Day 3

   I'm officially back home! It's a wonderful feeling, but now the challenge is up to me. I've been taught how to change my ostomy bag, as well as empty it. It's honestly not too difficult, just gotta pay attention. Here are some helpful tips when changing, at least from a mans standpoint. When changing, even in a public place, you may want to sit towards the back of the toilet, rather than standing up. It's much easier to empty the bag and keep yourself from getting ant of your own waste on you. You may also want to line toilet paper on the water. This will prevent any nasty splash back, and also will help with not leaving any embarrassing stains in the toilet; especially when emptying in a friends house.

   Watching what you eat will be crucial after surgery. There will be foods that produce more stool than others. This varies on the person. I haven't experienced many foods yet, but as I experience them, I will share them with everyone. Personally, I've been eating a lot of crackers. This morning for breakfast, the hospital gave me really dry pancakes, with some syrup. These didn't too much harm.

   Your stool will be a lot thicker after being allowed to eat food again, rather than the extremely liquidy stool it was before. I've also noticed that sometimes, the food doesn't digest or break apart completely. I've noticed little bits of chicken, from the foods I had yesterday. Don't be alarmed, it will happen. Chewing food more thoroughly is also important and useful. 

   I was discharged from the hospital with a few medicines that I will need to take. I am still on prednisone, but weening off, thank goodness. I also have to give myself shots, these are so I don't get blood clots. I also need to take antibiotics and pain medication. 

    Doctor wants me to keep active, and walk more. I need to lose about 15 more pounds. This will be good for me and my personal health. I have a small, painful cough, I think its only painful because of the surgery. 

   I'm happy to be home, and I'm enjoying the Germany-Italy match with my dad now. I will continue to keep everyone updated. 

Be well

Johnny.