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Since our establishment in 2006, MeetAnOstoMate has blossomed from a humble platform into a vibrant multi-topic community. Founded on the principle that shared experiences breed understanding, our platform is dedicated to offering a space for members to openly discuss their challenges, share insights, and seek advice. As much as we are a platform for knowledge, we're also a meeting ground for friendships, love, and unwavering support.
Mermaid13

Looking for Recommendations on IRA Surgeons

Apr 07, 2024 - Sep 11, 2024
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 ...
15 replies | 577 views
Apr 23, 2024
... even Clint Eastwood would wonder if an IRA would make his day. Great movie.
We will be anxiously waiting to hear your decision on yours.
Sep 11, 2024
Yeah, Warrior, my old brother from another mother?
The bigger question is?
Do you feel lucky, punk?
Did you end up having IRA or J Pouch or stay with the bag?
Did you survive?
I lost Greg & Jo re ...
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Lorr

High-Protein Drinks for Sensitive Stomachs?

Sep 01, 2023 - Aug 25, 2024
I'm scheduled for a reversal in a couple of weeks, but the doctor wants me to have a higher albumin level - eating higher protein food and drinking a high-protein drink. I've been drinking Boost but find it bothers my stomach and causes loose output. Any suggestions for a high-protein drink that doesn't do that? Thanks.
21 replies | 2315 views
Aug 25, 2024
I agree. Not a fan of Boost. Too much sugar - not enough nutrition. I like NOW brand for affordability and some vitamin choices. I used to buy Optimum Nutrition whey protein but switched to Rule1 ...
Aug 25, 2024
Gaspari protein is lactose-free. Look up isolate vs. concentrate when it comes to lactose.
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vhollenberg100

Farts

Sep 04, 2024 - Sep 06, 2024
My stoma just farted really loudly and scared me!!! I’m alone- can’t sleep, came downstairs and sat on the couch and BOOM !!! I jumped 1/2 way off the couch!!!
14 replies | 223 views
Sep 05, 2024
That's hilarious.
Sep 06, 2024
Lol what nooo I wouldn't open my bag in public. That's what the restroom is for.
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HenryM

A HOSPITAL CHANGEOVER

Aug 24, 2024 - Aug 26, 2024
IT HAS ALWAYS PUZZLED ME why people drink too much or do recreational drugs. Perhaps it’s what cartoonist Bill Watterson quipped in his ‘Calvin and Hobbes’ series: “Reality continues to ruin my life.” I’ve never desired to escape reality. It may occasionally piss me off, or cause me anxiety, but one has to just deal with it. It is what it is, as some say. It is life. I was i ...
7 replies | 200 views
Aug 26, 2024
Fair points all, Bill, but you might have simply told me that I'm full of shite I stand by my "full of shite" remark not as bullying but as calling BS when I see it. I expect the same from others ...
Aug 26, 2024
Hello B@tLady.
Thank you for your response to my post and for your explanation of your perspective.
I do not think that I could (or would) ever say that you (or anyone else) is ‘full of shite’ ...
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infinitycastle52777

Do You Name Your Stoma? Share Your Stories!

Nov 04, 2023 - Oct 07, 2024
I'm curious if everyone here names their stoma. My ostomy nurse told me it was a very common thing. I named mine Marvin after Marvin the Martian because when he was fresh and new and all blobby, I thought he looked like a Martian coming out of my stomach. Then my ostomy nurse, whom I had for the first 2 months after surgery, started calling him a beautiful little rose. So then he became Marvin ...
55 replies | 1288 views
Oct 07, 2024
Yep, mine is “Charlie”. I am still old school, I don’t tell anyone that I have an ostomy, and those close to me know that when I do refer to Charlie, I am having issues and need to take care ...
Oct 07, 2024
No, but to each their own. It just creeps me out.
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FernL

How did you solve proctitis after Ostomy?

