Has anyone had a colonoscopy through their stoma????
Bette
Mar 24, 2015 10:25 pm
Bette
Mar 25, 2015 1:23 am
Not until June but I have had the colostomy for 5 years...and they want to make sure cancer-free!! Was it difficult to do the prep?? I am worried about the stoma and bowel damage??
MeetAnOstoMate is a remarkable community of 41,458 members.
“Every morning with my coffee, I read here and feel wrapped in warmth - I hardly post, but it still feels like family.”
“Our oncologist literally wrote down the link; they said more patients need this website.”
“This place pulled me out of the dark. I went from lurking to living again.”
“At 3am, someone’s awake somewhere in the world. I’m never alone here.”
Posted by: Karen & Stella
Fay,
I am one of those few people who still have a lot of output at night. However, I suffer from short gut syndrome after seven bowel surgeries that led to the loss of much of my small intestine as well as my large intestine from the initial bowel cancer surgery. It does get better over time as your system adjusts, but an ileostomy can be a challenging adjustment. It's important to connect with a good Enterostomal Nurse - ET nurses who can help you problem-solve over time. It's been five years since my initial surgery, and I had a great visit with a new ET nurse in December. He really helped me with the problem of high output at night. I had been getting up every 90-120 minutes to empty my high output bag because of filling. If I slept for three hours without emptying, I would have problems. My ET nurse helped my husband and me make a nighttime collection system using a Rubbermaid juice container with a handle and my old CPAP hose. This is connected to one of my two-piece high output bags and allows for continual drainage. It isn't pretty, but it has been a real lifesaver. I guess the real message I want to share is to stick with it, find a nurse who you can work with, and together you will find solutions to whatever challenges you face. This website is also an important support for me and others. There is nothing you will go through that others haven't already faced and figured out. There is so much wisdom here. Read the materials they've put together for newbies. There are a lot of great suggestions to use. I hope things get better quickly for you.
Karen
I am one of those few people who still have a lot of output at night. However, I suffer from short gut syndrome after seven bowel surgeries that led to the loss of much of my small intestine as well as my large intestine from the initial bowel cancer surgery. It does get better over time as your system adjusts, but an ileostomy can be a challenging adjustment. It's important to connect with a good Enterostomal Nurse - ET nurses who can help you problem-solve over time. It's been five years since my initial surgery, and I had a great visit with a new ET nurse in December. He really helped me with the problem of high output at night. I had been getting up every 90-120 minutes to empty my high output bag because of filling. If I slept for three hours without emptying, I would have problems. My ET nurse helped my husband and me make a nighttime collection system using a Rubbermaid juice container with a handle and my old CPAP hose. This is connected to one of my two-piece high output bags and allows for continual drainage. It isn't pretty, but it has been a real lifesaver. I guess the real message I want to share is to stick with it, find a nurse who you can work with, and together you will find solutions to whatever challenges you face. This website is also an important support for me and others. There is nothing you will go through that others haven't already faced and figured out. There is so much wisdom here. Read the materials they've put together for newbies. There are a lot of great suggestions to use. I hope things get better quickly for you.
Karen
Durrrrl34
Mar 25, 2015 1:44 am
No, the prep is the same as before, at least it was for me. As for the stoma goes, I had no problem with mine, I think they used a little smaller tube so it goes in easier without causing any damage and I don't think there's any more risk of bowel damage than with a regular colonoscopy. The only thing is they made a mess of me because I was on my back for it and even though they used those blue pads around the area to prevent a mess, they didn't do a darn thing. I woke up after with my flange all soaked in crap and had to change it!! Oh well, s**t happens, I guess!! Hope yours goes well and you are cancer-free still!
Advertisement
Hollister
In addition to your pouching system, you may require the use of an ostomy accessory to enhance the performance of your system.
Learn more about ostomy accessories, and when to use them.
Learn more about ostomy accessories, and when to use them.
Gwen in LA
Mar 25, 2015 2:57 am
I've had two. Last time they threw out the clip for the disposable bag, and had to find a rubber band. Sigh. Next time I'm bringing an extra bag and extra clip.
The prep was easier than pre-colostomy for me. No pain, no cramps.
Hope this helps,
Gwen in L.A.
My Ostomy Journey: Jearlean | Hollister
ChrisP
Mar 25, 2015 8:35 am
I've had them regularly. I hate the preparation, but sitting in the waiting room prior to being called in, I am always surrounded by people who look much more worried than I am! Yes - it can be a bit messy, but it is straightforward and almost entirely free of discomfort. That's just as well, as I am immune to the sedation they offer me!
All the very best with yours.
klark
Mar 25, 2015 5:08 pm
I've had 2 through the stoma, no problems whatsoever!! The prep was the worst part, believe it or not!! Both times I had a new wafer and pouch on the morning of... if you use a 2-piece, they just unsnap your pouch and replace it when the procedure is finished. I also brought with me a spare wafer and pouch with the appropriate wipes and gave them to the surgical tech before I went in. Just in case!! I would imagine that if you use a 1-piece appliance, it might be difficult to reattach it, so bring a spare. You'll be fine!! Good luck!!
Heidi92
Mar 25, 2015 8:26 pm
I have never had this procedure done this way, but it seems like it would be less humiliating than the traditional way. Good luck. I hope everything goes OK.
Wilski
Apr 06, 2015 7:29 pm
The colonoscopy is done both through the stoma and also (if possible) through the rectum. Rectum prep is via enema. Most importantly, bring a new appliance with you just in case.
Cuppatears
Dec 06, 2015 2:23 am
Going for my first post-surgery (15 months ago) colonoscopy, a little nervous. Just discovered some new products that seem to work much better for me, now I'm out of the samples and had to retreat to my former product, of which I have plenty. The problem is once a drop of anything touches the wafer, it departs from my belly with the speed of a rocket. At least in the area that springs the leak. The rest is still stuck to me like I used Super Glue. For 20 days, it was tolerable, what a difference, no smell, no pain on removal, no leaks!!! Felt almost normal!!
Won't get the new products until later this week, the procedure is Monday. Looking forward to an uncomfortable and messy day tomorrow. Then the wait for the results. I am inclined to use a one-piece just for Monday, expect it will be easier to remove and replace with my usual two-piece, and hope that rig will hold up until I get my new supplies.
Advertisement
Hollister
Skin barrier extenders are ostomy accessories that can help your skin barrier fit better and last longer.
Learn all about skin barrier extenders.
Learn all about skin barrier extenders.
klark
Dec 06, 2015 3:55 pm
I use a 2-piece system. When I went for my last 2 colonoscopies through the stoma, that morning I placed a fresh wafer and pouch. They just remove the pouch and leave the wafer in place. No removal. No fuss, no muss LOL!! After the procedure, pop on the pouch and you're done, it was that easy!! Bring spares JUST in case though. Good luck, don't worry, you will be fine.