Switching from a colostomy to an ileostomy can be a significant change, and it's understandable to have questions about what to expect. If your colostomy isn't working well and your surgeon suggests an ileostomy, here's some helpful information and advice from others who have been through a similar experience.

- One person shared that they had the same switch, and after a few months of recognizing their colostomy wasn't working, they had ileostomy surgery. It has been successful for over two years.

- The stoma for an ileostomy is usually smaller because the ileum is narrower. It's important to discuss the placement and height of the stoma with your surgeon. A well-raised stoma on a flat skin surface can help reduce leaks and improve how the pouch fits. Also, consider where the stoma will be in relation to your clothing.

- You might need to empty the pouch more often with an ileostomy compared to a colostomy. The frequency can depend on your diet and how much fluid you drink. The output from an ileostomy is more caustic, so protecting your skin and having a well-fitting appliance is crucial.

- The caustic nature of the output might shorten the time you can wear the appliance, but with the right system, some people manage 5-6 days between changes. Finding the best pouching system might take some trial and error, as it depends on the shape of your stoma, the contours of your abdomen, and the products you choose.

- When it comes to diet, start with soft foods until you're fully healed, and then introduce new foods slowly. Since the ileostomy opening is smaller, blockages can be a concern, so it's important to chew your food thoroughly. Over time, many people can return to a normal diet, but individual tolerance can vary.

- Without the colon, your body absorbs less fluid, so it's important to drink plenty of liquids to avoid dehydration.

Overall, members have reported that the transition can be straightforward and, in some cases, a significant improvement over a poorly functioning colostomy.