Jul 23, 2024 - Aug 30, 2024
Hi everyone,

I had my ileostomy 10 weeks ago and unfortunately I’m still getting rectal bleeding from the UC which prompted the surgery - it’s not huge amounts but several times per day. I know this happens for some people. However, I’m not keen on further surgeries - I’m satisfied with my bag and in an ideal world, I’d be keen to keep my rectum. For those of you who had ongoing i ...
12 replies | 295 views
Aug 30, 2024
Biologicals..ugh..what is the name of the drug they plan to use? And this drug is suppose to calm the proctitis?
Aug 30, 2024
Hi warrior,

I'm going to be starting on Infliximab. Yes, it's for my proctitis.
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Rancher

Hernia Belt Advice for Post-Op Ileostomy Care

Aug 11, 2024 - Aug 14, 2024
Let's talk about hernia belts, preferably ones to prevent a hernia.
I am 7 weeks post-op with an ileostomy.
So I am getting very anxious about getting outside and getting some work done, but I will let myself heal up some more.
One of my concerns is developing a hernia.
I talked to my stoma nurse and she said, "Don't get a hernia belt with a hole for your ostomy, because they don't help around ...
11 replies | 318 views
Aug 13, 2024
Helpful...thanks!
Aug 14, 2024
Good morning. I pulled the pin today and bought an ostomy armor belt. The price makes me gasp a little, but I will need something for the next 20+ years.
I will report back as to what it is like.
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Beachboy

Maximizing Wafer Wear Time with a Colostomy - Personal Experiments

Jul 25, 2024 - Aug 31, 2024
In an effort of discovery, I've been waiting longer and longer between wafer changes. How long can I go? I have a colostomy.
Last experiment was 10 days. Skin looked good. No leaks. Hair growth didn't cause a problem. And the wafer still felt comfortable. I wore various hernia support belts too. And rode my bike a total of 100 miles over 5 days. Also showered many times with the bag on, gettin ...
12 replies | 404 views
Jul 31, 2024
The most I have gone is 4 days. Because I have so much redness from the barrier ring, I may change to every 3. Not sure yet. Or go without the barrier ring, as I was doing okay without it. So Ston ...
Aug 31, 2024
Hello, I use NU-Hope Corporation belts. They are excellent quality and reasonably priced. I have 2, 3, & 4-inch wide belts.
I bought the 2-inch wide belts directly on the Nu-Hope website. The 3 & ...
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MC22

Reliable Suppliers for Urostomy Supplies Needed

Oct 21, 2023 - Sep 08, 2024
Can someone possibly recommend a medical supply company that you use to purchase urostomy supplies from? I use Hollister products and the supplier is Edgepark. Twice I have placed an order with Edgepark, everything supposedly "in stock" at the time, only to get a notice 10 days after I placed the order that says "back ordered".... With absolutely no further information as to when the order wil ...
11 replies | 820 views
Aug 11, 2024
I would assume that my supplier, Comfort Medical, also has urostomy supplies. When I left the hospital 2 1/2 years ago, my kids and I were thrown to the wolves, and it was up to us to find a suppl ...
Sep 08, 2024
I did have Edgepark and it was a hassle. I now use Byram Healthcare and they are great. You can also reorder right through their website or app, and if you need to add or subtract items, you can d ...
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Diverticulitissucks!

Revel It's in the Bag Lubricating Deodorant Review

Aug 31, 2024 - Sep 18, 2024
Hi fellow Osteomates... Has anyone tried Revel It's in the Bag lubricating deodorant? It is by far the best I have used since starting this journey. I ordered samples from RevelOstomy.com, and they arrived at the perfect time. I had a lot of "blowouts" because of the pancaking. I used the samples and haven't had a "blowout" since. I highly recommend the product and hope you do too! Thank you! ...
17 replies | 289 views
Sep 17, 2024
I love this stuff. It works better than anything I've used. It definitely helps with odor, lasts through several empties, and helps when flushing.
Sep 18, 2024
Thank you ever so much for this product recommendation. I just ordered a free sample. Although I have pretty much mastered everything involving my ostomy, there's still a bit of room for improve ...
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Lilbet

Is a Diaper Genie-like Disposal Can Worth It for Colostomy Bags?

