Because I've been complaining about the number of daily emptyings (not the exchange of the bag) and the rapid transit time after eating, I chose to seek a new gastrointestinal doctor. Because he fit me into his tight schedule, there were only fifteen minutes devoted to my issues. He arranged a CT scan and also a possible colonoscopy, both next month. Though not eager for more radiation, he wan ...

It held up fine in the heated pool, I didn’t do a lot, basically floated around & then got out, but no issues with it holding. I even did a shower afterward without issue. Changing the bag that evening was a bear though, as the adhesive was one big gooey mess! I went through a bunch of adhesive remover wipes & still ended up just pulling it off & getting it everywhere. I think the extra piec ...

I came across a great story about a man from North Vancouver who has an ostomy and is taking on an ultramarathon to raise awareness. He’s pushing himself through such a tough challenge not just for personal reasons, but also to show others that life with an ostomy doesn’t mean giving up on big goals.

I thought this was really inspiring and a good reminder that we can still chase our pass ...

I created this post because the answer is too long to place as an answer in a thread.
I have noticed multiple posts with ostomates wondering if they can eat beans, mushrooms, popcorn, etc. There are numerous lists available listing foods to avoid in order to prevent blockages. For persons with recent ostomies, this can be bewildering since the lists often contain foods we like to eat. First, t ...

Ok, so I'm new to all of this - I was told that giving your stoma a name can make things easier and can break the ice when talking about it with others who don't have an ostomy. My stoma's name is Jamal. My question is, does anyone else talk to their stoma, or am I the only crazy person who has conversations with their stoma?

Curious what has been found helpful for pursuing high-impact sports with an ileostomy. I was looking at Stealth Belt, which is expensive and has mixed reviews. I feel I can probably come up with a solution that is less expensive. Swimming, downhill mountain biking, running, volleyball, waterskiing, and backcountry skiing are my faves. Thanks.

Watching on TV last night, I was delighted to hear that Cass Bargell, representing the USA, was instrumental in helping her team to an unexpected draw against the top team, Australia.

What was fabulous to hear was that Cass has a stoma following her suffering with ulcerative colitis.

This just shows that a bag should not prevent anyone from achieving what they desire.

So after struggling with a dead bladder for multiple years and a rectum that doesn't work, I'm having the big surgery next month! I'm going to have my bottom removed and a colostomy made, as well as having my bladder removed and a urostomy formed. Needless to say, I am very nervous but also ready to get my life back. Was wondering if anyone else on here is a double bagger. Any advice would be ...

Hi, all: Curious to hear if anyone plays pickleball. Have had my "buddy" for 25 years now. Never stopped me from swimming, triathlons, biking, kayaking... and for the last 7 years, pickleball. Got certified as a Pickleball Canada Instructor 2 years ago, and play and teach almost daily. A few local players know of my ostomy; most don't. No one on the court would suspect (not that I would care). ...

The idea stuck in my craw at first. Four days on the Appalachian Trail (the A.T. to us cognoscenti)? I’d never even been camping before. My wife was excited at the prospect, though. I could see that she wanted to go. At the time, I was changing my ostomy every fifth day so, barring some problem, I would be okay. But problems were a distinct possibility, I said. I’d be sweating a lot, which ...

I named mine Sylvester Stalloma; he's now my ring man fighting through this labyrinth called life.
For the most part, he's well-behaved apart from the odd battle cry he lets out at 2 a.m. some nights, startling me into action in the darkness. I think he does it just to remind me that he's still there fighting my corner.