Ostomy Support Forum

I have been away from this website for a short time. I decided to come back and see who's on here and what's going on. I'm looking for a friend who could turn into more than a friend. I'm lonely and hoping to find someone who has the same thing as I do so that it would not be an awkward situation.

No, not the Force, Luke, I'm not your father.. lol
Your stoma??
The strangest thing is that I actually feel it when the stoma is touched. I thought it was my imagination as I was told that there are no nerves in the stoma..
So I did a blind test...
I looked the other way, closed my eyes, and covered them. And I could still feel it when my wife touched the very top of my stoma, and not with so ...

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 ...

I just realized today I've had my ileostomy 50 years! Where has the time gone? I've been very lucky and had very few problems. My skin surrounding the stoma is good.
I'm 69. I do wonder how people cope as they get older with their skin?
Skin can get thin for some in their old age. At the moment, I don't use any products to remove the pouch, but I guess that may change if my skin gets thin.

Hubz had a regular checkup with the oncologist on Friday (his numbers are improving), and as they were asking how he's feeling since surgery, they became curious about how he's doing so well with his ostomy, both physically and mentally. He credited doing research online, trying different things, and especially the support from this group. They were asking because they see so many patients str ...

Those of you who recall Letterman's top ten list, I'm reviving/revising the late-night comedian's popular subject for those interested. Think of it as a checklist from seasoned members put together as a helpful bit of advice. There are no wrong answers.
ME!! go first with number 1.
1) Advice/suggestions/replies offered from various and seasoned members—what works for one or two folks may n ...

Hi everyone! I just wanted to share an update that I've found a good rhythm now two months post-ostomy surgery, and it feels like it's almost fully healed, for which I'm grateful. I've been putting ointment around the edges whenever I add a new bag, which helps. I've been eating more consistently, which creates better flow. I'm grateful for all of your support with learning how to listen to my ...

Hmm...I've been a member here of this wonderful community for some time now and it's been so wonderful to read about the journey of others who are finding their way. I've had my urostomy since I was eight years of age and I had a diverted bladder before that. The latter didn't quite work and the urostomy was created. Growing up with it and the challenges that were presented over the years of m ...

I (21) had elective proctocolectomy and got my ileostomy 5 days ago because of my UC. I've had a lot of time to mentally prepare, and the benefits of living free of my UC by far outweigh the negatives of having an ostomy, so I, for myself, am pretty happy with the new situation so far. Pain is there but manageable, and I'm quite mobile already.
I am giving my best to be open about my condition ...

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 ...

Today marks one full year since my permanent loop ileostomy surgery. Today is my first stomaversary! And I just want to say a huge, heartfelt thank you to all of you.
From the months leading up to surgery, when I was a nervous wreck over everything and asked way too many questions, you all showed up and calmed my fears with kindness, honesty, and the type of reassurance only fellow ostomates c ...