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 ...
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 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.
I had my colonoscopy on Thursday, and the doctor said I am on track for my 6-month reversal, which is in January. She was very happy with my general surgeon who did the emergency surgery and said that he left her plenty to work with.
I'm very excited about the opportunity to return to a “normal” life. But I have so many emotions. I'm nervous. I'm scared. I'm excited. And I also feel bad th ...
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.
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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, ...