Oct 14, 2023 - Sep 18, 2024
Hello,
I've had my colostomy a little over a month, so I'm a newbie. I am very concerned about odor. I was looking today at garbage cans that are like a diaper genie, but use regular kitchen-size bags. Is it worth the expense? How do you deal with disposal?
Thank you,
Lilbet
13 replies | 1517 views
Sep 18, 2024
Those cheap bags will leak. Many have small holes in the bottom and are only 2 mil thick. Chintzy! Try Doggie Poop Bags. Free, thicker, leakproof, and black (no one likes staring at their poop!).
Sep 18, 2024
Bill, Hollister makes them as well. Much bigger than Convatec's. Fits my homemade emptying device perfectly.
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Boalsman

Undergoing My Medical Procedure Today

Oct 07, 2024 - Oct 09, 2024
Been anxiously awaiting for today. I have great confidence in my medical team. Started evacuating my bowels. The large capacity bag from Hollister has been a huge help. I will do my best to document my experience.
11 replies | 163 views
Oct 08, 2024
Hi Boalsman! I am sorry to hear you encountered difficulty, but the 3 months will fly by! Take the pain meds if you need them. Keep up the positive attitude. Wishing you the best!
Oct 09, 2024
Glad to hear you made it through surgery. As Rose Anna Danna on Saturday Night used to say: "It's always something!" Those damn rectums are always causing trouble. Wishing you a quick recovery.
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Hisbiscus

Hep c

Jun 08, 2024 - Aug 25, 2024
It was hard for me to bring this up worrying about people being judgemental but it's a much needed topic for ostomates in this position and I will never see anyone here outside the forum anyhow.

Found out I had Hep c in the mid 90's and suspect I got it from my ex husband who actually had a liver transplant.

Anyhow I was always afraid of the horror stories of how rough the meds were to ...
71 replies | 1087 views
Aug 12, 2024
I did bloodwork again on Friday and Hep C viral load came out undetected. My liver function is within normal range. I see the hepatologist this Wednesday. I'm feeling great energy little by little ...
Aug 25, 2024
Had my follow up with my hepatologist on the 14th and he says I need to get another viral load test in November. He says if it comes out neg then I'm cured as most people are.

I had to give him ...
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robin.evans.2020

It'll Be Alright if You Give Yourself a Chance

Aug 28, 2024 - Aug 30, 2024
Okeydoke, little backstory.
Previously completely healthy, but probably not looking after myself as well as I should. Minor heart attack, easily fixed with a stent, but up from that though a serious infection, necrotizing fasciitis, really nasty situation trying to get that under control with the ticker meds making surgery very, very dangerous. Had That Conversation with my surgeons a couple o ...
8 replies | 459 views
Aug 30, 2024
What a wonderful and uplifting post, Robin! I'm so glad you hung in there and didn't give up hope, and you definitely lucked out and found a keeper in that lady. I'm glad you found us too and hope ...
Aug 30, 2024
Attagirl, Cindy. It feels like the end of the world on first diagnosis, then dealing with recovery, the stitches, figuring out how best to deal with it all, the AAAAARGG!!!! moments.
In my admitt ...
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suldan852

Adhesive Spray HOL 7730 Discontinued - Found at MedicalWarehouse.ca

May 14, 2024 - Aug 19, 2024
I was looking for the Adhesive Spray HOL 7730, which has been discontinued, and found it from medicalwarehouse.ca. Shipping was fast. I heard Hollister will discontinue this great product, and there is no other like it on the market. Just wanted to share that! And if you are in Canada, their ostomy supplies are honestly the cheapest.
4 replies | 735 views
May 17, 2024
"... and there is no other like it on the market."
The ostomy accessories market is quite vast — thus making it extremely difficult to make such a statement with any degree of certainty. Perhaps ...
Aug 19, 2024
Hello!
Yes, it is true that tenacesmed.com is the replacement! I see you are in Canada! I am Canadian as well! - From Ottawa, now living outside of Chicago.
Currently, the Ten Aces Spray (Tena ...
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Bilbo baggins

