Adjusting to Life with an Ostomy Bag

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bikerboy
Jul 13, 2010 5:51 am

Okay, I haven't posted in a few days, and I know you guys like my stories, so before my surgery, when I had to wipe my bum, if I even sensed I got some feces on my hand, I went into a tizzy and would commence to run for water to get it off my hands. Now, after 23 months, and having my bum just a foot from my head, when I rinse my bag off or wipe the bag, I get crap (even though only paste or water) on my hand. It's not a big deal, and I say out loud, "Oh, I crapped on myself." I just lather up and wash my hands and wonder what else is happening today. Another thing I've started doing in public restrooms when people are around is to say out loud, "I don't remember eating that," or I say, "Hey, that looked the same coming out as it did when I ate it."


Life is what you make it.
bikerboy greg
lottagelady
Jul 13, 2010 8:47 am
Thank you Greg, that made me smile on a bad day xx
Past Member
Jul 13, 2010 11:20 am

I see bumper stickers saying "Shit Happens!"... I say sure does!!!!!! And that's good LMPO

Posted by: Karen & Stella
Fay,

I am one of those few people who still have a lot of output at night. However, I suffer from short gut syndrome after seven bowel surgeries that led to the loss of much of my small intestine as well as my large intestine from the initial bowel cancer surgery. It does get better over time as your system adjusts, but an ileostomy can be a challenging adjustment. It's important to connect with a good Enterostomal Nurse - ET nurses who can help you problem-solve over time. It's been five years since my initial surgery, and I had a great visit with a new ET nurse in December. He really helped me with the problem of high output at night. I had been getting up every 90-120 minutes to empty my high output bag because of filling. If I slept for three hours without emptying, I would have problems. My ET nurse helped my husband and me make a nighttime collection system using a Rubbermaid juice container with a handle and my old CPAP hose. This is connected to one of my two-piece high output bags and allows for continual drainage. It isn't pretty, but it has been a real lifesaver. I guess the real message I want to share is to stick with it, find a nurse who you can work with, and together you will find solutions to whatever challenges you face. This website is also an important support for me and others. There is nothing you will go through that others haven't already faced and figured out. There is so much wisdom here. Read the materials they've put together for newbies. There are a lot of great suggestions to use. I hope things get better quickly for you.
Karen
beatrice
Jul 13, 2010 1:15 pm

Bikerboy - I like your style
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.

Rach - Hope today is a better day for you - hugs.

Beatrice

Past Member
Jul 13, 2010 1:29 pm
Hahaha, nice bikerboy
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My Ostomy Journey: Bruce | Hollister

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lexus1
Jul 13, 2010 1:51 pm
yes Bikerboy, keep (always) a sense of humor; I used to freak when my pouch lost a seal, and now after a few years it is just another few minutes to a fix, then move on. Funny how we all adapt!  lex
Past Member
Jul 13, 2010 1:58 pm
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swiffer
Jul 13, 2010 1:59 pm

Yep, after 6 years I am used to it. I do often wonder what the person next to me in the public restroom thinks when he hears the water splashing in the stool when I am dumping it, or if they wonder why I am filling up a disposable cup with water and taking it into the stall and coming out with it empty. Just a part of the life we lead, I suppose.

lottagelady
Jul 13, 2010 3:24 pm



Thanks Beatrice, needed those hugs, having the day from hell ..... could be worse though, bag could have come off as well, that would do it for me today ... xxx
Past Member
Jul 13, 2010 4:21 pm


Me too!  I often think the person in the next stall must think there's a horse taking a leak in there, but what are you going to do? I do like those "automatic flush" public loos; they kind of make us all sound the same then!
Cheers!  
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skyblue
Jul 13, 2010 4:51 pm

I sometimes say, when I am in the staff canteen, "That looks like the contents of my bag." Somehow, it puts people off. Don't know why?

gutenberg
Aug 29, 2010 1:31 am

Maybe it's because some people have a shitty sense of humor; as long as you can get a laugh out of it, you've won.

My New Bum
Oct 22, 2010 11:15 pm

I like to expose the bag and give it a gentle squish when asked if I would 'like dessert?' at any number of restaurants in Chinatown, usually complemented with a quick 'Let's see, eh?' Nets me a couple of days of giggling
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Pinky
Oct 24, 2010 7:44 pm

You guys are hysterical! Also, who besides me thinks Bikerboy Greg should be nominated to replace George Carlin (same witty style) with a little extra - first stand-up comedian with an ostomy - if anyone can do it at open-mike at the Comedy Store - you can, Greg!

You guys make me think of that scene in Austin Powers where he's wrestling with the bad guy in the stall and then flushes him - "Good God, boy - what did you eat!!!!!!"
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Teddiee
Jul 05, 2016 10:22 pm

It put people off because what you said is not funny - at all! I certainly would not have been happy to be there and hear it! I've had my ostomy for years and I do have a good sense of humor, but could not even smile at your crass comment.

Teddiee
Jul 05, 2016 10:24 pm

My post above was to Skyblue