Finding My Rhythm

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 body and take care of myself. The improvements are happening 💫

There are moments when I think about how much I've been through recently, and it makes me realize how resilient and strong I am. We all are this way, and I'm so happy to be a part of this group 💛

mia17,

Well said. Glad that you are adjusting well to having an ostomy. Before you know it, a year will fly by and anything ostomy-related will be like second nature to you. Cheers to the journey.

- Bain

Glad to hear things are going well! I'm sure your positive attitude has been a big part of it.

Terry

That's so good to hear! Thanks for sharing your progress! 🌻

Great to hear you're doing well and you found a way to manage your stoma. Thank God.

How to Stay Hydrated with an Ostomy with Collin | Hollister

Good for you, Mia; you're stronger than you think. 😃

Well done, Mia,

I hope it all keeps going smoothly for you.

IGGIE

Hi Mia, thanks for the positive story; I needed it today.

Thank you, everyone, so much for your love and support. It warms my heart and motivates me to continue to heal. 💛💫

Mia,

Great - thanks for sharing your good progress. It sounds like you are on your positive way forward. We are all stronger than we think.

Best wishes

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Jayne ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Great news, Mia. It's so good to hear that it's working well for you! You motivate us too, new friend, and we are all sending love and positive vibes to you.

Hope things go well for you today and every day, Ron. The world is a weird place at the moment, but if it has even the slightest uplift for you, my roses are blooming and blooming in November in the UK. Weird, weird, weird. As fast as I prune them, they fling out new buds and flowers! There is beauty and good in the world. All the best to you, my friend.

Mia, that's good to hear... It takes a while, and once you get used to the bag, you often aren't even aware of its presence 🙂

I am so glad to hear you have found a solution that works for you. I am suffering from irritation at the stomach site and have only been offered powder. Could you tell me the cream you are using? I am hoping this will end my torture. 🤓

Irritation is awful, especially if you have to have the flange on it. Have you tried cutting a little bit of the flange away? My stomach nurse suggested this as a way to let the skin breathe and heal with irritation around there. Stoma powder and crusting technique with a skin barrier wipe can help as well.

Best of luck with it!

Jacx, maybe you're allergic to the adhesive and need to try another brand. Also, Fluticasone Propionate, which is actually a nasal spray but a steroid, helps healing. I don't know about the ointment that Mia is referring to; I would like to have some on hand, though. I use the powder at every bag change; I've had good luck with it. Hope you find some relief soon.

Great to hear, Ms. Mia! Hopefully, you will settle into a system that you're comfortable with. You'll learn to see the output and quickly figure out what you need to do to get it right. (It's also a good reason to have snacks like pretzels, etc.)

One little note if you haven't figured it out already: Red Gatorade or similar drinks will change the color. When you first see this happen, don't rush to the hospital thinking something is wrong. Think back to what you ate/drank 12 hours earlier. This may save you a trip to the E.R. and some sudden high blood pressure.

Take care and remember we are here for you.

SharkFan

I use a little bit of ordinary nappy rash cream, Ron. The stoma nurses suggested calamine lotion, and it was dreadful. The stoma suppliers usually will send you a can of skin calming/protectant spray if you ask them.

Hi! Apologies for the delay, it's an over-the-counter triple antibiotic cream from the local grocery store. I hope you've been able to find something to soothe your skin; I feel you there; it comes and goes with mine too 💫

Oh dear... thank goodness I noticed this happens too with greens. I tried my first green onion + cilantro sauce with chicken and my output was green. I'm guessing this is normal too.

Jacx, I use a small dab of nappy rash cream on the inflamed bits, but someone else suggested Fluticasone nasal spray; spray it onto the rash. You can buy it over the counter, or you can try a steroid cream; you can buy hydrocortisone over the counter too.

Aww, I'm so happy to hear that. Thank you so much! ✨️

Aww, I feel so loved. Thank you so very much! 💛💛

Aww, thank you so much! Big hugs to you 💛

Aww, thank you so much for all your support and kindness. 💛💛

Big hugs to you, thank you for being so supportive. 💛💛

Thank you so much, dear Terry. I am trying to keep the positivity as much as possible. Your support and guidance mean so much to me. 💛💛

Hi new friend Bain, thank you so much for your support. I appreciate it so much! ✨️

I had that happen after eating a beet salad! Threw me for a loop, briefly. I definitely thought I was bleeding!