Meet An OstoMate | MeetAnOstoMate

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About MeetAnOstoMate

Since our establishment in 2006, MeetAnOstoMate has blossomed from a humble platform into a vibrant multi-topic community. Founded on the principle that shared experiences breed understanding, our platform is dedicated to offering a space for members to openly discuss their challenges, share insights, and seek advice. As much as we are a platform for knowledge, we're also a meeting ground for friendships, love, and unwavering support.

Beachboy

Maximizing Wafer Wear Time with a Colostomy - Personal Experiments

Jul 25, 2024 - Aug 31, 2024

In an effort of discovery, I've been waiting longer and longer between wafer changes. How long can I go? I have a colostomy.
Last experiment was 10 days. Skin looked good. No leaks. Hair growth didn't cause a problem. And the wafer still felt comfortable. I wore various hernia support belts too. And rode my bike a total of 100 miles over 5 days. Also showered many times with the bag on, gettin ...

12 replies | 439 views

Jul 31, 2024

The most I have gone is 4 days. Because I have so much redness from the barrier ring, I may change to every 3. Not sure yet. Or go without the barrier ring, as I was doing okay without it. So Ston ...

Aug 31, 2024

Hello, I use NU-Hope Corporation belts. They are excellent quality and reasonably priced. I have 2, 3, & 4-inch wide belts.
I bought the 2-inch wide belts directly on the Nu-Hope website. The 3 & ...

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Beachboy

The Fortune Teller's Curse... Finis

Oct 02, 2024 - Oct 04, 2024

A cautionary tale. Told in many parts, like the old-time movie serials. You have to click on "Forum" at the top of the website. Then "Discussion Forum." Then choose "Social talk" and all the parts will be shown.

Sidney awoke in a warm comfortable bed, a little sore from the softness. Staring at the ceiling, he tried to make sense of where he was, and what the heck had happened. One minute he ...

2 replies | 95 views

Oct 04, 2024

BB

A second career, hey...

Sharing your talents - again
Waves

J

Oct 04, 2024

Thanks Jayne,

I thought I'd conjure up a tale about envy. Sidney wanted what Horatio had. But didn't think about all the hassle, hustle, and bustle required to attain and maintain that lifesty ...

Boalsman

Undergoing My Medical Procedure Today

Oct 07, 2024 - Oct 09, 2024

Been anxiously awaiting for today. I have great confidence in my medical team. Started evacuating my bowels. The large capacity bag from Hollister has been a huge help. I will do my best to document my experience.

11 replies | 271 views

Oct 08, 2024

Hi Boalsman! I am sorry to hear you encountered difficulty, but the 3 months will fly by! Take the pain meds if you need them. Keep up the positive attitude. Wishing you the best!

Oct 09, 2024

Glad to hear you made it through surgery. As Rose Anna Danna on Saturday Night used to say: "It's always something!" Those damn rectums are always causing trouble. Wishing you a quick recovery.

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Advertisement

Your Ostomy Pouching System And Wear Time

Hollister

Many factors can affect the frequency of your pouching system changes, including your stoma type.

Learn what impacts wear time and how you can extend it.

Rodr24

Facing My Upcoming Colon Reversal Surgery

Sep 14, 2024 - Sep 16, 2024

I'm beside myself with excitement and anticipation. And I have a whole new level of respect for my digestive system.

My first colon resection was emergency surgery. I was sitting at home in major pain when the fever started, after a few hours I drove to the ER to learn that one of my diverticuli had burst. I lost about 8" with that one, but was successfully reconnected.

My second colon res ...

8 replies | 255 views

Sep 16, 2024

Congrats, Rod!! Keep us posted as to how things go once you're back home and on the mend. We're all rooting for you!

M

xo

Sep 16, 2024

Congrats Rod! You got this!

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Ohwell!

Clothing Tips for Concealing an Ostomy Bag

Oct 14, 2024 - Oct 21, 2024

I hope I’m posting this in the right forum. I’ve had my ileostomy for 1 month and I’m having a devil of a time with finding clothing where the ostomy bag doesn’t stand out. I’d appreciate any suggestions. Thank you.

21 replies | 539 views

Oct 20, 2024

Thank you for the heads up!

