Ostomy Support Forum

I've had my ileostomy since January and have been adjusting just fine.

I started to get a lot of itching about 3 weeks ago and soreness. I saw my surgeon, and she advised antifungal powder. I've been using that and the ostomy powder and forming a crust. It's not really getting better. For some reason, I started having leaks last week and just had another tonight. Thankfully, both times I wa ...

It is very difficult to use appliances. I have to change daily.

Ian is going to have surgery on my dominant hand and will be unable to perform tasks related to emptying or changing my bag.
Wondering if anyone has been in a similar predicament and how they coped? I plan to have some home health care but feel I need someone with me all day as I empty my bag 4 to 5 times daily and change the whole appliance every 4 to 5 days. My husband has volunteered; I'd r ...

Instead of emptying my pouch (Convatec Natura 2 piece), there are times it would be convenient to just change the pouch. So what does one do with the dirty pouch?

I would really like to find a friend who I can share with and listen to. I live on Long Island, New York, and would love to meet someone I can support and share my journey with. I have an ileostomy and struggle with high output and the usual ostomy issues. I've tried a support group in West Islip that meets on Saturdays once a month, but I found it hard to relate to some of the members. If any ...

Hello! My daughter ended up with an ileostomy after a car accident. They plan on reversal in a few months, at her 6-month post-surgery mark. Until then, she has a skin-level stoma. We have had several wound nurses, and no one has had any suggestions that worked to stop the leak. Her stoma is not only skin-level but also has creases on both sides, one more than the other. It's right at her bend ...

Anxious about flying for the first time with a stoma. Anyone got any tips?

Hi, is there a sharp tool to cut the hole in the flange? I have an oval stoma. I have used scissors for years, but I want something more accurate.

I have had my ileostomy 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 whatever you want to call it. Because of her, I am pretty much an open book and have always been willing to help other ileostomates when questions and concerns arise. Which brings me to this posting.
Once again, I have bee ...

Hi,
Does anyone know how the surgeon changes a loop stoma to an end stoma? I currently have a loop ileostomy. Do they use the same spot on the abdomen to change it?

Hi, this is my first post. It's been seven weeks since my surgery. I was an unpaid full-time carer for my same-sex male partner who had autism, ADHD, learning disabilities, and a difficult background of having been in care with a horrible abusive family. I have ADHD and so-called 'mild' autism. We were going to get married at the end of August. They were a lot of work at times, and I had to co ...