Hello, my name is Katrina and I have an ileostomy. The first one was in March 09 and the second was in August 09, which we thought would fix the problem but kind of created more! I'm on a TPN bag because I now cannot eat and am not able to get nutrients or anything I need, so this is helping. They still have no idea what's going on in my system. I've been to Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN, twice and Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland, OH, twice and still no progress. I have to tell myself every day that it will get better. I know that there are many people out there who have it worse, but that doesn't mean that this doesn't just totally suck!!! I have 2 wonderful kids, boys 4 and 8. And a great husband who tells me I'm beautiful no matter what, but when you have a stoma, or an object from the inside of your body hanging on the outside and have to deal with changing appliances and bags all the time, it gets old quick. I would do anything to get rid of this thing for good, but the doctors don't see that happening anytime soon. Sometimes we pay for no answers, huh. But that's the lowdown on me; I would love to share experiences and make friends, to get through the good and bad! (That would be awesome) because no matter what family says, they don't know what we're going through because they aren't going through it. I'll sign off for now and hope to hear from someone.
It's true, unfortunately, that they don't get it. You are blessed to have a supportive family though. Feel free to hang out and get to know us. Take care!
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You can get a lot out of the weight lifters' drinks; they have a lot of vitamins, and the chocolate tastes the best to me. There are others, but the taste has to be good, or I won't take it.
Learn about some strategies that can make it easier to talk about your stoma.
Hi Katrina, just read your blog and I have been on TPN many times. Fortunately, I never came home with it. Crohn's disease has taken its toll on my kidneys; facing dialysis now. Trying to not be depressed and putting my trust in the Good Lord. I know exactly where you are coming from. Maybe we can help each other.