Oct 21, 2024

I forgot to mention, Walmart has a brand called, I think, Time and Tru. Their leggings fit nicely for us, not too tight across the abdomen but snugly around the legs.

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Dmyrick55

Had My Reversal Surgery and Feeling Great After 7 Weeks

Sep 07, 2024 - Sep 09, 2024

Good afternoon, everyone. Just wanted to let you know I had my reversal surgery after all. Was not going to have that done, but a large hernia and skin issues took that choice out of my hands. Now 7 weeks past surgery, I'm doing fantastic.
Reversal was not nearly as bad as I'd feared, and now that I'm on the backside of surgery and all my plumbing is working, I'm glad I had it done.
Just wante ...

7 replies | 214 views

Sep 09, 2024

My plan is to have one after January. I am extremely anxious though. I have PTSD from my hospital stay before and find doctors and hospitals terrifying now.
I was diagnosed with rectosigmoid cance ...

Sep 09, 2024

Congrats! I was also 21 days in the hospital during my first stay, septic and other issues from my colonic perforation. My reversal stay was 2 days - I left the morning of the third day. Went fant ...

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budd002

Foamy Output - How to Deal?

Mar 04, 2011 - Oct 13, 2024

As many of you know, I have been home on rest fighting tooth and nail this latest Crohn's flare. I have been feeling better and better every day. I have finally hit the 3-digit mark in my weight and the appetite is coming back, with some crazy cravings. I blame the devil's drug on that one.
However, this past week my guts have been rather loud with gurgling, but the thing that is getting on my ...

13 replies | 28633 views

Nov 23, 2022

Same thing happens to me, have to eat something in the am, if I skip breakfast... that damn yellow foam and belly ache occurs!

Oct 13, 2024

Hi
I am having foaming issues too. Only 10 weeks with an ileostomy.

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Nini4

A year later. What I lost but gained

Sep 12, 2024 - Sep 15, 2024

It's been a year since I started what would be the worst 2 months I have ever experienced. My diverticulitis flared up and IBS was on overdrive. Add to that a very stressful job, weekly doctor visits, a myriad of medications, and hospital stays. Unfathomable pain, mental exhaustion, panic attacks, and anxiety, I was the quintessential hot mess!
Nothing worked, I was not living, merely existing ...

1

41 replies | 727 views

Sep 15, 2024

Way to go, Nini... Waking up with a colostomy is unnerving, to say the least, and acceptance comes slowly... but it's a small price to pay for a second lease on life. I love how you won the battle ...

Sep 15, 2024

Thank you!

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Mr.bonson

Stupid scissors

Jun 22, 2024 - Sep 05, 2024

When introduce to the ostomy procedures I was more overwhelmed with trying to use the scissors that come with the kit they give you flat flange and a clear bag and that was pretty overwhelming once I found the soft bags with the cloth and the charcoal vent and the velcro everything got a lot easier except for cutting those scissors are awful I don't know who can use them and make a smoot ...

12 replies | 614 views

Jun 23, 2024

There are curved blade scissors—I had to purchase mine as regular scissors were in my kit. Try turning the wafer, putting less pressure on the scissor blades. This makes for a smoother cut. It a ...

Sep 05, 2024

I need an oval shape! My hubby cuts mine with the blunt end scissors, and he says he has never had an issue. I could not use those... I also have a crippled hand.

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RiverNyx

When to Tell a New Partner About My Cancer and Urostomy Bag?

May 29, 2024 - Oct 09, 2024

I've been single for 2 years, since my boyfriend left early in my journey with bladder cancer. I have stage 4 currently managed by immunotherapy, but every 3 months I hold my breath while the PET scan is read. It is an aggressive variant and generally the prognosis is poor. I feel I'm living on borrowed time but want to enjoy as much as I can.
I have a urostomy bag and the upper portion of my ...

14 replies | 790 views

Oct 09, 2024

Welcome back. Good to hear from you. It's good news you reached remission. Don't dwell on the negatives. Day by day, kiddo.
Did things work out with that guy you met 4 months ago? Hope so. Nice ha ...

Oct 09, 2024

I am very pleased to hear your good news, River. I sincerely hope you get all that you wish for. x

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Diverticulitissucks!

