Seeking Advice for New Colostomy: Diet, Products, and Irrigation Tips Needed

Had colostomy in April 2009 and reversal in Nov 2010. Had no diet problems at any time during the time I had the bag and now. Getting along very well. There is a product I used which is called a lubricant and odor remover that is available at the drug store. It works very well for pancaking. You may want to try it. Comes in small packets, about 50 to a box.

Thanks for the tips. I will try everything. I am like a sponge at the moment, trying to soak up as much information as possible. My stoma is with me for life now, and I want to start up my life again, which has been on hold for 3 years. So the sooner I get my routine and diet, etc., sorted, the better. I am like a control freak at the moment. I want to be the boss, not the stoma. Ha ha! I am hoping my life begins again at 50.

Thanks, all tips have been great. It's early days yet, but I feel better and think another few months and I should have a good idea of what foods I can and should not eat. I am more confident after being on here and am eating everything so far so good.

Junopete, as for the economy and recession back here, I am not letting it into my little world at the moment. Who wants to be anymore depressed? Ha ha.

Monica

Hi! I had my colostomy in May of 2011. It was done due to a ruptured diverticulum (I didn't have any symptoms of diverticulitis at all) and the resultant peritonitis. I couldn't eat for months after the surgery. However, I can eat without problems now. I'm just getting sort of used to it. Not sure about having a reversal as I've heard so many who have many problems with urgency and incontinence (because of the necessity to get to a bathroom and one not necessarily nearby) after a reversal. I have some problems with pancaking ... NO, I won't spray the inside of the bag because the pancaking for me happens under the barrier. I've tried many things and still continue to try many things. I have been taking Imodium due to loose B'M's which cause blowouts in the middle of the night (not fun for me, my husband, or when we are somewhere else besides home). I also have an irritating (to me) peristomal hernia which my surgeon states is probably not a good idea to repair as repairs are only about 25% effective with this type of hernia. I am a 70-year-old woman (see my photos) who feels wayyyyy younger than 70 (my soul is perhaps about 35 and I feel not much older than that). I am very active - love Middle Eastern Dancing, knitting, crocheting, playing piano, flute, recorder, dulcimer, and am learning Violin. I sang professionally for many, many years but have decided to not sing any more ... would rather be remembered when I was really good rather than how I will sound in the future (like a shaky-voiced old lady LOL).
Enough about that ... I'm interested to hear everyone's experiences with their colostomies.

Hi, everybody, I have just received a leaflet about 'pancaking' and about a new product. It is a stoma bridge designed to be used inside the bag, therefore stopping the plastic sticking together. It is called Clearway Stoma Bridge and is made by Opus Healthcare. I haven't tried it myself, but it looks like quite a good idea. Just thought I would mention it. Jenny

Jenny, I have had that idea and tried to rig something. I haven't been successful yet. I have been on Google. There is an Opus Healthcare in Austin, Texas, but I haven't found their products. I have found the product in the UK. I will continue to look. Please post any additional info you find. My supplier doesn't have it. Carol

Hello, Carol. On this leaflet, it gives you the order codes which are as follows: Clearway Stoma Bridge 1x30 bridges - Code 7700 or Mini Stoma Bridge 1x30 - Code 8800. The phone number listed is 0800 458 7605. I know this is all for the UK, but perhaps it will help in your search. Good luck. Jenny.

Hi! My pancaking is not inside the bag, but rather stool that gets in around the hole in the wafer and forces itself, via pancaking, around the whole wafer. No matter what I do (paste, heating the adhesive wafer, using paste, cleaning the area thoroughly with a castile soap (no additives) and rinsing and drying thoroughly, etc. Sometimes, it just happens and it's more than annoying (especially when it happens in the middle of the night). My husband suggested I put two holes in a large garbage bag and stick my legs into it and make two more holes for my arms and then tying it or taping it to me. Well, that's one way to keep the bedding clean LOL...however, I'm not going to do that. OK, that's what I say now.

I did look into the Clearway Stoma Bridge but that is to keep the bag from sticking together and they do not offer it to clients in the U.S.A. Hope you all find some kind of solution!
Carmen in AK

Ooh er, lyrical, it sounds as if you do have a problem. I hope that someone can come up with a solution. Thanks for looking into the Stoma Bridge from your side of the pond though.

Lyricalaska: I also had that problem in the beginning. Someone suggested Eakin Cohesive Seals and I have to tell you that I very seldom have the problem with the poop getting under the wafer. I think this may be something that can help you. It is just a barrier that will stop things from being able to go any further than the opening. After a day or two, sometimes it will start to break down and a small amount works its way under but by then it's time to change pouches anyway. I order my supplies from Edgepark. Good luck! -Rhonda

Hi, I am also a new ostomate, and I have found out that a lot of companies give free samples, like Coloplast, Convatec, Hollister, Salts Healthcare.. etc. Hope this info helps you a little.