What to do? I had a temporary colostomy put in. Been out of the hospital for a week. I know other people have it harder, but I am lost. Taking it day by day, but does it get easier? How do you go on each day? Need advice.
windycottage
Aug 14, 2009 1:09 am
Dromulis
Aug 14, 2009 5:24 am
I completely understand what you are going through... well, actually, I'm pretty sure 100% of us here do as well. It does get easier with time, just like a new job. The first few weeks are rough until you get a routine going, and then before you know it, it becomes second nature. Going on each day... well, is not something we can 100% answer because we are not there with you day to day. But take my advice: this is something that will make you a stronger person, trust me. It will just hang in there, and things will get better. How long do you have to wear it? Do you know? What caused it? If you answer those questions, someone here who has been in the same predicament will give you better, more helpful advice. I have had my bag since 2004, and it does get easier; I can change and clean my "Air Bag" in pitch dark. Always remember this saying; it can help solve many problems, even this one:
"When you are at the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on!!!"
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Posted by: Bagface
Angelica- As usual, you've written another interesting post. February 5th, 2019, was my reversal surgery after having an ileo for 6 months. I'm one of those fortunate success stories. Of course, things are different now, and I still have to be careful about what and how much I eat, as I don't have a colon. At first, I was afraid to leave the house. My biggest fear was having to use a public bathroom and have the toilet not flush! Even now, when I know that I'll be in someone else's home, I won't eat anything beforehand. I read other people's stories and sometimes feel guilty for having had it so easy, not to mention that I have a significant other who is 100 percent supportive. I've gotten so much out of this website and truly feel for those of you who have it so much worse than I. But I feel it necessary to let folks hear about the success stories.
annie_nu2
Aug 14, 2009 10:09 am
It does get easier as your body heals from the trauma that led to your ostomy and as your spirit heals from the assault on your self-image. You will learn what to do and what you need, and believe it or not, there will come a time when you will forget about your ostomy until it is time to deal with output, just as you didn't have to think about it all the time before the ostomy. And this is a good place to learn how to deal with the problems that may come along. There are some very good and very experienced people on here who are very willing to share their experience. Read past posts, and if you have a question, don't be afraid to ask. Good luck!
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Past Member
Aug 18, 2009 2:38 pm
Hi, I understand how you feel, but things will improve. First, just take things real easy, go with the flow of things for a while. It's still too soon after surgery. Once you heal and get your stamina back, you will feel great
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, and be back on top of everything. It's been 12 weeks since I have been home from the hospital after having a permanent ileostomy operation. Believe me, anything new or a change in our lives for the better takes time, but somehow it all comes together. I feel full of life now that the disease is out of my life. Now's the time to really enjoy life, just one day at a time. I hope I have helped in some way, always welcome to answer any questions.
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