Ostomy Topics

I'm curious — has anyone here been pregnant with a stoma? How did it go? Was it extra challenging, or just another one of those “figure it out as you go” adventures?
My main worries are the usual suspects: keeping up the energy, the growing belly changing how the appliance fits (because my stoma already has a mind of its own!), and the whole idea of being pregnant after being sick for ...

Home from four days in the hospital after my stomach reversal. Thankful for life, health, and home. Disappointed, though, that the reconnection did not pass the stress test. They gave me an ileostomy in the same spot. Three more months until the next surgery. The emotional toll of being in the hospital was huge for me the first time around, so being home reminds me of what I have already been ...

I’ve been using Hollister ostomy pouches for about 15 years trouble free. I loved the product. Over the past 6 months I’ve started to have bag leaks develop at various points in the seams. Near the spout, then on the sides. At first I thought it was a freak but it happened twice in one box of product while on a European vacation! After only two days of wear. I thought i ...

After everything stoma people go through, I was wondering if anyone has had a tattoo around theirs. Is it an obvious no-no? How did you stop stoma from leaking while having the surrounding tattooed? Did you cap it? Or not eat for several hours so output was zero? I am 8 weeks post-surgery, have an ileo, on chemo for x3-6 rounds, so while I'm waiting, I can design a tattoo if this is viable, an ...

We had a lot of talk about Hollister changing their pouches and making them so much thinner. Also, they did not give us any warning about it. I got my second order of the thinner ones this week. They had put a flyer in the boxes this time saying "Product Improvement Notice." The three things they said were the reasons for changing were: 1- better for the planet, pouch film has less chlorine; 2 ...

Hi - is there anyone here with an ileostomy from ulcerative colitis that has been diagnosed with IC? From Google:
Interstitial cystitis (IC), also known as bladder pain syndrome, is a chronic condition causing pain, pressure, and discomfort in the bladder and pelvic area, along with urinary symptoms like urgency and frequency.
I have had my ileostomy since 1992 at age 24 and have had no issues ...

Hello everyone! Hoping this message finds you well. I currently have a j-pouch after suffering from ulcerative colitis in my early 20s. My first pouch failed, but I was fortunate enough to find a surgeon who was able to create a new j-pouch, which I have had for 15 years (first pouch 13 years). Unfortunately, my pouch is again failing, and I am facing a permanent ileostomy. Does anyone have an ...

Does anyone have problems urinating after surgery for a colostomy?

Does anyone regularly swim in salt water with their stoma exposed? Should I be concerned about any impact on my skin that might affect pouch adhesion?

SLIMY, STINKING, BLOOD AND MUCUS.
Slimy, stinking, blood and mucus
pouring from my bum.
Then, when I ask for help, they say
nothing can be done.
Perhaps I should explain that I
have just had an endoscopy.
Where they put a camera up
to film what they could see.
I watched the screen, and I observed
the mess that was up there,
and in my mind, I falsely felt
that ‘somebody’ might care.
They ...

All the products available to us ostomates are making me age faster than a banana….
So far, the above equipment has proven to be my best fit after trial and error for the last 5 years in terms of less is more. As a minimalist, as designated by my daughter, I am ever in search of the least amount of equipment and the least amount of time spent on this not-so-loved ileostomy of mine, aka Seymo ...

I'm 28, female, and have a muffin top. I've gained over 50 lbs. The last two surgeries—my last one was over 7 months ago. I now have a small hernia; scans showed it, and the surgeon confirmed it. I've tried ostomy belts prior to having a hernia, and due to my bigger belly and a lower muffin top "that hangs," they all don't fit right or squeeze my gut in half. Are ostomy belts with the hole b ...

Hi everyone, hope you are all well. I had my colostomy surgery on November 4th. I'm doing well so far; here's to a brighter future.

Hi all
I would like to know if anyone had a reversal and they got a feeding tube with the reversal.
Thanks so much

Hello, I have stage 4 colon cancer since 6/24 and have to deal with an ileostomy and a stoma named George. He is very active, and I do have leakage sometimes at night. I am thinking about the skin barriers. Anyone have problems like this and suggestions?