reasons for stays of different lengths.
Bodies heal at different rates and all surgeries are different.
I have a shower shield with me and show them what it looks like. Most are happy to hear they can shower again and I tell the story about cautiously wearing the shield and then one day being in the shower and realizing I didn t have it on. I panicked before I realized it hadn t killed me. I suggest a hand-held shower massage for ease of directing the flow of water, and explain that a little water in the stoma will be coughed out and it is just an unscheduled irrigation When the new lary has good color and bright eyes, I mention it because they like to know they are looking good. Some patients like to have their hand held.