Revel It's in the Bag Lubricating Deodorant Review

Aug 31, 2024 - Sep 18, 2024

Hi fellow Osteomates... Has anyone tried Revel It's in the Bag lubricating deodorant? It is by far the best I have used since starting this journey. I ordered samples from RevelOstomy.com, and they arrived at the perfect time. I had a lot of "blowouts" because of the pancaking. I used the samples and haven't had a "blowout" since. I highly recommend the product and hope you do too! Thank you! ...

17 replies | 376 views

Sep 17, 2024

I love this stuff. It works better than anything I've used. It definitely helps with odor, lasts through several empties, and helps when flushing.

Sep 18, 2024

Thank you ever so much for this product recommendation. I just ordered a free sample. Although I have pretty much mastered everything involving my ostomy, there's still a bit of room for improve ...

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Advertisement

Convex Skin Barrier Options

Hollister

A convex barrier may provide a more secure and predictable seal between your pouching system and your skin, which can help prevent stoma fluid leakage.

Learn about the different types of convex skin barriers and when to use them.

Rancher

Hernia Belt Advice for Post-Op Ileostomy Care

Aug 11, 2024 - Oct 29, 2024

Let's talk about hernia belts, preferably ones to prevent a hernia.
I am 7 weeks post-op with an ileostomy.
So I am getting very anxious about getting outside and getting some work done, but I will let myself heal up some more.
One of my concerns is developing a hernia.
I talked to my stoma nurse and she said, "Don't get a hernia belt with a hole for your ostomy, because they don't help around ...

13 replies | 362 views

Oct 28, 2024

Where did you buy it? I'm from Manitoba and am having trouble finding one with 3" opening.

Oct 29, 2024

Here is the ostomy armour. Its a bit bulky and pinches when you sit down. Way over priced for what you get. But definitely would help with a parastomal hernia. I never wore it when it was hot ...

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Rancher

Exploring the Best Ostomy Supplies: Personal Experiences

Sep 14, 2024 - Sep 16, 2024

Good afternoon. Ileostomate here. 2.5 months from surgery and I am going to try to see which ostomy supplier I am going to go with. Came out of the hospital with Coloplast 2 piece soft convex. Hollister 7805 barrier ring. But thinking with all the free samples out there, I would start trying others.
Here is what I have found. Coloplast has a really nice bag; the Velcro drain works really well ...

10 replies | 261 views

Sep 15, 2024

Thanks for the reply. My wife keeps telling me to keep it simple and just go with what I am using, but I just have to learn and try everything to find out what works best for me. I also find it "f ...

Sep 16, 2024

Salts rings

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Bilbo baggins

2 Firsts

Sep 07, 2024 - Sep 08, 2024

I have just got back from my first trip away from home. Exactly 6 months since I got my pal Bilbo attached.
I rented a static caravan for 4 nights as I thought this would be the best way to learn how to live with Bilbo without having to worry about others.
I have to say it worked out very well.
Getting up 3 or 4 times a night to empty Bilbo.
I followed what my mother used to say:
Prepare for t ...

4 replies | 198 views

Sep 08, 2024

While in the hospital for 2 months, I lost 45 pounds in weight.
If the truth be known, I needed to lose 20 of them anyway. Lol

Sep 08, 2024

Cruise ships. Breakfast, walk around, Brunch, gamble, Lunch, Gamble, Drinks & snacks, gamble, Dinner, show & Pizza at midnight. Enough to fill 20 stoma bags. BURP! Not a good Osteomate diet. ...

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JVM261

Facing My Ileostomy Reversal - A Journey of Resilience

Jun 30, 2024 - Oct 23, 2024

Hi everyone:
As some of you know, I had emergency surgery due to Cdiff in September. At first, I thought I had no large colon left. Then I thought I had just enough for a reconnection as I was told by one of the doctors before I left the hospital. Then I found out through a flex sig that I have 18 cm plus. I told them to stop because I was in pain, but I was happy to hear that I have that ...

1

59 replies | 752 views

Jul 09, 2024

I understand those stoma holes are left open to heal from the inside out. When the surgeon cut out a rectal abscess, he left that open too but used saline on gauze to keep the skin moist as it clo ...

