I am new to having an ostomy bag. It's summer and I want to be able to swim and lay by the pool. What precautions should I take for protection of my ostomy bag for these things that I love to do? I'm also planning in two weeks to go to the beach, so I need suggestions…please!

One thing I have struggled with since my ostomy, is having to go to the chiropractor, or a massage therapist. Lying flat on the chiropractor's table is extremely uncomfortable on my ostomy, and having any pressure put on me has made it even worse. I've feared leaks, or even damage to my ostomy, although neither has happened. I simply haven't gone for a massage since my ostomy, and I've avoi ...

When I change my bag, I play smooth jazz for my stoma. It seems to help calm it down. Didn't know if I was the only person to do something weird during a bag change?

Hello everyone, it is nice to meet you all! It has been three weeks since my colostomy was installed. I started out with a Hollister two-piece system while in the hospital and for the most part have had pretty good luck with their equipment - no leaks, some pancaking, and 4 to 5 days between equipment changing. But that being said, I am not very fond of Hollister bags. They make so much noise ...

Hi all, I know IRA surgery isn't performed as much as J-pouch, but I still have 10 inches left of sigmoid colon and a current end ileostomy. Last week, I had scopes and was told everything looked great and if I wanted to pursue surgery I should. I saw Dr. Remzi in NYC last year and discussed a J-pouch, but he never mentioned an IRA which suggests to me that he preferred a J-pouch since that's ...

I would appreciate suggestions on where to purchase extra supplies at the lowest price.
As you know, insurance only allows so many per month, and I often get close to running out. Amazon is pretty expensive!

Hey everyone!

Not trying to offend anyone here—just genuinely curious and slightly worried and looking for some wisdom.

I read online that the average age of getting an ostomy is 68, and some studies show people living up to 30 years with one! That’s why they call it a ‘full life’ but what does that mean if you get an ostomy at 35, life’s over by 65?

Also, can we make an inf ...

I saw these on the shelf when I picked up my last order. They do not crinkle. I think I will try them again.

Has anyone participated in the Osto-Ring study? I believe it is related to the Hollister 2pc pouch.

October 26th will be the 1-year anniversary of my life-saving surgery. To celebrate, meditate, reflect, and process this milestone, I am heading to a cabin called The Little House that sits on the side of a mountain in Marshall, NC. The mountains are my healing place. And no place is finer, in my opinion, than the mountains of North Carolina.
I've adapted, accepted, and grown with my colostomy ...

I've had my ileostomy for about 15 years due to two perforations in my small colon. My surgeon was great but never explained anything to me. He left it up to my nurse, who only said I might get urges, and I didn't have any support until I found you. Three months ago, I had terrible urges for 4 days and could feel stool and gas wanting to come out of my rectum. On the 5th day, with bearing down ...

For years I used just a one piece pouch. I fought tooth and nail against using 2pc, I thought it would be uncomfortable. I tried it after last surgery and love 2pc. I'm looking to donate transparent 1pc pouches and a few accessories to someone in my area, Davenport, IA

Hi friends,
How do you apply your bags? Standing up, sitting down, laying down?
I've been doing it standing and have constantly had leaks. Wondering if applying it sitting will help.

My surgery for rectal cancer is scheduled for October 9, and I will emerge from surgery with an ostomy. Naturally, I have a lot of questions and my learning curve will be very steep. But, my immediate question is about clothing to wear with an ostomy. I would like to go shopping before the surgery if possible, but I'm not sure about what to buy. My typical work attire is khakis and a button-do ...

I had noticed a bulge around my stoma with my stoma in the middle of it. It doesn't hurt, and when I lay down, it goes away and is flat (no bulge). I went to my surgeon today to ask about it. He looked at it and said, "Yep, it's a hernia." I told him I've not lifted anything at all to get it. He said it happens and seemed unconcerned. He smiled and said, "You'll be fine. When we do your colost ...

I hope I’m posting this in the right forum. I’ve had my ileostomy for 1 month and I’m having a devil of a time with finding clothing where the ostomy bag doesn’t stand out. I’d appreciate any suggestions. Thank you.

Hi, I'm 33 years old and just here to meet other ostomates like myself. I'm recently new to all of this, having had surgery in October due to stage 1 colorectal cancer. I have a permanent colostomy. I kind of need all the positives I can get, all the encouragement. I've accepted it, but it's still a bit difficult.

First off this is after the removed bag with just residue no-sting paste and wafer. As you can see for some reason the paste didn't harden after 24 hours (as it should have just peeled off) and didn't adhere to the damaged skin.

Apparently this is a product defect of some sort, quality control or some sort of environmental issue perhaps. A grave concern as I've been trying for months now and ...

I know barrier strips are supposed to be used to add security to my ileostomy wafer, but I have started putting the strip on my skin first, then the wafer on top. This keeps my skin from any adhesive irritation and healthy looking. A must recommendation.

I have an ileostomy and am very familiar with the struggles we ileo's deal with, but out of curiosity, I'm interested to know what struggles urosomates go through. How do you care for and empty it, etc.? Is it a challenge getting the bag on? I mean, will it start going like it does for us at changing times? Do you shower with or without the bag, etc.?