Greetings from Grand Cayman Island. Been a great cruise so far. No problems emptying the ol' bag or taking care of my colostomy.
Went on a bike ride along the coast today. Was hot and humid. Wore a support belt. No problems with adhesion. Mrs. B went on a swim with the stingrays tour. She liked it and didn't get sunburnt..... or stung.
Tomorrow is a sea day... yaaaa. I get to ditch Mrs. B and ...

Tomorrow marks one year since I had emergency surgery due to a perforation in my colon and got my colostomy. For several months I was angry, resentful, overwhelmed, bitter and depressed. Didn’t think I would ever be able to cope with my new normal. I blamed myself. I don’t remember how I found this group, but am so grateful I did. You all helped to ease my loneliness and gave me suppor ...

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?

I have to move my reversal about a month. I was worried I would have to have those awful pre-testings done again—but I don't! So, 7 weeks out now, instead of 3. Thanks for listening.

So, as of lately, it has been exactly one year since I have had my urostomy that has saved my life from bladder cancer. I've been so afraid to change up my daily routines, but with a year looking in my rearview mirror, I have been enjoying 2 or 3 times a week taking my shower and removing my appliance after I do my hair and after I wash up! So, as not to get any lotions on Minnie!
I remove my ...

Since we can't be like "able-anal-ed" folks and "take a dump," we need a saying of our own. "Draining the bag" just doesn't cut it. Some candidates to consider:
Trapshooting. Has a nice ring to it. Imagine: "Hey Sally, back in a jiffy... gotta do a little trapshooting."
Turboturd. For the ostomate in a hurry.
Dash-of-splash. Similar to turboturd, but with some recoil.
Easysqueeze. When you kno ...

So right after I posted my one-year check-in, I ended up in the ER with an obstruction that night. I was in excruciating pain and vomiting. Again, I escaped the NG tube, thank goodness, but the treating physician said that my CT scan showed that the obstruction was in the small intestine and most likely due to scar tissue. The location of the obstruction was where the small intestine got sucke ...

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 ...

Question- How long does it take you to change your bag? I’ve had my ileostomy for a month and it’s getting easier with each change.
I know there’s no rush, but just wondering.
I last timed myself at 15mins. I was more prepared and my stoma was quiet n cooperative.

The previous change took me 45 mins, due to constant stoma activity. It was a hot MESS!!‍

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

I had written about a month or so ago asking what people eat to try to lose weight with an ileostomy/J pouch. I've had several suggestions, and I thank everyone for their input. I decided to try the Carnivore diet, but not full meat; I have included vegetables as well. I had the issue where everything was running through me because the things that help me keep it together are things that put w ...