4 Weeks with a Stoma and I'm Ready to Talk

Short details. Bladder cancer diagnosis 2 years ago. BCG treatment worked, but cancer came back. Elective chemo before bladder removal (20 weeks of misery), pulmonary embolism from chemo/cancer, blood thinners, 8 weeks later surgery.

BCG was painful, chemo was being a Zen master to try and not throw up every 30 minutes. Surgery was painful cubed.

I just did my 4-week follow-up with my surgeon. Pathology was zero cancer in bladder, prostate, or lymph node. Surgeon says my stoma is beautiful. I think he's just admiring his work. It looks like a baboon butthole and a teapot spout mixed....

Scars? Don't care... my biggest issues are bowel movements and ripping hair out when I change my bag. The stoma is like an alien attached to me still, but I'm not scared to touch it or clean it.

I do feel like a freak and about as sexy as the Crypt Keeper and Jeepers Creepers combined.

Any tips for hair removal that aren't obvious like shaving?

G-Day Steve,

Welcome aboard. You seem to have had a rough time, but now's the time to get used to your new life. As for shaving, use a razor but not up close to the stoma. Right next to the stoma, you can use tweezers and pull the little suckers out. You will get used to it in time. I hope you start feeling a lot better than you have in the past.

Regards, IGGIE

For hair removal, you can use an epilator like Silk-épil 9. It removes from the roots, so you get a longer time in between. There are waxing strips too, but I think the epilator is gentler on the skin.

I just use a razor, but I'm not a gorilla.

Hubz uses a small beard trimmer every other appliance change. It takes less than 30 seconds, makes removal much more comfortable, and gives him a better seal.

My Ostomy Journey: Ryan | Hollister

Hi all, I use the cheapest dollar store razors without the slippery strip on them.

One not-so-obvious way to eliminate hair is by blow torch. Hey, you said not the obvious way. 😁

Welcome, Steve. Sounds like you've been through the ringer but have managed to maintain a healthy attitude and sense of humor! They will both serve you well. Welcome aboard.

Terry

Warrior suggests a blow torch! But there is laser hair removal or electrolysis. You have been through a lot and can try them when you feel better. All the best wishes.

Sorry, Warrior didn't suggest a blow torch; Alex did.

I appreciate all the input. I'll pass on the blowtorch. The suggestions all confirm that a magic or secret way doesn't exist. I might actually look into laser hair removal for the long term, but for now, a razor it is.

I didn't want to reply to everyone individually and be weird. I really do appreciate the welcome.

Steve, check out the Vegan Ostomy website, as the guy is pretty hairy and probably has some good tips.