Laugh at my experience and expense if it's funny to you. This is meant to be self-deprecating and a bit of a cathartic post. Maybe there's a tip in here somewhere for anyone who has acquired a stoma recently.
My first bag was put on while I was still in surgery. My second bag change happened with the wound care nurse in the hospital the day before I was discharged. The third was with my wife i ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
Attention Newbies….Helpful Shower Gear
Nothing is better than a completely naked shower. A stoma cover-up (see picture) allows the use of both hands afterward. As someone suggested on here, before putting on the cover-up, apply 2 sheets of toilet paper over the stoma while your skin is still wet, then the stoma cover, and then dry your entire body. I find this piece of gear extremely helpful ...
In a few weeks, I'll be sending my car back to its origin up north since the lease is ending, and I'm thinking of ways to transport around town. It's pretty small, so I could walk to all the places I'd really need, but it might be nice to have a bicycle or moped to go a little further out some days. Has anyone ridden either one 1.5-2 months post-surgery? Was it okay on your tummy?
Also, today ...
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 (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 ...
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 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 ...
