July 3 I saw my doctor for a check-up. Everything is okay. After the exam, he gave me my options:
1) Do nothing
2) Remove rectum stump and sew up anus
3) J-pouch (I know nothing about J-pouch and am terrified)
As we were talking, he said with a J-pouch, I could expect 8-10 bathroom trips a day and occasional anus leakage. I told him I just drove 1 1/2 hours to see him and did not have to stop once for a bathroom visit. When I first started seeing this doctor, on the same trip, I would have stopped 3 times. I do not need to know where all the bathrooms are, and it is really nice. I can finally sit and watch a 90-minute movie without having to pause it twice to go to the bathroom. I sleep pretty much all night from 10 PM to 5:15 AM without having to get up twice. The list of small things I am now able to do because I have an ileostomy is really quite long. Sometimes I feel a little guilty because I realize things are going quite well for me. I have adjusted to my stoma quite well and have really had very few issues with it.
The last year before my operation, I was caffeine-free, gluten-free, and dairy-free. That was a suggestion given to me to try and make UC tolerable, but it did not help much. Now I eat fairly normally. I miss fruit (apples, oranges, grapefruit, etc.). This was the first thing my doctor said: "We are getting you eating as normally as possible." When I was at my worst, I was scared to eat. My stoma, I believe, gave me back my life. All I have to do is live it. I wish I had the confidence I read other people have. I am still a bit nervous about my stoma and the reactions of other people. I really should not care what they think, but most of us willingly or unwillingly do care.
Thanks, Ed
Why Join MeetAnOstoMate?
First off, this is a pretty cool site with 33,460 members. Get inside and you will see.
It's not all about ostomy. Everything is being discussed.
Many come here for advice or to give advice 🗣, others have found good friends 🤗, and there are also those who have found love 💓. Most of all, people are honest and truly care.
Privacy is very important - the website has many features that are only visible to members.
Create an account and you will be amazed.
Advertisement
Hollister
You've checked off everything on your travel checklist. So, now it's time to pack your ostomy supplies and anything else you need. Do it the right way with these smart tips.
Advertisement
Hollister
Are you a caregiver for a child with an ostomy? In the summer months, this can become more challenging, thanks to heat, humidity, water activities, and travel plans.
Learn more about caring for children with an ostomy on vacation.
Learn more about caring for children with an ostomy on vacation.