Ostomy Topics

I’M READING A BOOK about the CIA. I also just spent three days hospitalized for dehydration stemming from a bug I caught that turned my discharge into liquid and dehydrated me. I mention the CIA in this context because, on the subject of torture, the hospital staff could teach the CIA people a thing or two about sleep deprivation. They practice constant patient interruption 24 hours per d ...

Hi all.
I'm an avid cyclist, and almost every weekend, except during winter, you can find me out on the trails. I normally ride between 30 and 50 miles. I've had my colostomy for over a decade now, and in the past, I've been able to eat whatever I want when I'm riding. Over the past couple of years, I've developed some blockages, and my GI doctor wants me to eliminate nuts and reduce fiber.
So ...

Does anyone know the name of a good gastroenterologist that does endoscopy on Koch pouches (continent ileostomies) in South Jersey (Cherry Hill and surrounding areas)? Thank you.

I've been thinking that someday it would be nice to swim again but wonder if it's going to be too much trouble. I searched for "waterproof ostomy cover for swimming" on Amazon but I'm not sure I saw anything that's right for me. I have a big waist and wear size 3x-4x pants. Does anybody who's large-waisted swim? I'd like a product that keeps my ostomy pouch and wafer dry while swimming.

Hello everyone. I've had an ileostomy for 6 years now and never had any big issues. But I did get a parastomal hernia and had surgery to fix it. The reason I have an ileostomy is that I have severe Crohn's disease. It took just over 4 years to get a medication to control it, but my colon was so damaged there was never going to be a reconnection. So, with having this disease, you have a higher ...

Hey guys!! So I'm still new to the whole ostomy lifestyle. I'm currently on Ozempic for my diabetes and weight loss. I have been experiencing very low output sometimes for a couple of days in a row. I'm finding myself taking a laxative every other day or every two days to keep movement. I also take a fiber supplement and a digestive enzyme. My question is this... Is anyone else experiencing or ...

I'm finding it hard to be in public.... it's like I'm paranoid over one thing or another. If it isn't about how I smell, it's about the sounds my ostomy makes or just the fear of being bumped by accident. I know it's in my head at times, but I don't know what to think.

Any suggestions on how to mitigate intense bloating? I am having so much pain and discomfort in my abdomen after eating. Thank you.

My hobbies are racing motorcycles, skydiving, bungee jumping, and flying. I can drive anything from an 18-wheeler to a unicycle and work on computers when inside.
Never let an ostomy stop you from doing anything you want to do.

Hi all!
I have just recently started irrigation of my colostomy stoma. I was just looking to see if anyone has any tips or advice on this topic. Anything and everything is welcome and appreciated. Preferred products to use and any experienced suggestions would be fantastic. Thanks in advance.

Good morning,
I am eight months post-ileostomy. I was in the hospital for four weeks because of issues with my diabetes (type 2). I have now been told that I have to have hip replacement surgery. I am not sure if I feel comfortable going through another surgery after the scare of the stoma surgery. I have had my right knee and hip done in the past, without issue. Has anyone else gone through s ...

Hi,
I was hoping to get some feeback from anyone who might have had bariatric surgery post colectomy. I am having vertical sleeve gastrectomy on Jan 8th at the request of my colorectal surgeon. He thinks it will aid in the success of a reversal. Any advice appreciated!
Thanks!

Hi,
I'm totally new to this. I put my wafer on with my Hollister bag and noticed after there were some gaps, so I filled in with cohesive ring barrier. This is what the wound care nurse told me to do. Now, though, I noticed the ring has swelled greatly and seems to be stuck around the stoma. I'm worried that when I change my bag, how will I get the barrier ring away from the stoma without it ...

I haven't seen any threads titled Tips, so I'm starting my own! I have a few tips that can make daily life with an ostomy a bit easier. If you have any, then post them. I'd really like to keep this thread strictly for tips so newcomers can find the information they need.
1. Carry an extra tailpiece clip with you at all times. This is in case you drop one while you're in the bathroom or if the ...

The pic was last night. The right side of my stoma went flat. It was like the air depleted. Then by the time I went to bed, both sides had depleted. It has always stood above the skin at least 1/2 inch. Now it's barely above the skin. Do I need to worry about this? It scared me when I noticed it, but everything seems to be working fine. Anyone else have this happen?