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Hi I wasn't sure where to post this as it isn't to do with ostomys. I recently had surgery for my recto vaginal fistula about 3 weeks ago. I have an illeostomy as well to stop the faeces from coming through. The surgery was an advancement flap. The fistula is quite big and close to the sphincter muscles so quite complicated. I basically had two surgeries in one as I had a vaginal septum which they removed and then used to cover the fistula with. If anyone has had surgery is it normal to still have gas through the vagina? It's making me think the surgery has failed. I have an appointment early December to go under anesthetic to check it has worked. I never saw the surgeon after the surgery it was just a registrar who just said it went well. Im so worried the surgery has failed : '(.

Definition: the right to express any opinions without cause or restraints.

Do the administrator on this site say it's ok? I dont think so! Of course the site allow one to express their feelings.

Almost 2 years ago, I was in the chat room. There was a conversation between two members. One was quite voiceful in expressing their distaste., the other listening intently. whether he liked it or not, he showed a great amount of respect. I learned a lesson that day.

Some  say were glad we found MAO, because non ostomates are sometimes cruel in our daily walks. "NEWS FLASH" the same people outside of this site are here. Its like watching an anchorman/or woman with a panel. the panel sometimes use the platform to sell there books, pat themselves on the back, and sometimes take over the show. forgetting their not the anchorman/woman.

No everyone don't comment, let's face it , we all had different problems that resulted in surgery, be it colostomy or ileostomy and urostomy. If you read some profiles, both men and women dont want women to comment period.  Which is their choice but keep that in mind before commenting.

The reality is we all are diffrent and our reason for joining is not the same. No doubt about that! The common denominator is the ostomy, some connect with others, some dont. However when it refers to their particular problem they do comment. Im far from an expert but will glady support and share my journey.

Take Care

Angelicamarie

I heard about this 6 year old boy standing in the church lobby.

He was staring at the plaque on the wall, it was filled with names and small flags beside them.

He asked the pastor-what was all the names for?

The pastor explained how that was a memorial, for all the young men and woman that died in the service.

The little boy stood there silently , so concerned.

He finally looked up and asked the pastor,  was it the 8:30 or 11:00 service.?

I heard it from a speaker and wanted to share, hope you enjoy it.

Angelicamarie

I woke this morning so full of love.  Thinking of those that were placed in my life that loved me.  Which definetely helped me become the person I am.

Deaths: there so many kinds of feelings that follow after a death. Each one is different and yet take a piece of me each time.  Thirty nine years ago, I lost my son. "Oh My" I feel that lost

as it was yesterday. I'm thanful to live. but nor will I never forget those that are gone. I'm now facing yet another death- a marriage of 34 years, not counting the time we dated.

We as ostomates experience death- when we lose our organs. I read your posts and I feel your pain, you not alone.  Also a different feeling-yet a loss.

Listen this is not a goodbye,  just  expressing what I feel.  I want to thank those that have touched my life in so many ways. I thank you for your friendship and guidance.

As we approach the holidays, enjoy your families, friends etc. (Embrace Life)

Take Care

Angelicamarie

Hi, so I am here to say goodbye to this group which I love so much. My husband says I am in this group every 2 seconds and he can't stand it anymore. Well we argued and he told me to choose between him or the group, therefore I'm gonna be offline for a couple hours while I pack his bags and send him on his way I will be back shortly

Hi.  I have a question for you single ostomates out there who have tried the dating thing.  I haven't gotten up the courage to do that since my colostomy and I'm not sure I ever will.  Could sure use some input on the subject.  When do you tell a prospective date about it?  My gut tells me to put my cards on the table and tell them immediately, thus giving them plenty of time to head for the hills.  But if you do that, you'll never meet anyone.  Should you wait until the first date and then tell them?  Still plenty of time for them to back out with no hard feelings.  How about 2 or 3 dates down the road?  Maybe you'd have a chance to get to know and like someone and vice-versa, but hurt feelings would ensue when they can't handle it.   I'd love to hear some of your experiences, both good and bad, and tips on how you deal or have dealt with such a thing.   I'd love to date a guy who also has a colostomy, but on this site they all live a thousand miles away...so that's not gonna work.  Any advice from anyone on any of it?

I'm not an Ostmomate but my boyfriend is.  I met him 3 years post-op and we've been together almost a year.  He and I have been to several social events together and although we both enjoy ourselves, I can see that he is never as relaxed as I am.  I was hoping you might shed some light on how your Ostomy has affected your social life.  And if you have any suggestions about what I can do to help him, I'd appreciate that advice too.

Do you feel uncomfortable or worried at social gatherings?  Do you abstain from eating at events to avoid having to deal with emptying?  Do you avoid social gatherings altogether or limit the amount of time you spend there?  Or do you even worry at all? 

From one veteran to all veterans... Happy Veteran Day!

Hi there ,   Well here we go again !!  I was in St Vinvents Hospital in the past two weeks for my expected surgery. The proposed surgery was to remove what's left of my Rectum, Sphincter and the de-functioned J-Pouch which is still in thee.

   I got a call at 11 AM on Thursday to be at the hospital by 7 AM the next morning. There had been a cancellation and they had my pre-op workup already done so that was OK. I got there early , before the staff and waited. Pretty soon they had me prepped and sedated for my 7:30 surgery. 

   I'm on the other side of Ireland which is 3 1/2 hours by train and another hour long bus ride to the hospital so I went the night before and stayed with my Brother near Dublin ( 1 1/2  hours to the hospital from there !!  I was up at 4:30 getting showered and looking respectable for the man with the Scalpel. 

    I was all ready to wake up and have my Butt sewn shut and expecting a tube soming from there. I felt no tube and I was not in the ICU so I figured that something went wrong !!?? Not until about three hours later ( when I really woke up ) did I confirm that no work had been done on the intended surgery.  

   The problem was Scar Tissue . Apparently the scar tissue is covering/ smothering my Organs, including Bladdar and Small intestine. They said that they could not even identify the Bladdar and even less so for the small intestine. They thought it was too dangerous to continue and after poking around in there they just closed me back up again . I will go back in four weeks to see my Principal SUrgeon and see if they have come up with any solutions. Right now one proposal is to install a Stent in my Urethra to prevent a Pee Blockage when my Pouch gets infamed ....this causes Pouchitis which in turn causes Prostatitis which squeeaes on my Urethrta and stops my Pee . This happened recently and it took ten days in hospital to get the infection doen. 

    Right now I'm resigned to Not continuing with this planned surgery. The risks of having both a Urostomy AND  Short Bowel as well as a Ileostomy does not appeal to me right now.

    Has anyone else experienced this problem and did you find a solution ???

Thank You All  XOXO  Eamon .

Hi,

I have stoma which has developed into hernia. I am irrigating, but have a lot of trouble as I need longer tome to irrigate and use more water, but the sleeve not getting stuck for the full time. It comes off and start to leak on the middle of process.

Is any one has similar experience and can suggest some otherways to irrigate. I use coloplast brand

Thank you