I FIGURE I WAS BORN TWICE, once when my mother gave birth to me way back when, then again when I came out of recovery after the ileostomy surgery. I was twenty-one that time. I think that surviving after the second birth was the most difficult. The first birth presented me with a blank slate; the second birth a blank slate with obvious, confounding complications. Following the first birth, ...
For many years, I was either unable to travel or suffered with Crohn's while traveling. Two weeks ago, I took my first vacation with an ostomy and was able to enjoy my time away. Not only a vacation, but a vacation at Disney/Universal with a ton of walking, rides, and all kinds of food. I did have some anxiety to start with, but it turned out to be misplaced. It was such a great feeling to be ...
I took some time to read up on some of y'all's posts on the pros and cons (more pros than cons) of having a stealth belt and also did some research about it, comparing it to others that are out there in the market. So after some debates with the three of me (me, myself, and I), I took the leap and just ordered one! I'm hoping that what I've read on it from those who swear by it, I too will be ...
I'm curious if anyone ever sits and looks at their ostomy or talks to it like it's a person. Maybe because she's so new, I'm figuring out how to care for her, and while it does feel like a relief to just let her breathe for a day or two so she can heal, there is also relief when I have a bag and clothes on so my mind can think about other things and I can go outside and walk around and meet pe ...
Following an emergency Hartman's procedure in July, I am slowly coming to terms with life with my new friend "Sami." However, as I have a holiday booked in December and have already paid the huge penalty bestowed on me by the travel insurance company, I am determined to see it through. However, the closer it gets, the more overwhelmed I'm feeling.
I already travel with a bag full of prescripti ...
Hi Fellow Ostomates
I just wanted to tell you about my recent two-week hiking and cultural tour of Japan with World Expeditions. I wondered how I would go with my ileostomy, but it was absolutely fine. The flight was pleasant enough, and using the toilet was easy. I took a cup in with me in case I needed to pour some water down the toilet (they only have air in airplane toilets), but with care ...
Hello all
Although my colostomy surgery was in August, I have only been home and managing it on my own for the past month. This is my first post, but I've already been finding the answers I've so desperately needed from your responses to other newbies. My apologies for taking so long to say hello and to thank you. I am so blessed and grateful to have found you, since without you I would still ...
I recently discovered that Cortizone 10 comes in a spray, and it is a game changer for me. I have sensitivity to adhesives, so my appliances were making me miserable with rashes, blisters, and irritation. I had heard of other ostomy patients using Flonase, but that didn't seem right to me. When I saw the Cortizone 10 spray, I had to try it. I sprayed it on, let it dry, then sprayed the barrier ...
If you go online to AliExpress and type ostomy into the search bar, you will find huge amounts of ostomy products from bags, wipes barrier rigs, belts, sprays the whole range. I always buy non-woven tape from them and I only pay about $7 instead of the $30-$40 at the pharmacy (I have lots of allergies and their tape is good). I've also used their flange extenders. I have not used any other ...
Attention Newbies….Helpful Shower Gear
Nothing is better than a completely naked shower. A stoma cover-up (see picture) allows the use of both hands afterward. As someone suggested on here, before putting on the cover-up, apply 2 sheets of toilet paper over the stoma while your skin is still wet, then the stoma cover, and then dry your entire body. I find this piece of gear extremely helpful ...
