Thanks everybody. Sorry for the delay in responding. Sunday night I got re-admitted to the hospital and just got out very late on Tuesday evening. The tube (it was a "G-tube" leading into the stomach) fell out, and the area around the opening was inflamed and breaking down, and there was cellulitis under the skin. They admitted me mainly to give me IV antibiotics and to let things calm down.

I finally got to see a competent wound-care nurse who set me up with an external drain system that seems to be working OK so far. Stuff will just not stop coming out however.

NuttyG: thanks for the pro's perspective. Good point on trying to get some training in without hitting the road. In a day or two I think I will pull the trainer back out of the closet and try to do some easy time indoors. I think I can do that without jostling the collection bag too much.

The surgeon actually encouraged me to get back on the bike. She said I could even ride outside with the collection bag in if the drainage was slowing down, but I'm not sure I'm ready for that yet. I'll stick to the trainer until the wound closes over probably. But at least maybe I can keep up a little cardio and leg strength.

There is way TMI in this thread, but it does help to vent