Not from anything I am ingesting and very frequent. A month after negative Cologuard results, but that's the way things usually go (when they do - or I can, Lol. Flush). I never drink enough water, but that's nothing new. Pending long-delayed endo/colonoscopy, but no cancer signs otherwise barring the lowest lipase level (11) steadily declining last year. Perfect labs and CTs otherwise, so doctors insist it's not pancreatitis. I beg to differ. Everyone says colonoscopy through stoma is painless, but I have a massive parastomal hernia. Any comments welcome.
wannababrit
Jun 27, 2025 7:51 pm
SusanT
Jun 27, 2025 9:00 pm
The hernia is likely the source of the pain during the colonoscopy. Next time, insist they give you more anesthesia so you don't feel it.
The black edges are possibly due to what you're eating and dehydration. Our body's reactions can change over time. Just because being dehydrated in the past didn't cause this to happen doesn't mean it couldn't start now.
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Posted by: Primeboy
Hi Mike and all. I am not sure how panoramic my perspective really is as my peripheral vision shrinks with each passing year. I can tell you that when I came to this website six years ago I was truly ;impressed by the positive attitudes of so many members, especially the younger folks who refused to let their ostomies define who they were or what they would become. I also came to appreciate that having an ostomy is not the same thing as having a disease. Pardon ;my pun now, but ostomies and cancer don't belong in the same bag. One is a solution, the other is a problem. Celebrating National Ostomy Day ;is also well outside my comfort zone. That's like celebrating National Wheel Chair Day. Come on!
I think there is a ;need for improved ;public awareness of ostomies, but I am not sure how that's best done. There ;remains ;some social stigma attached to our situation, and it's acutely felt among our young. We need to get out of the dark ages on this issue, but not by going 'in your face' to everyone else. I think Bill and NDY are 'spot-on' when it comes to telegraphing the right message to friends and family. People will know how to react when they ;see ;how we accept the cards we were dealt. I also appreciate the contribution some people here are making to this effort through their publications.
On a personal note, my son has been suffering from ulcerative colitis for years just like I did. I am very concerned because people with UC are at a higher risk for colon cancer. Years ago my GI told me to get annual colonoscopies to be on the safe side. I am glad I did because he eventually found pre-cancerous cells which led to several surgeries and my becoming an ostomate. Since then I have always ;conveyed a positive attitude to ;my son about wearing a bag because it has kept me alive to enjoy many more years with my loved ones. I think he got the message. We both go to the same gastroenterologist in NYC and get scoped on the same day. Father and Son moments!
Someone once wrote that our children are the letters we write to the future.
PB
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Iceberg
Aug 15, 2025 8:47 pm
Recently had a colonoscopy done, didn't hurt, but I did ask for the cocktail just to make sure I felt no pain. Hopefully, everything will go well for you. Stay strong.
Doe1mama
Aug 16, 2025 1:06 pm
Sometimes my husband's ileostomy output is very dark, and we credit what he ate. But then he'll eat the same thing, and it's not that color. I agree with Susan T; it could be what you ate and/or dehydration. Interestingly, I worked in an endoscopy unit for several years, and we never did one through a stoma. Back then, we only gave some IV Demerol, and you were awake the whole time. Much better now. When I had one, I woke up and never knew I had it done. Good luck.
Staying Hydrated with an Ostomy with LeeAnne Hayden | Hollister
wannababrit
Aug 23, 2025 11:13 pm
Thank you so much for your highly respected reply. I imagine you have seen it all - and oh for the days of Demerol!
My main issue is the black color, but I have to see another or former colorectal surgeon for the colonoscopy and a gastroenterologist for the endoscopy (done together twice in the past) if I wish to undergo prep in-hospital (approved requirement on my part). I am always given general anesthesia but am nervous because of that unwelcome mound and very tender stoma beneath. My current gastroenterologist said he wouldn't attempt a colonoscopy because of my looped bowel, which I know can be easily perforated. So, 3 years of specialist consults to arrive at this one. I am just going to do cultures and Cologuard or FIT and pray more (Lol). And increase my water consumption.
Stay well and thank you again!