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I have chrons disease and have had an ileostomy bag for 4 years. Had a really rough past few days and I just need some answers.

I had a blockage I believe 3 days ago so I went on all liquid diet started to feel a little better but now all of a sudden my output is just foam and quite a lot of it.

im really scared and don’t know what it means can anybody give me some guidance. I can’t ...

Has anyone else's relationship ended and the sex immediately stopped after getting the bag? I'm thankful for it saving my life, but it has made me depressed since, and now my wife won't even touch me at all, making it worse. I've tried talking to her and suggesting a few things, but it just ends up in an argument. I just don't know what to do anymore. So over this.

Okay, I’m like 8 weeks out from emergency Hartmann’s (no prep).

Been feeling the need to void the rectum, should be mucus - should be normal, right?

I’ve had like legit stool come out (small amounts). I guess it’s just been chillin for 8 weeks? There is literally no other way for it to get there…

Has anyone else had this?

What are people’s experience with expelling mucus? ...

Hey everyone....as u can see I made it through the 2nd surgery!!! GOOD NEWS they couldn't find any rips in my intestine when they put the contrast in ...so they're thinking with the JP drain it took care of most of the fuild and the rips may have been small enough that they closed up on there own...I still have to come back in a few weeks for a sonagram to see if the fistula has closed and the ...

I’ve gotten so used to my husband helping me with my bag and putting it on that I don’t know what I would do without his help if he were gone one day. I guess I would figure it out. I hate having a bag. It stresses me out so much. That’s just my rant for the day.

I’ve read a lot of your posts and decided to register so this is just to say hello and I e found you all very helpful. I’m from the Uk and most of you seem to be from the US but I like the different attitudes you have from those of people here.

Lately a neighborhood stray cat has discovered.... my housebound little weasel. Kinda amazing, since my cat has never ventured outside. Last week, this rogue beast sprayed my freshly painted rear door and screen.

This....means war.

Twice, they have attacked each other through the screen. A panoply of hissing, clawing, and squawling.

Keeping watch

Fortunately, I previously installed ...

On St Patrick’s day I was going to start the corned beef when I collapsed in pain. Ambulance to the ER. Exploratory surgery. Begged to die. Perforated colon diagnosis. (We have subsequently researched a likely cause as radiation induced damage from prostate cancer treatment.). Medivac to Cleveland’s University Hospital main campus. Initially an ostomy. Lost my belly button. But, sepsis ...

Been anxiously awaiting for today. I have great confidence in my medical team. Started evacuating my bowels. The large capacity bag from Hollister has been a huge help. I will do my best to document my experience.

Help please. I am new to this world. 5 weeks. This has been my skin from the beginning.
Could it be I'm allergic to Eakin ring? Stoma powder? What have you done when your skin looks like this? I'm in so much pain and mentally tapped. I've met with ostomy nurses and still, this is what I'm dealing with :(
Any advice or tips would be greatly appreciated.

I am a long time reader/observer of this site. I finally decided to join here just a few days ago. I am not a social media user - this is as close as I will ever get.

I would like to thank all of you who have shared your experience(s) on this site. My heart grieves for those who have been through so much, and rejoices with the victories some have achieved.

I am not young, but beginning ...

Hello everyone, been a while since been on here. I have a question about ostomy belts. My stoma nurse said I should get a new belt that would give me more support, as my job can be physical at times. I was told to look at stealth belt and coloplast. Any other ideas out there. I heard good things about the stealth belt. One of the reasons I was looking at Stealth belt is i can wear my bag Horiz ...

I have always been told that eating strawberries was a no-no. Seeds. Don't eat things with seeds. So I recently decided I wanted to take a big step and try strawberry yogurt. The pieces of strawberry in it are so small... they couldn't hurt me? Right? Does anyone who has some limited dietary issues ever try strawberry yogurt? I know some people say they can eat anything, but I can't. But I am ...

Has anyone ever used random branded products from Amazon?
I wanted to try closed pouches without paying out the wazoo since I'd be throwing them away every time I would normally empty my drainable pouch. I picked up a box of 10 for $13; they are one piece, so you just change the whole thing.
So far, very comfortable. This particular model doesn't have to hold up for long (will be removed and t ...

Has anyone got any experience of going on the modulen liquid diet. Positive or negative any feedback would be great. Thanks

I read on this site the pros and cons of using/needing probiotics to help with pain/ digestion etc.

Someone mentioned CHEWABLE COSTCO probiotics. Unfortunately, i lost the feed while enrolling in this ostomy group.

Can anyone repeat their experiences/ recommendations?

thank you

I've read several posts about Parastomal hernia binders or hernia belts but cannot find specific posts. I have a parastomal hernia and would appreciate some suggestions on what others use. Also, there was one post where the lady said her wound nurse took measurements and ordered one through some company. Other posts talked about not wearing them for very long because they are so uncomfortable. ...

I am currently using Edgepark for my supplies. It works, but I'm always waiting on supplies because of one thing or another. So, I'm trying to branch out and see who else is out there. I live in NV. I know Amazon sells supplies. I just hope there are more out there that take Medicaid for insurance. I can't afford these supplies out of pocket. Help, thanks.