Oct 23, 2024

Hi Everyone:
First off, I want to say I'm sorry for not responding here and updating in a while. So, as most of you know, I got my Reversal on 1 July. I still have some days that are very bad with ...

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Justbreathe

Knickers Review Part 2: Comfort, Support, and Fit

Sep 09, 2024 - Sep 10, 2024

My new knickers test drive occurred from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m.
Test score (final analysis) for anyone who may be interested in trying this product (from Amazon) is as follows.
Ratings on a scale of 1 (lowest) to 10 (highest).
Comfort = 9
I gave this a 9 rather than a 10 because I would have liked the legs to be a bit longer but still very comfortable.

Support = 10
I allowed a bit of air in the ...

4 replies | 251 views

Sep 09, 2024

I hear ya Jayne, even way over here in the United States . I did not mention the name because I felt it may be inappropriate to be advertising products on this site and wonder if it is frowned upo ...

Sep 10, 2024

Points taken - good you have raised them.

BW

J

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robin.evans.2020

It'll Be Alright if You Give Yourself a Chance

Aug 28, 2024 - Aug 30, 2024

Okeydoke, little backstory.
Previously completely healthy, but probably not looking after myself as well as I should. Minor heart attack, easily fixed with a stent, but up from that though a serious infection, necrotizing fasciitis, really nasty situation trying to get that under control with the ticker meds making surgery very, very dangerous. Had That Conversation with my surgeons a couple o ...

8 replies | 504 views

Aug 30, 2024

What a wonderful and uplifting post, Robin! I'm so glad you hung in there and didn't give up hope, and you definitely lucked out and found a keeper in that lady. I'm glad you found us too and hope ...

Aug 30, 2024

Attagirl, Cindy. It feels like the end of the world on first diagnosis, then dealing with recovery, the stitches, figuring out how best to deal with it all, the AAAAARGG!!!! moments.
In my admitt ...

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lee.greenston

Recovering from Ileostomy Surgery - Seeking Advice on Persistent Tiredness

Feb 24, 2024 - Oct 24, 2024

Hi, I am 75 and 3 months post-ileostomy surgery. I also have a mucus fistula. I was in the hospital for 6 weeks prior to my operation as I was very ill, having had a bowel perforation, and they wanted to build me up before the operation.
I am still so very tired. I am getting out a little, walking, driving a short distance, having friends over for an afternoon, and even been out for brunch wit ...

22 replies | 1131 views

Jul 03, 2024

:-)
J

Oct 24, 2024

Lee, There's a condition called Critical Illness Myopathy-- muscle weakness following a long period of illness with limited activity. Your extended hospitalization prior to your surgery likely acc ...

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yorkservice

Using a Dixie Cup to Cover Stoma While Showering

Sep 02, 2024 - Sep 23, 2024

If you wear a 2-piece bag system, I discovered that I can remove the bag to shower and use a Dixie or Solo bathroom cup with some stoma paste (just a few dabs), and it fits perfectly onto my flange, covering my stoma. I use the Ostoform Flow Assist 2-piece system. Not even the towel knocked it off. No more wet bags.

1

31 replies | 653 views

Sep 23, 2024

Pretty funny... I had to refer to your post regarding how to spell "nekked"... so if I've used the word previously, then I would say it is, at the least, a double plagiarism. Sorry I gave you cred ...

Sep 23, 2024

This is a card game? I thought we were in People's Court USA.?? Actually, more like A.I. Mao court. That artificial intelligence thing acting like Big Brother should be held in contempt, fined, an ...

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infinitycastle52777

Do You Name Your Stoma? Share Your Stories!

Nov 04, 2023 - Oct 15, 2024

I'm curious if everyone here names their stoma. My ostomy nurse told me it was a very common thing. I named mine Marvin after Marvin the Martian because when he was fresh and new and all blobby, I thought he looked like a Martian coming out of my stomach. Then my ostomy nurse, whom I had for the first 2 months after surgery, started calling him a beautiful little rose. So then he became Marvin ...

1

56 replies | 1384 views

Oct 07, 2024

No, but to each their own. It just creeps me out.

Oct 15, 2024

I have two stomas, lucky lady me. My urostomy's name is Rosie because she looks like a rosebud. My colostomy has been named Petunia. I don't know why . . . it just seemed right.

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