Hello new friends!

Hello!

I'm a new ostomate. I have a colostomy and have had it since January. I believe that it is going to be permanent.

I am seeking friendship and advice.

Welcome to the site! None of us dreamed of becoming ostomates, but we're sure glad to have our tribe here.

Thank you for the welcome!

I have been struggling with what I can and cannot eat. I recently had a blockage and decided that Googling was not the best advice.

Welcome to the site. I'm pretty new myself. I got my ileostomy in April. You've found a great site full of wonderful, friendly people. I've learned so much from the folks here. There is someone here who can answer any question you may have.

Welcome Amethyst!

My Ostomy Journey: Jearlean | Hollister

Thank you, Nikki, for the welcome.

Hi and welcome. Just know you are not alone on this new journey. We're here for you 🌈

Welcome aboard, Amethyst. I hope we can answer any questions you need an answer for.

Regards, IGGIE

Welcome from Oz 🇦🇺

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we’re all in the same boat….welcome to the site that will most likely help to improve your knowledge of “stomahood” by those who have years of “on the job experiences” and are willing to share if needed.  You will also find an abundance of empathy and total understanding of your feelings as only another ostomate experiences.  WELCOME!  jb

Hi, welcome to the site. Long time ostomate here. If you get a blockage, try a can of Coke to help move it along.

Welcome to a wonderful group of people and friends on here. I am a newcomer myself, but they have made me feel welcome. Hope you have a blessed day. 😊

Welcome to the group. You will find lots of advice here and get many good ideas for troubleshooting problems.

Hello and welcome, welcome, glad you're here. I also have a colostomy. As far as food goes, I was told by my ostomy clinic that I can eat whatever I want as long as I “chew, chew, chew” - so whatever I would normally eat is how I took it.
I still hear that in my head when I eat. I haven't had any blockage issues; I can eat any food. I do my best to chew well, but I seem to just go back to how I have always chewed, then I hear Rick's voice again with the chew, chew, chew. With that said, I was also told by my team that I need to drink Miralax (I use the Costco Kirkland version) that works well for me to not let the output get too thick or stodgy. It works well for me, and I definitely feel a difference if I don't take it. Hope that helps…

Welcome! Glad to have you. I also have a permanent colostomy. Regarding your diet, eat small amounts of food to see how your body reacts to them. You may also want to keep a food diary. Some of us can eat just about everything we ate before getting an ostomy, while others, like me, are somewhat restricted. We are all different. It's all just trial and error.

Welcome to our group! You will find a wealth of information here, as well as support and friendship. As Hugo says, we are all different when it comes to diet and possible restrictions. You will get to know your own body in time and learn what you can and cannot tolerate, so there is a learning curve. The main things to remember are to eat slowly, chew really, really, really well, and stay hydrated. It's less common to have diet restrictions with a colostomy, but it does happen, and it's most often due to scar tissue. Eat small portions of foods you haven't tried yet to see how you react. Take it slow. You'll get there.

Terry

Just something I'd like to add. Some ostomates will tell you not to eat this or that. It's a shame to deprive yourself of something you really like, and it may well be that whatever foods you are being told to avoid wouldn't cause you any problems at all. We are all different. Don't be afraid to try everything; just be careful.

Terry

I have been too; I tried to Google and found it more confusing.

Hi

Welcome.

I have had an ileostomy since 1973. What kind of advice are you seeking?

Hi Amethyst.

So I have had a colostomy for 25 years. What to eat can be finicky because we are all so different in what we tolerate. What has worked for me is to try one new food at a time so I know what I can and cannot tolerate. Some examples: Nuts cause me a blockage every time; I've had two. So now I put the nuts in a food processor and add them to smooth peanut or almond butter or sprinkle them on food I eat. Voila, no blockage. In that way, I don't have to give up a food I love. However, I cannot eat raw vegetables with a dip. The veggies have to be steamed at least. Also, the peels on some fruits are difficult to digest, like apples and pears. Some ostomates tolerate salads very well, but I just avoid them. I find spinach is very stringy, and I don't tolerate it well at all. The same goes for celery, but if it's cut up and cooked well, it's OK. The biggest thing to remember is to chew, chew, and chew again. Hope this helps a little. Sharon

Good afternoon, Amethyst,

You've come to the right place. No such thing as a dumb question. You will find advice on any question you ask. You have a home. Many good people are here, some even with a great sense of humor. Don't be shy.

Best of health to you and welcome,

SharkFan

Do this!

Eat what you love in small quantities to begin with.

The crazy thing about having a stoma is you really see how foods are digested...or not.

I learned much from emptying that pouch. :)