Elective Colostomy for Mum: Seeking Advice and Experiences

Hello all,

I'm new to this forum, joining as my mum is going to have an elective colostomy in a few weeks! This is to treat severe fecal incontinence from type I diabetes.

Currently, she has a really low quality of life; she fears leaving the house in case she has an accident. Traveling is a nightmare for her (though all our family lives abroad, so she forces herself to!), and she can't have a full social life because of her problems.

My question is, for anyone who had a colostomy to treat FI, did it improve their quality of life? I've read so many stories about leaks and blowouts that I'm worried her issue won't be resolved, but she'll simply be replacing it with another one...

She's also due to travel abroad about 8 weeks after the colostomy - any tips on managing this for the least potential embarrassment for her? :)

Thanks so much! x

I got my 2 ostomies (colostomy and urostomy) due to cancer. But I lived with FI for many months prior to surgery caused by the radiation treatment and the tumor itself. That is no way to live.

Once I got my colostomy, life was better. Yes, there are likely to be problems early on. There's a steep learning curve, and it takes time to find the right bagging system. But we are talking weeks.

There is sometimes an emotional battle while she adjusts to her new normal. She will need time to regain confidence. She may worry that the bag is noticeable (it isn't). But she will regain her freedom and some independence.

Find a good ostomy nurse. Keep this site in your favorites and get her here too. We can advise on issues from our collective experience.

Improved my life 100 percent, plus, got some people out of my world that I didn't much care for anyway. Lots to learn, but it's fun learning new things! 😁

I have a sigmoid colostomy. Had it for 2 years already... Time flies. I've had no problems once I learned how to care for it. Learned it all here on this website. Skin care, appliance tips, travel advice. Emotional support.

It will take time for recovery after surgery as the body adjusts to its new "normal." Pain will subside. If it doesn't, seek out medical help.

All ostomy supply manufacturers offer free samples. Look up ostomy suppliers on the internet. Call them. They also have ostomy nurses on staff to assist you.

I recommend she wear a support belt after the surgical scar heals. It's very easy to develop a parastomal or incisional hernia. She should lift nothing. After 6 months, very light lifting. She also must be careful of coughs and sneezes. If possible, hold a pillow tightly against the stomach while coughing or sneezing.

There's a lot to learn. And it just takes time and patience. Your support will help her adapt and thrive with this change to her life.

No lifting 38 lb buckets of litter, either.

Whoops

My Ostomy Journey: Bruce | Hollister

That's what Mrs. B is for. Hee heeee.

Thank you for this reply! It gives her hope :)

Thank you! That's great to hear! And absolutely - filter out the negative!

Thank you so much for your reply! I will get her on here for sure.