Hello everyone. My name is Mattie. I live in Tasmania, which is the island state of Australia. (Often referred to as “under down under”). I’ve had my ileostomy for 20 years, and am eternally grateful to the very skilled and dedicated doctor who spent 13 hours and 40 minutes operating on me to save my life. I spent 4 months in hospital, and had to learn to walk again. In common with a ...

Hi all. I have started to take 2 Loperamide caplets to slow the output from my stoma before venturing outside the home for several hours. I have a colostomy. I do this around twice a week. Just wondering if it is wise to do this, or better to fast for several hours before going out, or any other suggestions anyone has. Thanks.

Hi, I am a relatively new ostomate and have a urostomy and a colostomy. I hope I will be able to connect with other ostomates who will share their stories . I need all the help I can get!

Working at the grave yard the other night..when my eyes beheld an eeri sight..

A coffin had arose to my surprise..stepping back a few feet as I held my nose..

Out from the coffin Drac's voice did ring, as he open the lid and began to sing.. his voice kinda hollow, shallow and dry. Stopped suddenly..as he began to cry.....

He looked at me with big red swollen eyes, for a minute ther ...

Attention all knickers pickers or an underoo guru
Today, I am test-driving some new knickers, underoos, drawers, underpants—whatever you call them—which I have purchased on Amazon. They appeared to be ideal for all my ostomate requirements, namely:
Comfort
Support of the ole' belly bag as well as the old bag
Eliminate the need for separate hernia support belts or “dealer add-ons” as I ...

Hi everyone

I haven’t posted in a while, but I have been around learning and gathering information for my upcoming ileostomy surgery.
I just learnt about the K pouch and I’m wondering why I would opt for a bag if I can have a k pouch?

To be clear, a K pouch was not offered to me by my medical team, but I’m wondering if I should bring it up with my surgeon and ask him if that’s a ...

Going to have a reverval in about 3 months or less.

Need positive feed back on its.

Ive heard a lot of negative but I know there's got to be good results too.

Im already nervous about more surgery and what could go wrong.

Please good feed back

Thank you

Sue

I am going on my first Caribbean cruise and I would love to be able to swim with my friends. However, I am worried about my Hollister flange getting wet. Any suggestions on keeping it dry? I did read about Hypafix tape but am not sure if that would work. Do I just tape the flange...?

Woe is me. Angels slide into last place in the American League West. Big star Mike Trout has been on the IL nearly all season, and he isn't coming back. The game last night against the Astros was an error-filled torture, like poking pins in my eyes. In contrast, my stoma is behaving itself and committing no errors. Mrs. B wants to watch the game tonight at Marie Callendars. I'll have to soothe ...

I have 3 hernias along the incision of my first surgery. I was told my surgeon would have to go in a sew the holes closed and then put in mesh. 2 to 3 pieces of mesh. I have heard the horror stories about mesh. It scares me. I have stage 3 kidney disease if the mesh traveled to my kidneys that could be very bad for me. I also don't want the mesh to puncture any other organs or to harm me in a ...

Hi Everyone! I feel welcome in this new group. I am in the decision making process of getting an ostomy from both childbirth trauma + IBS-C. I have been offered an ostomy several times throughout my lifetime, but always thought I could handle it. Now it is getting more difficult. After 2 failed Sacral Nerve Stimulators, many bladder infections, now interstitial cystitis and much more, I am to ...

THE STORY OF JACK SCHITT

Jack Schitt is the son of Awe Schitt and Oh Schitt.

Awe Schitt, the fertilizer magnate, married Oh Schitt, the owner of the Kneedeep Schitt Inn.

Jack Schitt married Noe Schitt and they produced six children.

Holy Schitt, their first, passed on shortly after childbirth.

Next came twin sons, Deep Schitt and Dip Schitt;

Two daughters, Fulla Schitt and Giva Sch ...

I am scheduled for my ileostomy reversal on Friday.

Had surgery on June 10th due to diverticulitis with an abscess. Spent 6 months prior to that on antibiotics, 8 weeks with a PICC line, 4 weeks with an abscess drain that finally resulted in surgery with 10" of my sigmoid colon and abscess removed and an ileostomy.

I appreciate having been able to get so much helpful information from this ...

Hi i was diagnosed with UC during lockdown

I had an emergency total colonectomy in 2021, im awaiting a procectomy to have a barbie bum im new to forums and being on sites like these but feel i have lots of great advice on the journey of being an ostomate and having an ileostomy so im here please feel free to share advice on how the forum works...

Im happy to share my stories..

THIS IS A PHOTO OF where I’m going to be for the next 3 days. St. George Island is a barrier island in the Gulf of Mexico off the coast of the Florida panhandle just south of the city of Apalachicola. The recent hurricane Helene did its damage to the east of St. George and so failed to ruin our planned outing there. Once we arrive, my plan is simple: rest, drink, relax, read, eat seafo ...

Happy Stoma-Versary to me! It's been 7 years since I had my ileostomy surgery that literally saved my life! Here's to all of us survivors and warriors!

