Looking for Support: Just Got a Colostomy

Hi, I'm new here.

I'm having such a rough time with the colostomy. I just feel so frustrated and upset. Can anyone talk privately or offer support here?
Thank you.

Time heals all. Your body takes time to adjust and you get more proficient cleaning and changing. It was challenging to walk a mile shortly after mine but 2 months later I was jogging 3 miles. There are people on you tube you can learn from for diet, products and exercise. I learned of this app on you tube. Hang tough, the worst is over.

Hi! When was your surgery? What issues are bothering you the most right now?

Welcome to the site. Just post your questions and concerns here. You are not alone. You will be more confident as time passes. If you want to talk privately, you can private message me.

Hello,

Hang in there.  It takes time to heal, to learn about your stoma, and recover.  I could hardly walk after my 28 day hospital "vacation."  It took a couple of months to feel somewhat comfortable with my colostomy.  But you'll get there. 

What brand and style wafer and bag do you use?  Is your stoma protruding or small?  Why did you end up with a colostomy?  Answering these questions will help the friendly folks on this site provide good, experienced advice.

Be careful you don't lift anything.  Look into getting a support belt.  Nu-Hope makes excellent support belts.  It's very easy to develope a peristomal hernia.  Wearing a belt after surgery might help avoid a hernia... No one is sure it really works, but it doesn't hurt to try it.   

Don't change your wafer too much.  Doing this will irritate your skin.  I use a 2 piece Hollister system and change my wafer every 7 days.  I change bags a couple of times a week.  Use medical adhesive remover to carefully unstick the wafer.  Don't pull.  Hold tape edge and gently push down on skin with a finger or two.  I use spray to get outer tape loose.  Then use remover wipes to unstick main wafer seal. 

Welcome to Ostomymates.

Getting Support in the Ostomy Community with LeeAnne Hayden | Hollister

Hello.  Welcome!  Great advice posted here...I am fairly new myself, and these kind folks helped me make it through the early rough times.  Long story, but my colostomy was a surprise and I was very emotional about it.  Give yourself some grace and time to heal....I promise, it gets better ! 

Hi and welcome. Education is key on this new journey of yours. I suggest you check out UOAA, United Ostomy Association of America. It's our national organization. Also, Ostomy101.com. You will learn about foods, blockages, skin care, clothing, ostomy products, travel, activities, and a whole host of other tricks of the trade. You might also want to check out a local support group near you. Just remember you are not alone on this new journey of yours. Wearing a pouch does not define who you are. There are solutions. We're here for you. Keep writing. Best of luck.

Finding yourself with a new colostomy is shocking, to say the least.  I had a bowel blockage and woke up after surgery with this new thing called a stoma. Mine is a trans loop colostomy and is high up on my stomach, ugh. Plus it is oblong and not easy to measure the correct size.  They told me to expect  6-8 weeks recovery time, so try to be patient.  My stoma was still swollen, my bowels were out of whack.  I struggled with leaks and was at a loss for what to do.  Suppliers are very helpful trying to provide you with products to combat these common, but annoying problems.  Additionally, there is a ton of experience and support on this site.  Unfortunately, hernias are common.  I think I got mine from sneezing and not protecting my stoma when I did. I’m only 3 months out and already developed a small hernia. It does get easier, and life does get back to a new normal.  You find that your life isn’t over after a colostomy, and you can live a full and active life.  Hang in there, you’ve got this!

It gets better. Search/Google the issues you're having; there's bound to be some YouTube videos on making it better or how to deal with it. One day at a time...

I had knee replacement surgery and ended up with an ostomy and a big abdominal incision and a wound vac plus the knee recovery. I had to force myself to pay attention to small wins or adjustments. Walking to the mailbox was one. Getting through the night without needing to pee was another. The journey is slow and there are setbacks but you can learn the solutions. We all have to find our new normal but it takes time and patience. 

All good advice... in time, you, the student, will become the teacher.

Sit back, take notes, ask questions.

You are not alone. All of us had the starting point where you are at right now...

Well stated, Warrior. In time, we all become experts with our particular ostomy.