Table 4 Telephone interview within 2 weeks of discharge (n = 60)

How did you feel coming home?

n = 48 felt fine

n = 7 felt coming home was difficult, i.a., becauseof worry/uncertainty about colostomy and being alone

n = 5 felt it was difficult, because of fatigue/pain/nausea

Did you feel that you had received the information you needed to feel safe upon coming home?

n = 50 felt well-informed. Written discharge information was very helpful and gave a feeling of safety

n = 9 lacked information on diet/colostomy/surgical dressing

n = 1 received wrong information about list of drugs

How do you feel now, after the operation?

n = 24 report fatigue; 11 of these nonetheless report feeling well

n = 20 feel well

n = 7 report fatigue and nausea, pain or worry

n = 4 report pain and/or nausea

n = 4 report worry/depression

n = 1 reports troublesome bowel symptoms

How is your appetite now?

n = 28 experience no problems with eating

n = 23 report decreased appetite/eating less

n = 9 report no appetite

If you experience a lack of appetite, what do you think it is due to?

n = 8 report nausea

n = 8 report early satiety

n = 4 report food tasting strange/different

n = 4 report not feeling hungry

n = 4 do not know why

n = 4 report other reason

What is the consistency of your stools?

n = 15 report loose stools

n = 9 report varying consistency

n = 8 report normal consistency

n = 4 report hard stools/constipation

n = 24 report colostomy

Do you have problems urinating?

n = 32 report no problems

n = 11 report problems urinating

n = 9 report urinating more often/frequent need to urinate

n = 3 report incontinence

n = 5 report not being able to discontinue IUC/Carefix*

Do you experience pain around the surgical site? If “yes,” what kind of pain relief do you use?

n = 35 report using paracetamol and/or ibuprofen regularly

n = 14 report using no pain relief

n = 8 report taking oxycodone (OxyNorm) as needed

n = 3 report taking paracetamol as needed

Do you have pain anywhere else in your body?

n = 17 report already using pain relief because of pain elsewhere

Do you feel strong enough to be up and about now, after the operation? How often? For how long?

n = 60 report being up and about and active

n = 36 report resting once or several times per day

n = 21 report walking long distances

How do you feel about me calling you?

n = 60 report that the call conveys joy, a feeling of safety and professionalism and that “someone” cares

Do you have any other thoughts and questions?

n = 6 have questions about colostomy care and materials

n = 3 have questions about call back/the next appointment—when will that happen?

n = 1 has questions about sick leave

n = 1 has questions about medication