WHEN YOU HAVE AN OSTOMY, your focus is different than people with regular plumbing. I rarely end a meal without immediately heading for the bathroom. When we eat out, which is usually once a week, I typically will visit the men’s room before we leave the restaurant. Like other ostomates, I have the toilet homing ability of an incontinent rock dove. Despite my negative feelings for public bathrooms, I have no more control over peristalsis than Hoyt Wilhelm had over his knuckleball. When I go to the dentist for a cleaning, I always ask them to keep me as elevated as possible. “Oh, a bad back, huh?” they say. I don’t bother to mention my ostomy flow need for gravitational confederacy. Whenever I go out for a good walk, I wear the special underwear that has an inner sleeve to support the ostomy bag. Depending upon the time of day or when I last had a meal, it could play an important role in keeping me secure till I get back home. For this reason, I usually walk in the early morning prior to eating breakfast to minimize the prospect of filling up as I wander the neighborhood. Nothing like a belly bulge to slow the speed of even the most determined walker. Walker erectus can swiftly deteriorate into shuffler bagfillius.
Why Join MeetAnOstoMate?
First off, this is a pretty cool site with 36,000 members who truly understand you.
It's not all about ostomy. We talk about everything.
Many come here for advice or to give advice, others have found good friends, and some have even found love. Most importantly, people here are honest and genuinely care.
🛑 Privacy is very important - we have many features that are only visible to members, ensuring a safe and secure environment for you to share and connect.
Create an account and you will be amazed by the warmth of this community.
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Hollister
A convex barrier may provide a more secure and predictable seal between your pouching system and your skin, which can help prevent stoma fluid leakage.
Learn about the different types of convex skin barriers and when to use them.
Learn about the different types of convex skin barriers and when to use them.
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Hollister
In addition to your pouching system, you may require the use of an ostomy accessory to enhance the performance of your system.
Learn more about ostomy accessories, and when to use them.
Learn more about ostomy accessories, and when to use them.