Still worried about going too far from home...ostomy drains constantly - 12x a day or more.
Was able to venture out a couple of times...it's great! Out to dinner, but always in need of a ride, buses scare me, especially if I had eaten. Go to appointments, outings in the morning on an empty stomach.
On top of that, I have the largest stomach hernia ever...literally no muscles, due to surgeries and infection of the bladder...diverticulosis, also a fistula on the left side...which oozes stinky honey...but usually twice every month or so...it is winter and I can't wait for spring walks!!! Waiting for AISH, disability income...had 6 surgeries this past summer...thought I was to be in the hospital for 3/4 days, ended up 4 months - 3 weeks in a coma!!! However, I did lose weight!! - lol, tummy tuck I call it.
Sons visit and help, but you know boys when it comes to helping with cleaning!!! Try and keep my wits together, been watching TV a lot/Facebook! Can't wait for spring walks!! Don't think stomach muscles grow back?
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I am so sorry you have had such a rough time. It is so difficult; each of us has had our little red wagon of s**t we drag behind us. But we have each other to share with, cry with, and maybe just get a little drunk with! Wishing you many more outings in the near future! Hang in there!!!
eddie
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About seven years ago, just about every aspect of my life was ostomy related. From the moment I was told an ostomy might be needed until some months down the road I existed as a person afflicted with a colostomy. I feared someone other than my immediate family might find out I had a bag. Ugh! What could be worse? Suppose it filled real fast when I was out with no place to hide and take care of myself. God forbid should it leak in church! Suppose I roll over on it in bed. I was a lesser creature, destined to a life of emotional anguish and physical routines different from most of the rest of the world. I felt like a freak. Then I found folks like you guys here, read your stuff, really “listened” to what you had to say and I began looking at things differently. We know perception is everything and I began to understand how good things were relative to what they could’ve been. So many folks had it so much worse than I did. That didn’t make my discomfort go away but it exposed how fortunate I was to be dealing with my stuff and not their’s. I felt a little guilt, maybe selfishness but quickly forgave myself by understanding I just wasn’t smart enough to fix my feelings. Then, I wonder what smarts have to do with feelings. My perception was warped so my perspective toward my existence was warped.
I learned over the last few years with the help of lots of folks right here at MAO that I could be better at living just by accepting some facts. It is what it is and so what? It’s not the worst thing to happen to a person.
I think everything is, in some way, related to everything else. I just put the ostomy thing in the back seat and drive forward.
Respectfully,
Mike
I know how you feel. How does that saying go? Been there, done that. After 3 months in the hospital, I had to learn to walk all over again. One year later, I still can't do business. Living in a small town, I bought a mobility scooter so I don't have to wait for anyone to take me shopping, etc. I still have an open wound from the Hartman operation. After the operation, doctors here made me wear a stomach belt, which helps the stomach muscles and back.
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Learn more about ostomy accessories, and when to use them.
Hi all:
I hear you on being there, coma and septic too! 108 lbs leaving the hospital. So I use this one pill called Codeine Phosphate; this does help me with thicker poop and fewer trips to the john. I hope this can be some help.
I don't mean to come down and be the heavy.
You need to get your act together on your medications.
Codeine Phosphate does not "thicken poop"
Codeine Phosphate, is an opiate that slows down the peristaltic muscle movement of the intestine. Allowing a longer transit time, which enables the intestine to absorb more water and electrolytes back into your body.
Rick.....
How to Stay Hydrated with an Ostomy with Collin | Hollister
Thanks for the input, at least I have a PC - it helps some.
Can't wait for spring walks!!
When I came home from the hospital, I weighed 115 - now 135 lbs!! I'd like to stay here!
And not on medications!!
Some days are boring, but I'm finding ways to cope (lonely).
Still enjoy a cooler!! Sons visit/help when they can... 24/15 yrs old.
Sometimes I feel like I'm stuck... but with a new year... able to get out more!!
This winter is bringing me down... afraid to walk in case I fall down, occasionally to the corner store!!
Thanks for the inputs.
Not on meds, have hernia belt; just uncomfortable...
Get all supplies free due to treaty status
Need car...thanks.
Hi Lynsie, yeah, I hear you about winter. We get a lot of snow here and can't wait to walk my dog on the local trails in warmer weather.
Ron in Mich
Learn all about skin barrier extenders.
Docs have other meds for slow output if that is what is necessary. It's tricky ... you don't want to slow things to the blockage point.
I have good results using food. I feel better when my output is more on the watery side (don't know why) but if I want to thicken things up ... a ripe banana, some marshmallows, potato chips, rice do the trick. Chew well.
Also, if you want to have the output less slushy once it's in the bag ... you can put a few mini marshmallows in the bag.
Hey, who doesn't want an excuse to eat potato chips?
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all the best,
Beatrice