Ostomy Support Forum

My doctor says that I have a partial blockage in my small intestine and I need to perform multiple enemas through my stoma to help clear it. Have any of you needed to perform this? Did it work? I assume it's a mess to do.

It's hard to age. Grow older. Looking at ourselves in the mirror day after day... we don't fully notice the march of time on our faces.
Thinning hair turns gray and recedes. Hair begins sprouting everywhere it's not supposed to. Our facial bone structure matures, altering appearance. Body muscle morphs into fat. Try as we might, nothing stops Father Time.
My wife continually gripes at me to co ...

Just reading the latest Ostomy Australia magazine and noticed a letter from Iggie - well done, mate!
A PDF copy of the mag is below for those interested:
https://australianstoma.com.au/wp-content/uploads/Ostomy-Australia-April2025.pdf
and Iggie's letter (might be too small to read, but it's on page 7 of the issue):

Hi all, I got a permanent colostomy 8 months ago. I recently have experienced partial blockage possibly from fried crab shell. It's been 3-4 days, and I can only produce output with the use of laxatives. It all comes out at once, and I experience abdominal pain. I'm staying hydrated with Gatorade and plenty of water. Anyone else ever have this problem? Am I being foolish by not going to the do ...

Now it's Sunday, and I'm worried about what I will find when I finally take this appliance off. I've been taking the small dose of Oxy and the Miralax to counteract the constipation, but it's still pretty sore, especially when I try to bend. I had showers, and the bag is staying on, but I cannot tell what I will find when I do remove it. I've been advised that running water gently over it will ...

Hi everyone
Not your usual topic title...
But bound to get some attention
Lately, I've been feeling an overwhelming urge to pee when emptying my ostomy bag.
Is this a common thing for most of us, or maybe a sign I'm getting older?
Love some feedback

I have had my illeostomy since 1986 due to UC. I had a great stoma therapist prior to and after surgery and I know that has made a HUGE impact on my recovery, acceptance or what ever you want to call it. Because of her, I am pretty much an open book and have always been willing to help other illeostomates when questions and concerns arise. Which brings me to this posting.

Once again, I ha ...

A staple magically appeared at the bottom of my stoma 2 days ago. I went to the doctor today, and they said it should work itself out. As long as I don't have any issues and am still pooping properly, and it isn't causing me any discomfort, I should leave it alone. Have any of you ever experienced something like this? I still feel a little nervous about it.

Hello everyone, and I'm trying to figure out a few things and just ask a few questions first! Is that okay?
How's everyone feeling? I'm never here, but I came in to say hello to everyone, and maybe we can text and chat about a couple of things on my mind!
1. Does anyone do protein shakes? What do you use? What is your diet? I have issues with everything I eat, and I'm not new; I just haven't ...

Tomorrow at 8 a.m., I am having the ileostomy reversed. I had to come in and say thank you to everyone who has helped here along the way. I had some pretty low points on this journey, and this community was so supportive and helpful. I appreciate everyone who has chimed in with advice and words of encouragement.

I was rushed into emergency surgery on Feb 23 this year. At first, I didn't think I could cope with the mess. I have found products that make it easier. At first, I cried constantly. Now I can shower without a tape covering.
I still hate the ostomy, but I'm not crying all the time. My family has been wonderful, helping with everything. The backup support is vital.