Baby Feeding Bib as a Solution for Pouch Sweat Issues

Aug 18, 2024 - Aug 25, 2024
A short while ago, following a post on here, I started using a baby feeding bib under my pouch.
This was because I was sweating a lot under the pouch, and it works very well.
I just finished the cleanup following a full detach, and I am pleased to report that the bib was very successful in helping to contain the outbreak.
So give it a try.
2 replies | 183 views
Aug 18, 2024
Hi Bilbo, do you mean a plastic baby bib with the lip on the bottom? That's really smart!
Aug 25, 2024
Great idea! I can get those from a dollar store here!!
eldonnaa

Facing My 4th Surgery Tomorrow - Nervous and Hopeful

Aug 22, 2024 - Sep 23, 2024
First of all, I can't find any of my previous posts. Ugh, I was hoping there was a link on my profile page, but...
Well, for those that have read those previous posts, I'm finally having surgery tomorrow morning at 7 EST. The hospital is 2 hours away, so having to be there at 5 AM means we need to leave home at 3 AM. OMG! Well, I know I won't sleep tonight, but I'm having my husband go to bed ...
21 replies | 316 views
Sep 23, 2024
Well, almost a month later... Post-op appointment went well, and I have another this Thursday. On Friday, I will have another surgery scheduled. This one is to remove the stents in my ureters, and ...
Sep 23, 2024
You know, I swear I am the luckiest woman alive. Harry and I have been together for 20 years and he treats me like a queen. We've never even had a fight. While I was in the hospital he had a 15 ft ...
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Megs

life

Aug 17, 2024 - Aug 20, 2024
I don't know how I got to be 72. One day I was 32 and the next 72. I've had my ileostomy for more than half my life. I had no one to talk to then in the same position. No internet. The thing I looked forward to most was the monthly edition of the IA magazine. I went straight to the back where I could read the letters from subscribers. Not many, but I was intrigued to hear their stories and pro ...
14 replies | 365 views
Aug 20, 2024
Hi Terry, The piece taken out was about 6 inches and they never mentioned "short bowel syndrome". to me although I have read up about it. My body must absorb enough nutrients from the remainder as ...
Aug 20, 2024
Yes, It was amazing to not have pain and discomfort as my normal!

Terry
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Desilu

Suggestions for Medical Adhesives for Flanges?

Mar 13, 2024 - Aug 19, 2024
Someone suggested Adapt 7730, apparently hard to find, but I am doing a search. Any other ideas (this is for a flange)? I sometimes waste a brand new flange after a doctor or hospital appointment. Thank you all!
6 replies | 554 views
Mar 20, 2024
I've used "Skin Tac" and it does make your skin tacky. I keep a bottle around.
https://torbot.com/product/skin-tac-adhesive-barrier-liquid-4-oz/

Aug 19, 2024
Ten Aces Spray is carried by Medical Monks :)
It is the identical formulation as the discontinued 7730
https://medicalmonks.com/product/ten-aces-medical-adhesive-spray/
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sunvox

New Ostomate Seeking Advice on Nighttime Leaks and Ballooning

May 20, 2024 - Sep 18, 2024
I'm scheduled for surgery on May 30th that will leave me with a loop ileostomy. I'm trying to prepare in advance by learning as much as possible from folks' experiences here and elsewhere on the internet. I have rectal cancer and have already been through 5 weeks of radiation therapy and 6 weeks of chemotherapy, so mentally I look at this as just another step on my road to beating cancer. I al ...
27 replies | 659 views
May 25, 2024
I do sleep on my back at night, but my back is elevated at about a 40-degree angle so output can still fall in the pouch. I was never a back sleeper, but after 3 months in the hospital sleeping on ...
Sep 18, 2024
I just dry my pouch and flange edges with my towel after showering.
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