Ostomy Topics

For the first time since I got my colostomy over 15 months ago, I will be going out of town. Driving to Las Vegas this coming Sunday and staying for 3 days. I will be getting out of my comfort zone of not being away from my home for more than several hours at a time. It has taken me a long time, but thanks to the advice and experience from the many on this site who travel, I am ready. It's a s ...

When I had my surgery, I did not prepare myself for a life having an ostomy bag 24/7. When I first took my first shower at the hospital, the nurse got me a plastic bag and medical tape. At home, I was using Glad wrap and tape, but I found a product on Amazon called "Ostomy Bag Cover - Open Wound Shower Guard". Has anyone else found other products that they use to allow them to take a hot showe ...

Hi, I would like to know if it's normal that after four months with an ileostomy I should have a UTI plus fecal incontinence coming out. Or did my surgery not help at all? Is it mucus that keeps on coming out, or is it stool? I am very confused right now. I had my surgery due to a rectal prolapse and a dead colon. Does it make any sense that it only worked for four months? Thanks for all your ...

Hi, I would like to know if anyone had a rash or reaction to the belts that they wear for the ostomy. I had a belt from Hollister and got a big rash from the belt. Then I wore the Coloplast belt and also got a rash. My doctor wants me to wear a belt because it keeps inverting my stoma.

Hello everyone, I am new on here. I have had my ileostomy and Barbie butt for over 13 years. I am lucky enough not to have skin issues, etc. However, I can't cope with the inconsistency of my vitamin D levels and iron. I can't tolerate the supplements and have to rely on infusions. They, however, take ages to arrange, then ages for the levels to come up. I have been on the same roundabout abou ...

Any ladies in perimenopause with an ileostomy? I would love to hear from you. This is probably the worst thing I've ever encountered! The newest symptom is belly aches, bubbles, and pain! I have never had this issue in all the 30+ years of having an ostomy! I never know if whatever new symptom I'm having is a result of losing hormones or another new medical issue!

Hello everyone Just had an Ileostomy about 4 week ago , i know its still too early but i really struggle with the bottom wound as partially opened up , had dissolvable stitches , my butt cheeks are still stitched but where my actual anus were that part is open. The surgeon said that they wont stitch it back again due to the risk of infection as the discharge has to come out . We applying dres ...

Hi all,
I'm curious if anyone who regularly irrigates with their stoma can share how they've managed to continue when traveling, especially over long distances (i.e., flying). Or do you revert back to just using your bags?

So, I typed a long story, and I don't know where it went. Shorter story, my new proposed date will be sometime in October/November, meeting with the surgeon next week. I will be asking if I will really have enough rectum left to work correctly. In the meantime, the delay is good for me because not only did I get COVID and recover, I also took a nasty fall because my balance sucks after chemo. ...

Hi, looking to see what I think is a pancake poo, but not sure. I looked at the comment to try to figure this problem; it's the first time this has happened. I haven't had time to really answer anyone, but I do get a chance to scroll and get good comments from this site. I am totally grateful this site is in motion, just finding everything overwhelming right now. I feel totally exhausted. Than ...

Hi everyone, I'm new to wearing a colostomy, and I'm glad I ran across this group. I'm still learning the do's and don'ts of living with a colostomy bag. I'm not sure what to eat or about a lot of things. The other day, I wanted some popcorn, so I Googled (been doing that a lot lately) and got a lot of conflicting answers. Just wondering, is it safe to eat popcorn or something like mango or dr ...

Should I wear the belt, the one that connects to the appliance at night when sleeping? Does it keep the appliance a lot more secure?

Underwent symptoms of a blockage this evening, started my usual blockage protocol, but then I slipped in a new trick up my sleeve. Hopped on my vibration plate and assumed some positions that encourage small bowel movement. Took about 10 minutes, and things seem to be moving. Whew, will keep this in the old playbook.

Has anyone used these before? My colostomy is at my waist, and I liked using the 2pc when it was further down, but since my revision and because of it being at my waistline, I cannot use what I once did. I found these and thought maybe.

Is reversal of an ostomy painful? A surgeon told me, "If it ain't broken, don't fix it." He said there are too many possible complications and it is extremely painful, with incontinence on and off!
Is he right?
Junebug