Tips for Transitioning from Loop to End Ostomy?

Hi everyone, this is my first post. I'm just wondering if anyone has any tips or advice as to what to expect or how to prepare. I'm supposed to have my loop ostomy converted to an end ostomy in August. I know everyone is different and my situation might not look like or turn out as someone else's, but I figured it couldn't hurt to ask. Thanks.

Ileostomy or colostomy?

Be sure to mention to your surgeon to leave your stoma sticking out about 1 inch. If the stoma is too close to your skin... trouble. Leaks, damaged skin. It's better to stick out too much than too little.

Look at past posts on this website. Topics like: leaks, skin care, parastomal hernia, body image, intimacy, ostomy products. Then take a peek at the "Just for Laughs" section. We Ostees are a humorous bunch.

Good luck

If you're getting an end ileostomy, ask them to remove the rectum and the stump and sew up your bum because you won't need it any longer anyhow, as there's no going back and it causes people problems when left in.

Oh sorry, I forgot to mention it is a colostomy.

Thanks for your comment. I forgot to mention that it is a colostomy. Great tip, though.

How to Stay Hydrated with an Ostomy with Collin | Hollister

Do get a Barbie Butt. It's uncomfortable to start with but well worth it in the end. Be careful they don't put your stoma too close to your waistline. If you wear clothes with a belt, it can be an issue.

Hi Marsling, you'll probably have an ostomy nurse come in before surgery, have you move around, bend, etc., and mark your belly where the stoma will go. End ostomies seem to be easier to care for than loop ones. Bring loose-fitting pants to the hospital with you on the day you go home. If you are going to have a Barbie or Ken butt, let us know and we can guide you.

Hi Marsling, welcome to the site. When you get your colostomy, be sure to ask about irrigation, and maybe you won't have to even wear a pouch, but that will be down the road after you heal and get back to what's normal for a colostomate. Good luck.

Scrub pants are great!

Hello Marsling

As I have never had a loop ileostomy, personally I am unable to answer your question specifically.

But Marsling, one specific thought I would like to share with you is - please "KEEP AN OPEN MIND AND NEVER 'EXPECT' THINGS"... It has taken me many years to learn this - for, certainly within the Western World, many of us 'expect' a certain range of experience to follow an action - even if we do not 'expect' a defined outcome - which, when requesting or agreeing to a specific, IMHE we do tend to have a range of expectation as to how/what the 'outcome' of an action may be.

You are right to ask questions and I hope you have a good Medical / Surgical Team who have been open, frank, and exchanged information to a point where you feel you are 'informed'.

I would urge you, if there is anything you feel you do not understand or feel unsure of - ask further questions.

You are wise to seek the input of patients who have been through similar procedures in order to prepare and take on board perspectives from other patients' points of experience - for we are varied and many.

Hang in here - revisit - because there WILL BE folk who may be able to give you pointers and share their experience of a similar or related procedure to your own. You are absolutely right to qualify your request with your own appreciation of the fact we are all different :-)

Best wishes - I hope your interventions go well and your health and quality of life improve going forward.

GOOD LUCK

Waves from across the pond

~ ~ ~ Jayne ~ ~ ~

UK