Are Ostomy and Colostomy Issues Connected?

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297
GrannyRocks
Mar 19, 2025 11:18 pm

So in Oct 2015, I had pancreatitis, a burst bowel, and had a colostomy placed. I also had my sigmoid colon removed at the same time and was diagnosed with chronic leukemia. In Feb 2016, I had a resect. In 2018, a massive hernia was fixed. In March 2024, my husband and I had no clue why (even though the report says we were spoken to extensively and given info - all bull SH-t), and I suddenly had emergency surgery for a blocked bowel and had an ileostomy placed with no chance of reversal in March 2024. I had also been diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia in Jan 2024, and TPLL, another acute but rare leukemia, to which I had such a violent reaction to the chemo that I literally almost died!! I had sepsis, septic shock, bacteremia, etc. This surgery was performed after the violent reaction to the chemo. I complained of pain for weeks, and they finally took a scan and found two major infections. I have had trouble with my ostomy since it was placed. What do you think of the colostomy and sigmoid colon removal as a reason why I am having so many issues now?

corlsharonl49
Mar 19, 2025 11:56 pm

I wish I had some input here, but I can't offer any experience. However, I do hope you find someone who can help, and my heart goes out to you for what you've gone through.

Justbreathe

MeetAnOstoMate website turned out to be a lifesaver for me. I say this because, for me, this ostomy journey was a devastating event both physically and mentally.
Here, I found folks who understood my feelings even better than my family or friends could. Only a fellow ostomate can understand how you really feel.

Information sharing is key, as well as support and understanding, to ultimately bring more harmony into our ostomy life journey. I found here, virtually no ostomy questions that are not touched upon. Questions which some might feel, may be too trivial to contact a doctor about or even too shy or embarrassed to ask their own doctor about. They are all addressed here.

For me, anonymity was very helpful in seeking answers to each phase of this life changing medical and mental event. Sharing initial trauma feelings, ongoing support and finally acceptance was what I found with my membership here. I am not sure what my mental and physical attitude would be today without having found this site.

Additional benefits included: finding products and ideas to help with daily maintenance, innovative ideas and as a bonus - some great humor.
After all “laughter IS the best medicine”.

I have been a member for 3 years, an ostomate for 4 years - yes, I certainly wish I would have found it immediately after surgery but so very thankful I finally found it when I did as I truly believe it turned my troubled depression and situation into a more positive attitude and acceptance.

Sincerely,
An Ileostomate nicknamed Justbreathe 🫶🏼

Beachboy
Mar 20, 2025 1:13 am

Hello,

I had my sigmoid colon removed and was gifted with a colonoscopy. I have stage 4 thyroid cancer, prostate cancer, and skin cancer.

I've had no issues with the colostomy; it works very well. I do have issues with rectal stump inflammation. But rectal stumps usually are troublemakers.

SusanT
Mar 20, 2025 1:32 am

I'm sorry you are having such a tough time.

I don't think your stomas, either past or present, are the source of your issues. I am surviving rectal cancer that invaded every organ in my pelvis. They had to empty out my pelvis to get rid of the cancer. I had also previously had a very rare NET of the pancreas.

I know. When this kind of stuff happens, we look for reasons. We blame whatever was different or whatever we think we did wrong. The truth is that cancer happens. We don't have control over it, and it isn't logical. None of what's happening is your fault, and it's not the result of any of the medical interventions you've had.

You've been given a very difficult set of circumstances. I feel for you.

Beachboy
Mar 20, 2025 2:44 am

Darn. And I was doing so well. 😄

 

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GrannyRocks
Mar 20, 2025 11:56 am

I had no issues with my colostomy either. It's the ostomy that's a nightmare! I have to empty it every time I pee, and it's probably 8-10 times a day minimum. Just this morning, the ostomy bag was leaking. I never leak, but overnight I did twice. I was up really early changing the whole thing. I think missing the sigmoid colon is disrupting my ability to process most food. I feel sick before I eat. I feel sick after I eat. And no doctor will see me! It's truly amazing. They are clueless and are not interested in anything out of the ordinary. I just want to curl up in my chair and sleep. Ever since I started walking a block or so, I've felt worse. I feel like something "moved" inside that is disrupting my situation. I hope the specialist I'm seeing next week will put me in for a scan right there so he can see what's happening; otherwise, it's a worthless visit.

Beachboy
Mar 20, 2025 7:22 pm

Wow. Sorry to hear the troubles you're experiencing. I have no problems eating. I had a physical puncture of my colon, resulting in a colostomy. I didn't suffer any underlying intestinal disease.