Ostomy Support Forum

Hello everyone. I have had an ileostomy since 2008 and just 9 weeks ago had to have my ostomy moved due to infected hernia mesh. I feel like a brand new ostomate! I am having an issue with my belly burning right at the edge of my pouch. I use Coloplast and also use Convatec. I'm not sure why, as my skin is not red.
Also, I use a barrier ring. I used Hollister products for many years up until n ...

I had my ileostomy in March of 2024, and I have not had one day without abdominal pain. I will not go back to the surgeon (or resident, as I don't believe he did the surgery), and I don't think surgery was warranted. I have had abdominal scans, MRIs, and they can't find anything wrong with the surgery. When I shower (I also have a PICC line, as I have 4 leukemias as well), it takes me 1-1/2 ho ...

I am just about a week out of the hospital. I had an emergency colon resection due to a diverticulitis bleed. I almost died. I came out with a colostomy bag, my worst fear. I could use some advice. My output is pretty low right now, which scares me sometimes. I cry so much; it's annoying. I don't feel like I will ever leave the house until it is reversed. I have a huge incision down the center ...

Ian is going to have surgery on my dominant hand and will be unable to perform tasks related to emptying or changing my bag.
Wondering if anyone has been in a similar predicament and how they coped? I plan to have some home health care but feel I need someone with me all day as I empty my bag 4 to 5 times daily and change the whole appliance every 4 to 5 days. My husband has volunteered; I'd r ...

Hello! My daughter ended up with an ileostomy after a car accident. They plan on reversal in a few months, at her 6-month post-surgery mark. Until then, she has a skin-level stoma. We have had several wound nurses, and no one has had any suggestions that worked to stop the leak. Her stoma is not only skin-level but also has creases on both sides, one more than the other. It's right at her bend ...

I am trying to decide if reconnection is worth the side effects. I was told that I could have runny stools up to 8 a day, and they would be uncontrollable.
Any insight would greatly help!
Tiffany

Hello fellow ostomates! I have been following for a year and a half. This site is the best thing I have found in my new “normal.” I have tried taking my multivitamin; it makes my stool jet black! Does anyone on here have that problem? I have not been able to gain my weight back, and my appetite is not good most of the time. I had emergency surgery in April 2023; this site has been a lifesa ...

Anyone experiencing difficulty taking care of an ostomy due to severe numbness in fingertips? I have an ileo with a clamp closure on the pouch. Using a Velcro opening makes it even more difficult to rinse and drain. Any ideas would be appreciated.

I have had my ileostomy since 1986 due to UC. I had a great stoma therapist prior to and after surgery, and I know that has made a HUGE impact on my recovery, acceptance, or whatever you want to call it. Because of her, I am pretty much an open book and have always been willing to help other ileostomates when questions and concerns arise. Which brings me to this posting.
Once again, I have bee ...

Has there been any situation where muscle control can help with output? I feel like if I clench some muscles in the skin around my stoma, I can control the flow of output. This is useful when changing the bag after a shower.

Hi, guys, I had my colostomy in October 2024. It works great, but it's really bulging out, seems to be getting worse, and looks like half a baseball under my skin. Researching it, it looks like it's a hernia. Has anybody on here gone through this, and did anybody have it fixed?