Hello again. Ileostomate here. Thanks for all the info so far and I have another question.
I always seem to have leaks just below my stoma. The skin is definitely softer down there. What I've noticed is my barrier ring always expands up and around my stoma and I think it then starts to leak around the bottom.
I started with Hollister 7805 ring. Tried the Brava barrier ring and now trying the H ...

Hi everyone,
I had scheduled surgery on August 9th that had complications and led to an emergency surgery 10 days later, leaving me with what I hope is a temporary stoma. I'm now in week 5, but recovery hasn't been easy, having had 2 major surgeries so close together. I'm looking for advice on how to have a positive outlook and trying not to just focus on the negatives. I'm struggling to even ...

Hi there!

I had an illeostomy on June 25 2024.

I am using a two set system (hollister) convex flange with bag. Then I had some skin issues where my stoma nurse said I should use a flat flange.

I had lots of leaking issues (two where the *hit literally went everywhere) even with extenders placed on the outside of the adhesive of the flat flange. I changed one after showering at 2am only ...

Question in regards to ileostomy and fat-soluble gel cap vitamins like vitamin D: Does an ileostomy absorb them, or does the pill just come out in the ostomy bag? I've had time-released medications in the past, or any that are enteric-coated, and they just go right through and into the bag. Just curious if anyone here with an ileostomy takes or has taken fat-soluble gel capsules. Thanks, all.

Hello, I will be traveling by airplane this weekend for the first time since my ileostomy surgery 10 months ago. Any advice or tips / tricks? I'm kind of anxious about the trip. Thanks!

Since approximately 6 weeks after ileostomy surgery, I have experienced severe itching over my entire body. Also, there is redness around and under the wafer and barrier strips. I use Hollister wafer and Brava Elastic Barrier strips.
Has anyone out there had allergic reactions like this? If so, what products do you recommend that might be more hypoallergenic? I am miserable! Help!!!

OH JOY. Hurricane Helene is barreling down upon my house, scheduled to hit us Thursday. If I'm not posting my usual AM missive Thursday or Friday (or beyond, ugh), it'll be because I've lost power. My house is surrounded by huge, mature trees, which is nice except when hurricanes hit, when I worry about one falling on us. Flooding shouldn't be an issue where I am, as there is a just recent ...

Once again we were very fortunate in escaping another major hurricane. Reports still coming in from those further north. Much devastation being reported.

minimal damage in our neighborhood- my gnome home took a hit - it’s patio bit the dust…

Hey haven't been on here in a min, due to being in the hospital multiple times. Er hospitals get a bad rap for a good reason over a 3+ week span I had a real bad bladder infection which went in and was told I had to abscess(which I didn't) gave some antibiotics and booted while I was still in horrible pain.

Went back the next day because pain was hitting 8+ they shipped me to Nashville becau ...

Hi all,
Every now and then, I get an odor from my bag. My husband says he doesn't get it. I'm using a Holister one-piece and clean the funnel with TP and wipes every time I empty. I'm nearly 6 weeks post-surgery and haven't had a leak in 2 weeks and change every 2 days. When I get a smell, I check immediately for leaks, but there aren't any. Everything I've read online and my stoma nurse says ...

4 hours and 40 minutes away!

The realization that I've finally come to a point where I've changed my last bag (and from the clear liquid diet for the last four days, it appears I have even emptied my last bag) is a good feeling.

The peristomal and the umbilical hernias have kept me from doing much that would contribute to weight loss, so naturally I've gained about twenty pounds in these s ...

Ladies (or those who support them!), my son is marrying in Chicago in March. After much thought about what kind of dress would work with an ileostomy and still look good, I found this dress by Adrianna Papell. The material is light, and it has some cross draping in front to help conceal a rapidly expanding bag, should I find that happening and need to wait before hitting the restroom. I kn ...

Thanks to everyone who helped me with diet info. I always shower with the bag on. What are the tricks to showering with the bag off and keeping the stoma dry? How is this done? Thanks to everyone.

Okay, so frankly, I only tried the Brava moldable barrier ring because they sent me samples, and I regret it.
I tried the barrier ring, and first off, it smelled—maybe because there was a leak around it, I don't know.
The next one, I didn't use the ring because I wasn't happy with it. I had my first real leak under the wafer that time—I think it's because I changed the adhesive attaching b ...

Hi Everyone,

I just had surgery last week ; due to a very severe case of diverticulitis they had to remove my entire Sigmoid colon, one of my falopian tubes and my appendix. I woke up with an ileostomy & I am absolutely horrified ! I’m finally home for a couple of days now from the hospital . I can manage emptying the bag but changing it ?? Lord have mercy ! They had someone show me how t ...

YESTERDAY WAS THE OFFICIAL beginning of autumn. Over the past few days, I’ve been cleaning my back porch because spring and fall are the only times of the year when the porch is livable. Otherwise it’s just too hot or too cold. So I gathered together my meager supply of cleansing materials, a bucket, a mop, a broom, and the vacuum cleaner, and I tackled the many months’ worth of dust ...