Living with Ostomy Drains and Hernias: My Journey

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

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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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.

Nogutz



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.....

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Hi. I can relate....emptying bag 20-30 times a day. Some companies offer overnight/high output pouches. I contacted Convetec and Coloplast to get free samples of these pouches. My wafer is the same and I can interchange the bags from regular to a high output. Good luck.

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

Hi lynsie, you should see your doctor and get something to slow your output down, and take it 30/60 minutes before you eat.

Agree with Junopete. Slower gut activity is a side effect of the opiate drug which is for pain.



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