Beat the afternoon slump

Clinical Advisor

From A Bigger Life

It is normal to feel exhausted in the early weeks and months following surgery.

Reasons why you might be feeling tired

• You probably didn’t get much sleep in hospital as they are really busy places.
• You are up at night changing or emptying your ostomy pouch so your sleep has been interrupted.
• Your sleeping position may have changed as you are could be uncomfortable after surgery.

What you can do to help prevent tiredness

• If you are tired during the day, take a nap in the afternoon.
• Use pillows to help make you feel more comfortable.
• Try to avoid eating large meals late in the evenings, this will reduce your night time emptying allowing you to get a longer uninterrupted sleep.
• Although you are feeling very tired it is important to try to do some very gentle exercise such as a short walk and just getting some fresh air. This will help you sleep much better at night time.
• Establish a bedtime routine and get into a habit of going to bed at the same time each night.
• Ensure you are hydrated because if you aren’t taking enough fluids that will also contribute to feeling very tired.
• It all this fails and you are still feeling concerned about how tired you are feeling please consult your stoma nurse or doctor.

You might be interested in:

• A good night’s sleep
• Hints and tips for night drainage
• Swimming with a stoma
• Why your stoma may change in shape and size
• Looking after your abdominal muscles following stoma surgery