Ostomy Support Forum

Well, that was no walk in the park. I had my surgery, spent about 3 days in the hospital, came home, and started vomiting. A lot. All the time. Every time I ate, when I went to bed at night, when I went to the doctor's office. I went back in the hospital, and they stuck an NG tube up my nose and down my throat. I hate those things. Anyway, they said my ostomy didn't wake up after surgery. That ...

Tomorrow marks one year since I had emergency surgery due to a perforation in my colon and got my colostomy. For several months, I was angry, resentful, overwhelmed, bitter, and depressed. I didn't think I would ever be able to cope with my new normal. I blamed myself. I don't remember how I found this group, but I am so grateful I did. You all helped to ease my loneliness and gave me support ...

I finally started eating a regular meal once a day. Well, today I decided to try one little sour gummy. I chewed but accidentally swallowed it. Mind you, it's the size of a pea, if not smaller, and I'm freaking out. I don't want a blockage, and I do drink plenty of fluids. Any advice? I'm 2 months out.

I'm a mother of a 5 and 6 year old and I got my ileostomy two years ago. They are starting to wonder why mommy goes to poop in a bag... I don't know how I would tell them or if I should show them my stoma because I think they would get scared... I tell them mama needs a bag because my body doesn't work right and I have a disease but then my 6 year old asked how the poop comes out. All I say is ...

Hi, is there a sharp tool to cut the hole in the flange? I have an oval stoma. I have used scissors for years, but I want something more accurate.

It's completely normal to have concerns about: body image, lifestyle changes, dating and intimacy, managing the stoma/appliance, and fear of judgment. But many people find that after some adjustment, they regain confidence and live full, active lives.

I have heard recommendations for using marshmallows to slow down output when you'll be swimming or away from bathrooms for a while. Has anyone tried this? If so, how many, how long before activity, any other tips?

I'm heading out for a long out-of-country trip next month and wondering if marshmallows are a good idea for the long flight or long days on a boat.

Currently, I'm taking Miralax daily and drinking apple juice with it, but it's not working as well as it did a few months ago. I don't always have a BM every day, and with my history of constipation and having a severe bowel obstruction last October, which caused my ostomy, I really need to find a good regimen to make sure that I have a bowel movement every day. Does anyone have any tips that ...

I'm in two minds about going ahead with a reversal operation.

Can anyone tell me about the pros and cons?

Hi. I was curious about the experiences others have had with pouchoscopy. My prior surgeon didn't have me fast or use enemas. While it can be uncomfortable, it wasn't the worst thing I ever had done. The exam took maybe 15 minutes and taught me to self-dilate multiple times a week to avoid closing up. It works great!
I have a new GI team and it's scheduled. For prep, they talked about sedation ...

I have a high-output permanent ileostomy. The leaks are horrendous, and the phantom leaks torture, tease, and poke me. I have been provided with all the right medical supplies: I have big bags, small bags, adhesive rings, paste, and Demi-lunes. The stoma is right on my belly button, and I have an old scar that pleats. I block it up with paste and have the extra security of Demi-lunes. I starte ...