ONE THING THAT I’VE LEARNED ON THIS SITE is how many different bodily malfunctions can lead to a person having to have ostomy surgery. In my own case, it was ulcerative colitis which, after a painful and lengthy preliminary engagement, put me in the hospital in November, 1963. I was in sorry shape, hurting badly, and confined in what was called a semi-private room in upstate New York. Tel ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
Just wanted to share a link to the UOAA Ostomy Academy on YouTube as Hubz and I learned a lot this morning about hernias! Another fun Saturday! Yay!
His surgeon mentioned that a loop colostomy has a slightly higher risk for hernia, so off to UOAA we went. I really didn't even know the structure of a parastomal hernia, so it was really hard to even understand how the hernia belts would work.
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 first started on here in October talking about my stoma being moved from the right to the left and having numerous leaks and bag changes. I've said it was so short (almost flat) I couldn't see where to place the bag. Well, the last three bag changes went without a change for 7 days! Back to my old schedule when it was on the right side. It did come up ever so slightly, so I just practiced fo ...
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 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 ...
Yesterday, as I was receiving my chemo treatment, my colostomy pouch almost filled to bursting and had to be emptied quickly. At first, I freaked out; then I thought about how you guys have handled similar situations. I calmly got up, grabbed my emergency backpack, and walked to the bathroom with my IV pole and emptied and cleaned my pouch without a hitch. I guess I'm posting this to let you k ...
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 ...
