Does It Get Easier After Getting an Ileostomy?

This is so true. I work for a medical supply company, and I really enjoy sampling my new patients so that they can find what works best for them. It took me at least a year to figure out what my ileostomy needed.

This says it all.   A stoma... gave us our lives back

The earth always revolves; we can be with it or be left behind. It really is our choice. My ileostomy saved my life and I could not be more grateful. It is for sure a learning curve, but you will get it.

Reach out to companies for free samples so that you can learn what works for you. No two people are the same, so what works for them might not work for you. Keep trying. You got this!

I can appreciate and totally understand what you are saying, but the hospitals and staff are only doing what they know. It is up to us, Ostomates!!!! to educate and help them understand what works for us.

My Ostomy Journey: Ryan | Hollister

Take control.  The more you get to handle your supplies and figure out what works for you, the better.  Good luck!!!

I feel for you; I have the same issues.  Coloplast and Convatec are superior, in my personal opinion.

Hi, the comment that nurses are only doing what they know is a pill I find hard to swallow.

What they know is true; what they are trained in is different.

Protocol dictates they must follow certain procedures as per hospital policy.

A visiting nurse, for example, if you get close to her or she feels for you, will show you or tell you something off the record.

In my experience, people in the trade of things know how to get around things, i.e., plumber, carpenter, mechanic.

 

Example: using an alcohol wipe prior to removing a band-aid or stuck-on plastic adhesive. The one covering your IV needle in the arm?

Have you ever had that nurse just ripping them off? Whereas a sympathetic nurse, or experienced nurse, knows the ouch factor, especially if you have a hairy location that was tapped for an IV?

Another unlikely protocol is that we pop veins and end up black and blue after many pokes.

The usage of that one IV site to also take your blood in lieu of more "fishing" for another poke...

I'm not afraid to tell them what they are trained to do; do this instead. Because they know I have a point and good cause for saying it.

Trained vs. know-how—experience, and sometimes, we all had them—heartless types.

The topic here states whether it ever "gets easier."

It gets painless, too.

 

 

 

 

👍 Yes! Just give yourself time. 😊 Normality will return in time, and your life will be a bit different but good. 👍😊🍮 Wishing you a wonderful Christmas! 🎄

After the shock of having an ileostomy wore off, I realized how blessed I am. I'm alive, no more diverticulitis pain, which was debilitating at times. I kept telling myself I can do this, and you know what? I did it! Changing my pouch became much easier, and half the time I forget I poop in a bag. Sure, I still have leaks and blowouts from time to time, but that cleanup became easier too. It does get better, much better! Just remember how blessed you are to still be alive! I know I am! Good luck on your journey, and you have lots of info and friends on this site!

Yes! Just give yourself time. 😊 You will adjust, and life will go on. 😊 I have had my pouch for over a year and never really think about it... Just accept it as it's just a wonderful thing that allows you to keep on living. 😊 Wishing you a wonderful holiday season! 🎄🎅💥

Absolutely, you are definitely not alone. I had mine in April - I was so hysterical when they told me they had to knock me out. One of the nurses, when I woke up, told me 24 hours becomes a long time in a hospital and it is true. But you know what, it is depressing. I'd definitely rather not have Lola (aka Lola the Stoma), but without her, I would be dead. I'm still getting used to her, and I have bad days and good, but the good days come more and more. But once you find the right bag for you (I have to have convex without the foamy plate; I have to have the plastic type sticky), life begins to get better and you'll find your confidence little by little. It's all baby steps and everything becomes a first again and a little win. You'll also find a lot more people have these than you think because honestly, we are still normal people; we just have a cleaner bum than they do! I've only just become confident enough to include having the bag when I tell my story. It takes time, but you will get there. It's a journey, and I'm still on mine, but Lola is part of that journey and I cannot hate her because she gave me the Christmas I begged to see in April. Not only am I here for this Christmas, but I am well enough to take part, to cook and eat the food, and to be well enough to enjoy it. In April, I would have taken just being able to be there for Christmas in any capacity, even if that was lying ill on the sofa. You're definitely not alone, and it will get easier. Sending you healing and positive vibes for your journey xx

I looked up your posts on this site. I didn't see many "responses of encouragement." There has to be a balance of caution and support. Reversal results vary because we live in an imperfect world. There are lots of variables comprising reversal. Those variables affect procedure success or failure.

Hope all goes well for you.

Not sure I believe it gets easier. You just adjust. Got mine at 18, now 70. Contact me with any questions 

My husband put surgery off for just those reasons. He had a stroke in 2005. His dominant hand was affected so he is unable to do his ileostomy care. Since I'm a retired nurse it's no biggie for me to do. But the first few months we really had a lot to learn. Our ostomy nurse was great but she steered me towards this group because these were the people who live it. This group has helped us conquer many things. Be assured the new supplies take care of the smell. He was afraid to go out. It's been over 2 years and life is pretty much like it always was for us. After the early months rolled by he got back to working out 3 days a week. We go out restaurants, etc without worry. You will get there, honest. Actually, we live in a retirement community and only 1 person here is aware that he has an ileostomy.