Hi all, I'm new to this site although I have had my ileostomy for 18 months now. Just to bore you (hopefully not too much), I was diagnosed with cervical cancer in 2008 and after having chemo and radiotherapy, I also had to have brachytherapy. Unfortunately, the brachytherapy caused 2 complex fistulas, although not until nearly 2 years after the treatment. This left me doubly incontinent. The pain from the fecal incontinence was unbearable, so I was taken in for emergency surgery in January 2011. The ileostomy was 'in a dip' due to massive weight loss (4 stone in less than 4 months), so I have always had problems with leaks. So that's what happened. My question (and confession) is that in 18 months, I haven't changed the measurements on the bag. I struggled to deal with the fact I had a bag. So, does anyone have any tips on the best way to do it? I struggle to look at the stoma and would never dream of touching it. I'm sure people think I'm daft, but I am where I am and I know that in the long run, it's got to be done.
Sorry for the long post, but that was quite cathartic.
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