I recently got a sigmoid colectomy. It's been a week and I still feel kind of in the dark (knowledge-wise). Anyone that wouldn't mind being bothered by what may seem like dumb or annoying questions? I would like to make more friends through this as well. Thank you

Question- How long does it take you to change your bag? I’ve had my ileostomy for a month and it’s getting easier with each change.
I know there’s no rush, but just wondering.
I last timed myself at 15mins. I was more prepared and my stoma was quiet n cooperative.

The previous change took me 45 mins, due to constant stoma activity. It was a hot MESS!!‍

So stepping out into brilliant sunshine on my break, I look up at a cloudless sky, cigarette in hand, basking in the heat…
And my phone starts ringing…
Hello…
Hi, could I speak to Thomas, please?…
Speaking…
It's … from the Northern General Hospital, we'd like to book you in for your surgery…
Ooh shit… (pun intended)
So now I have four weeks until my action man bum surgery. Shit ...

Just saw this mentioned in someone's reply to a question. Had never heard of a "plug". It sounds like it would be advantageous for intimacy.
Comments?

So now waiting for my OP to remove the rest of the Ol' plumbing.

Been told about 4 months but also sooner if there are cancellations. Can't wait to draw a line under the whole UC saga and recover and move forward. Only problem is it's causing me a slight anxiety because I keep expecting the phone to ring :P

Once this is done I can concentrate on enjoying life and hopefully someone to enj ...

I have been using a bandeau (tube top), but the company changed their design and I could not find a replacement until now. It is called a tummy sleeve found in maternity shops. It is longer than the bandeau I was using and covers my bag completely. It is just what I want.

Hi all! I'm 27 and looking for other young ostomates. I'm in the United States, Georgia to be specific. I'm looking for both local and virtual connections with others in the young adult stage. I have a great local support group, but everyone is over 50 and relatively inactive. When I go through members here local to me, I don't find anyone in my age group. Does anyone have tips on meeting youn ...

Since we can't be like "able-anal-ed" folks and "take a dump," we need a saying of our own. "Draining the bag" just doesn't cut it. Some candidates to consider:
Trapshooting. Has a nice ring to it. Imagine: "Hey Sally, back in a jiffy... gotta do a little trapshooting."
Turboturd. For the ostomate in a hurry.
Dash-of-splash. Similar to turboturd, but with some recoil.
Easysqueeze. When you kno ...

It's been a year since I left my colon at the hospital and have been blessed with overall good health. I am very active with hiking, biking, skiing, and embarking on a 3-week trip to meet my son in Nepal for a few weeks of trekking!
I currently use a stealth belt for my activities but wanted to get any other advice on what had worked well for others and travel tips. I have never taken 3 weeks ...

Just reading the latest Ostomy Australia magazine and noticed a letter from Iggie - well done, mate!
A PDF copy of the mag is below for those interested:
https://australianstoma.com.au/wp-content/uploads/Ostomy-Australia-April2025.pdf
and Iggie's letter (might be too small to read, but it's on page 7 of the issue):

Hi Guys,

New here. I've had one question on my mind that I've been unable to find any answers on. In November I was finally relieved from Ulcerative Colitis after failing a few medications and throwing in the towel. I went into surgery explicitly wanting the bag and the bag I did come out with (loop ileostomy with a constructed j pouch, step 2). My surgeon is already pushing me to finish up ...