I am a 42-year-old male. I have been diagnosed with "Indeterminate Colitis". I have an ileostomy and HATE the pouch!! It is placed very high on my belly, almost beside my belly button - it certainly affects my "mojo"...lol. My surgeon wants me to wait up to 5 years to see if I don't have Crohn's disease as opposed to colitis for the final pouch surgery to take place. I find my ileostomy really affects my lifestyle. I find I am not nearly as active as I used to be. I find if I go swimming, I have to make sure my bathing suit is hiked up like an old man - not too fashionable! If I swim, I run the risk of having to change my pouch often as the adhesive seems to break down faster. I wouldn't dream of going in a hot tub spa! Sports are difficult to play as I am always worried about my ileostomy. I hate to sound negative because I am certainly grateful that I am at least healthy again and I do feel great otherwise.
Please respond!
Bruce
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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