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Nov 23, 2024

Living with an Ileostomy: Seeking Advice and Sharing Experiences

Topic Explanation:
The discussion in the forum revolves around living with an ileostomy, a surgical procedure that creates an opening in the abdomen for the discharge of bodily wastes into a bag. The original poster, who has had Crohn's disease since childhood and has undergone multiple surgeries, shares their struggles with managing the ileostomy, particularly the liquid stools, gas, and odor. They express concerns about social interactions and seek advice on how to manage these issues, especially in public settings like family gatherings and weddings.

Advice and Helpful Insights from Replies:
1. Odor Control:
- Use M9 drops to control odor inside the ostomy bag.
- Other home remedies suggested include using baking powder or mints like Tic Tacs for odor control.

2. Managing Liquid Stools:
- To thicken the output, incorporate fiber supplements like Metamucil or psyllium fiber into your diet. This can help solidify the output, making it easier to manage.
- Some participants suggested adding substances directly into the bag to gel the contents, although this might make emptying the bag more challenging.

3. Equipment and Accessories:
- Ensure the ostomy bag is secured properly, possibly using a support belt or wrap.
- Consider the orientation of the bag (vertical or horizontal) and the type of closure (clip or Velcro) to prevent leaks and manage output effectively.
- Using a two-piece system might allow for quicker and cleaner bag changes in public restrooms.

4. Public Restroom Strategies:
- Place toilet paper in the water before emptying the bag to prevent splashing.
- Use travel-sized deodorant sprays like Lysol for immediate odor control in public restrooms.
- Some suggest changing the entire bag instead of emptying it to manage odor and mess effectively.

5. Social Confidence and Psychological Adjustment:
- Engage in social activities and do not let the ileostomy define your social interactions or self-esteem.
- Develop a sense of humor and openness about the condition when in social settings to ease personal and others' discomfort.
- Maintain a positive attitude and do not allow fear of embarrassment to restrict activities.

6. Diet and Lifestyle Adjustments:
- Monitor and adjust your diet to manage gas and output consistency.
- Stay active and try to return to normal activities as much as possible to improve overall well-being.

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