Life with an Ostomy: What's the Average Age?

I had my ostomy when I was 23 and that was 48 years ago. Still doing great and hope to continue for a long time to come.

I’m 34 and have had mine for a long as I can remember. I think I was about 2 or 3 when I got my stoma.

Thanks.  I have lost lots of weight in the last few month. While not tall, weighing less than 90 lbs does make me look like a skin-covered skeleton. No strength left, nor energy. Haven't been out of the house since the beginning of August. In danger of losing my driver's license if I cannot make it into town.  I live 20 miles out of town. If  I cannot drive anymore, and I am well able to do so  if not plagued by this problem, I might just as well lie down and die. So, what I am able to do is to agree to disagree.  When I do, I'll try to substantiate it.

G-Day ClaraD, I was just rereading this report and was wondering what you decided to go for as you once mentioned a K-Pouch.

I hope all is well with you. Regards, IGGIE

Oh gosh, no... I got my ileostomy a few weeks after my 21st birthday in 1989... so that's 35 years! And I've had a few struggles with my Crohn's and inflammation-type issues, but I am as healthy now as I was before then - maybe more. 90% of people who know me don't even know I have it. Happy to answer any questions anytime! Tom

My Ostomy Journey: Jearlean | Hollister

I’m 76 and just had surgery and now I have a stoma. I think you can have a long life with a stoma. 

Hi Iggie

I have made some research and think I would like to try a k pouch eventually. 
I am having surgery next week and plan on discussing a k pouch with the surgeon in my appointment the day before surgery. I am assuming, but may be wrong that he will want me to have a regular Ostomy before trying the k pouch. 

Talking about surgery, I just read a post about stoma placement- that a stoma cannot be in the same place twice? If that is true I may want to choose a less than ideal spot for my surgery now and keep my ideal spot for when (if?) I can get a k pouch. Is this something any of you would recommend?

Hi Clara

I have had two stomas in exactly the same place, with twelve months between them. The only issue with this is all surface scar on the skin needs to be removed as your appliance won't stick to a scar, which means removing all scar from the site which results in a larger diameter stoma than the previous one. This is what the surgeon and stoma nurse explained to me.

ClaraD

Rest easy...

I had my ileostomy when I was 25 - after being diagnosed with a full onslaught of penetrative Crohn's Disease when I was 16 going on 17...

I am now in my 70th year - and there are many here having had their collecting pouches for many more years than I!

Go on to live a full fulfilling life - and try not to allow your new pouch to dominate - it will become a part of you and if your intentions are open - so will your life be.

Good luck

BW from a thirty-something reluctant elder

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ waves ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Jayne

Go on... smile... and have some FUN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

"I'll drink to that!"

VJay,

....... or the plural of these interventions ............. but it's what happens in between that counts: LIVING.

The trick, it seems to me, is never to major on the negatives.

BW

J

................ And all to play for!

BW

J

What fantastic advice!!!

Hi Clara,

I’ve had my urostomy since I was nine. I am now 64. I lived a full life. Got married, had children and grandchildren. I never let my ostomy stop me from living life. Enjoy your life to the fullest.