Tomorrow at 8 a.m., I am having the ileostomy reversed. I had to come in and say thank you to everyone who has helped here along the way. I had some pretty low points on this journey, and this community was so supportive and helpful. I appreciate everyone who has chimed in with advice and words of encouragement.

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.

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 ...

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 ...

I have double ostomies. I started pole a year ago, and I've just started aerial. For 16 years, I did nothing. I'm due for my 35th operation in October, but I'm not allowing it to stop me anymore. Thank you to those who believe in me every day, even though I don't. I'm so lucky to have a supportive partner who also has an ileostomy. Be bold, believe, and fly

Hello my friends, who provide me with support, prayers, and smiles.
I had my stoma revision and have been going day by day on the road to recovery, and... I had indigestion; it was horrible. I started throwing up bile (YUCK), white, yellow, sheesh green.
I called my home healthcare nurse, she called my surgeon, he called me; Ms. Seward, please come to the ER at your convenience.
I went at 6 PM ...

Today I was given a barium enema to test for reconnection. Everything looks great, so we will be proceeding in May. However, since I came home, I've been passing what feels like bowel movements. It's mostly the solution, but I feel like there was some bowel in there too. If I'm still doing this tomorrow, I'll be contacting my doctor. Has anyone else experienced this?

What's the best solution for redness and irritation around the stoma before applying the wafer.

Does anyone know of skin cleansing wipes that are good for cleaning and healing irritated skin?
My skin has broken down from poo and I want to try and heal it.

Trial and error has led me to a system of emptying and cleaning my pouch that makes everything feel better. I saw another post about using warm water in the pouch after emptying to wash it out. I will say it takes several times of doing this (put water in, holding the pouch up, swish it around, then empty) to get it clean. I do this until the water runs clear when coming out. I also use a deod ...

I was rushed into emergency surgery on Feb 23 this year. At first, I didn't think I could cope with the mess. I have found products that make it easier. At first, I cried constantly. Now I can shower without a tape covering.
I still hate the ostomy, but I'm not crying all the time. My family has been wonderful, helping with everything. The backup support is vital.