G-day Ostomates, I thought I would show you my setup in the toilet. I sit facing the back wall, and this way I can have everything I need in front of me, making emptying and changing so much easier. You can also see a seat I made to make it more comfortable, but it does work just as well without the seat. I hope this helps someone to make life a little bit better. Regards, IGGIE

Hello everyone!!!!
As I previously mentioned, I needed another spinal surgery this week to prevent needing a urostomy.
Mind you, I had spine surgery #8 in July, ileostomy surgery in September, and needed another spinal surgery this week.
I am happy to report to everyone that I have come through surgery successfully. I have been able to avoid a urostomy. Unfortunately, I developed significant f ...

So my running top from the ileostomy and internal pouch charity arrived, ready for doing the Sheffield 10K next year. Time to start training. No getting out of it now
I'm aiming to just complete it this time; next time I'll go for time

It is my understanding that quite a few people have given their stoma a name.
I have been thinking of that off and on since the time of my colostomy (Jan. 2015). I finally settled on one:
Krakatoa, like the volcano. It either spews output like crazy or is dormant for a long time, like up to 4-5 days at a time (even with many laxatives, etc).
How about you?

Hello everyone! Hoping this message finds you well. I currently have a j-pouch after suffering from ulcerative colitis in my early 20s. My first pouch failed, but I was fortunate enough to find a surgeon who was able to create a new j-pouch, which I have had for 15 years (first pouch 13 years). Unfortunately, my pouch is again failing, and I am facing a permanent ileostomy. Does anyone have an ...

KIND GESTURES 6. (Stoma nurses)
I feel it is now past the time,
that I should put my mind to rhyme
about the stoma-nurses who
helped me when they needed to.
I’ve been about for long enough,
to know much more about the stuff
that bothers ostomates, and so
we tend to turn to those who know.
The stoma nurses are the folks,
who will be there to lift the yokes
of physical and mental strain
when ...

Hi everyone, hope you are all well. I had my colostomy surgery on November 4th. I'm doing well so far; here's to a brighter future.

There are so many questions about ostomies.
And what we must wear “belly side.”
They are protrusions, but they're not illusions
that some hate and some wear with pride.
We turn to this site to help with our plight,
in search of the remedies
in a place with no enemies.
Some gain peace of mind, and many may find
some products that work; some make us shirk,
and some miss their old behind…..jb

Hello all
Although my colostomy surgery was in August, I have only been home and managing it on my own for the past month. This is my first post but I’ve already been finding the answers I’ve so desperately needed from your answers to other newbies. My apologies for taking so long to say hello and to thank you. I am so blessed and grateful to have found you since without you I would still ...

Yesterday, as I was receiving my chemo treatment, my colostomy pouch almost filled to bursting and had to be emptied quickly. At first, I freaked out; then I thought about how you guys have handled similar situations. I calmly got up, grabbed my emergency backpack, and walked to the bathroom with my IV pole and emptied and cleaned my pouch without a hitch. I guess I'm posting this to let you k ...

I had my colonoscopy on Thursday, and the doctor said I am on track for my 6-month reversal, which is in January. She was very happy with my general surgeon who did the emergency surgery and said that he left her plenty to work with.
I'm very excited about the opportunity to return to a “normal” life. But I have so many emotions. I'm nervous. I'm scared. I'm excited. And I also feel bad th ...