I had an emergency colostomy in December for diverticulitis that had perforated my bowel wall. The surgeon found that everything inside was stuck to other structures with adhesions from seven endometriosis surgeries years ago. Diverticula from one end to the other. Every time I see him he goes into it about how I am one of the worst cases he's ever seen. I also developed sepsis and was in ICU three days. Now I am scheduled for reconnection surgery in early June and he just mentioned that he's bringing a urologist into the mix to insert stents so he can identify the ureters and that news has sent my anxiety soaring! I was in the hospital 19 days from Nov-Jan, sick as a dead dog and am terrified of something going wrong and ending up worse off this next go around.
I lost about a third of my hair from the sepsis, had neuropathy EVERYWHERE. Even my hair (what's left) hurt. Could hardly stand to touch myself anywhere but that's under control with gabapentin. I just found this site and have been devouring the information. Nobody told me much when this happened. I learned how to use all the various parts of the various items in a pouching system from YouTube. SO great how the medical profession is so quick to cut you and leave you in a compromised state with NO information to deal with it. I've learned more from this site this morning than I did with a zillion health care "professionals". They need to do a much better job at educating and supporting people like us.
Why Join MeetAnOstoMate?
First off, this is a pretty cool site with 37,000 members who truly understand you.
It's not all about ostomy. We talk about everything.
Many come here for advice or to give advice, others have found good friends, and some have even found love. Most importantly, people here are honest and genuinely care.
🛑 Privacy is very important - we have many features that are only visible to members, ensuring a safe and secure environment for you to share and connect.
Create an account and you will be amazed by the warmth of this community.
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Hollister
Many factors can affect the frequency of your pouching system changes, including your stoma type.
Learn what impacts wear time and how you can extend it.
Learn what impacts wear time and how you can extend it.