Life with an Ileostomy: One Year Update and Tips

Replies
2
Views
2493
Frog Pond
Mar 12, 2019 11:56 pm

For those new to iliostomy, I want you to know that it gets easier over time.  The first few months were difficult with constant fear of a blowout / bag failure.  Over time and trying several different products, I came to depend and feel safe using certain products.  Don't be afraid to experiment with different ones until you find what works for you.  I now typically go for 3 or 4 days between changing pouch and haven't had a failure for 6 months.  

Some adjustments I've made:  Because waistline cuts across my pouch, I usually keep my fly partly open and keep pants up with suppenders.  Then wear long shirts to keep covered.  I wonder how others have dealt with this.  

 

A continuing problem is the need to empty two or three times during the night.  My problem is that once up, I am typically awake for an hour or more.  So I can only recall one night of complete sleep in the last year. 

 

As far as what I eat -  Any thing I used to eat - It all travelled the same route before my surgery so it should do fine now.  Well, I do avoid carbination and limit very gassy foods.)  

 

I am feeling confident enough now to consider taking an extensive road trip.  

 

Sasquatch
Mar 13, 2019 10:30 am

Good for you my friend.  To anybody else reading this, he speaks the truth.  There is nothing having an ostomy should hold you back from.  My WOCN told me this my second day out of surgery.  Early on in my journey I doubted, but,  as Frog Pond says, these things fade with time.

 

Go for that road trip brother, you've earned it!

Gray Logo for MeetAnOstoMate

Why Join MeetAnOstoMate?

First off, this is a pretty cool site with 36,000 members who truly understand you.

It's not all about ostomy. We talk about everything.

Many come here for advice or to give advice, others have found good friends, and some have even found love. Most importantly, people here are honest and genuinely care.

🛑 Privacy is very important - we have many features that are only visible to members, ensuring a safe and secure environment for you to share and connect.

Create an account and you will be amazed by the warmth of this community.

Puppyluv56
Mar 13, 2019 9:12 pm

I too will have a one year anniversary on April 25th. 

It took me till July to find the best products for me and how to irrigate. (Colostomy) all has been great since and no leaks except a mishap from eating Honey Nut Cheerios that are now off of my diet plan! At first I used all the extra precaution stuff like barrier strip but found I can go 10 days with my two piece Coloplast pouch every time! Could go longer and have but chose a happy medium. It as not stopped me from doing anything so far. I was already retired so that did not matter! May have been different if I had been working. Lots tougher! I think we all find our happy with this and go on with our lives! 

Congrats to you forgetting there too! 

Puppyluv