Question from a new ostomate: How do you handle emptying an ileostomy when outdoors for hours or all day and no bathroom is nearby? For example, on a boat ride, hiking in a group, just sitting with friends at sunset, sunrise, or around a campfire? How about when camping, either backpacking or car camping? Are my tenting days over?
Thanks
Bruce

Hello everyone! I am actually still here. I just passed my 7th year in Ileostomy World. A lot has gone on with me lately. I just had open heart surgery on the 11th of April. I spent 6 hours in surgery and 4 days in ICU. I did not have a heart attack. It was discovered that I have Hypertrophic Obstructive Cardiomyopathy and not enough blood was getting through the left ventricle. I was passing ...

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 ...

Well that was no walk in the park. I had my surgery, spent about 3 days in the hospital, came hope and started vomiting. A lot. All the time. Every time I ate, when I went to bed at night, when I went to the doctor's office. I went back in the hospital and they stuck and NG tube up my nose and down my throat. I hate those things. Anyway they said my ostomy didn't wake up after surgery. That is ...

I just had my ileostomy surgery, and I have never felt so overwhelmed like this in a long time. Talking to someone who has some tips, knowledge, and supportive advice would be a literal lifesaver.
Just to let this community know that I can get along with pretty much anyone.
May blessings come your way to all of you.🫂

Saw the website showing August in Florida.
Might be a good idea for meet and greets... and grits?
Anyone interested in attending?
These conventions are eye-openers. It would be my first.
Thoughts?

Try saying that title 3x fast... what a mouthful!
I had my first colonoscopy since getting stomas today. I learned a lot.
1) If you use closed-end bags, you'll want a drainable bag for the prep. I knew this and planned ahead. BUT I underestimated the difficulties of using an unfamiliar bag.
It had a cool little pocket to secure the outlet, so I used it. But then the bag filled very quickly. I ...

Hi guys,
While my skin is good under my current Hollister barrier, I figure now's the time to try different products, not when my skin is red, weepy, and screaming. So I ordered some ConvaTec Natura samples with some Eakin seals and gave it a go this morning. The barrier is interesting, with the moldable inner portion that forms a 'turtleneck' around your stoma. Sounds like a good idea, but as ...

As providence would have it, my husband has also needed a bag of sorts (he's had a few bladder cancer procedures recently, requiring him to wear a catheter bag for several days in a row each time).
To see the two of us wandering around the house in our bathrobes, kissing each other goodnight - while bumping bags - has been a great source of mirth and merriment around here.
On a more serious ...

Well, it has been four days since my stoma reversal surgery, and I came home on Saturday.
Surgery went well on May 21st; my surgeon said it took approximately 30 minutes.
My bowels ‘woke up' at 3:19 a.m. on May 22 with a very loud, smelly fart. At 5:29 a.m. the same morning, I rushed to the bathroom.
I had the choice to go home on Friday, but after my experience with a lot of pain and infect ...

On the topic of dressy dresses, jumpsuits, etc., for us ostomates - there's a company called "lightinthebox" where I found the perfect LBD. Here's the description: Women's Classic Little Black Dress Mini Dress Contrast Lace Scalloped Neck Mesh Sleeve Casual Party Fall Winter 2024. I'll try to post a pic because I can't post it from the website here for some reason.