IF IT AIN’T BROKE - -!

Last night was a disaster
because I wanted to master
every tiny little bit
of my stoma and its shit.

For years I’ve never had a leak
and therefore never had to speak
of incidents and accidents
that used to knock my confidence.

This is because I’ve sorted out
how to control my stoma spout
by DIY experiments,
which solved problems to some extent.

But there a ...

I am scheduled for my ileostomy reversal on Friday.

Had surgery on June 10th due to diverticulitis with an abscess. Spent 6 months prior to that on antibiotics, 8 weeks with a PICC line, 4 weeks with an abscess drain that finally resulted in surgery with 10" of my sigmoid colon and abscess removed and an ileostomy.

I appreciate having been able to get so much helpful information from this ...

Howdy! I'm new here and tried a search for this topic but didn't find what I was looking for, so apologies if this has been covered. I don't have a surgery date yet, but should have one scheduled within a couple of weeks. I work remotely, and I'm curious about other folks who've had a colectomy and only have to “commute” to their home office to work from a computer each day. Did you all ha ...

I am new to having an ostomy bag. It's summer and I want to be able to swim and lay by the pool. What precautions should I take for protection of my ostomy bag for these things that I love to do? I'm also planning in two weeks to go to the beach, so I need suggestions…please!

Hi everyone!
I was wanting to ask about eating granola. I was wanting to add some granola to my yogurt and other things. Do you think this may cause a blockage or something more serious?
Thanks for your advice and input.
Mindy

Question: Does anyone with an ileostomy use high output bags only at night for sleeping but regular size during the day? If so, how does that work? Do you discard the day or night bag each evening or morning? That would seem like a waste. Or do you rinse them out for reuse the next day?
I have to empty my bag 6-8 times a day, which I don't consider high output nor unmanageable. But getting up ...

Hi, I have a 2-piece system and my bags are extremely crunchy! All I have to do is move a little and the sound can be heard by everyone that is near me. Does anyone know of a cover for my pouch to muffle this? Plus, does anyone know of a waterproof shower cover?
Thanks!!

My surgery for rectal cancer is scheduled for October 9, and I will emerge from surgery with an ostomy. Naturally, I have a lot of questions and my learning curve will be very steep. But, my immediate question is about clothing to wear with an ostomy. I would like to go shopping before the surgery if possible, but I'm not sure about what to buy. My typical work attire is khakis and a button-do ...

I have shopped wraps
Specifically made for ostomates and could never justify spending 50 to 70$ CAD for such ugly and ungainly products.
I tried maternity shirt extenders. No go for me. I am 5'8" and 120 lbs and no matter what size I got they were just too tight. I tried bandeau bras but they were too narrow...
I am here with a new solution!!
Tube tops!! 'Tis the season and they're everywh ...

Someone here had good things to say about this pouch lube/deodorant so I ordered. It works as advertised with easy emptying and reduced odor. However: I found the product oozed out of my bag filter (sensura mio convex) and left oily stains on the pouch cover and on my clothes. I tried using filter covers but the oil of the product destroyed the adhesive. Fortunately, the company's customer ser ...

So heading back to Florida after the New Year with my grandson. Any advice on getting in pools and/or hot tubs? I use Hollister products for my wafer and bag. Two pieces.

In prior years, I have always donated my surplus supplies to my ET nurse. She told me this morning that they are no longer allowed to accept them due to a FDA ruling. She said that I could donate them to the American Cancer Society. So if people are looking for supplies you might want to call your local ACS to see if they have them available.

Tried to paste entire article which includes a photo of her in her bikini and video of explaining why she exposed herself. Google her name and you can view entire article done July 2022
Dare to bare: Living with a colostomy bag
Monday 7 July 3:30pm
Crohn's sufferer Bethany Townsend, 23, became an overnight internet sensation after an image she posted of herself in a bikini with a colostomy ba ...

Hello ostomates. I found I prefer bag changes after a shower. The chance to shower bag-free, just me and the stoma. Good for peristomal health as well. I do, however, miss a good tub soaking. Is it okay to do that bag-free with the stoma fully immersed in water?

Hey OstoMates! I have a question for the men of this site that I'm hoping someone may be able to help me with!
My body is fairly hairy, in particular my abdomen, which is obviously where my stoma is located. Obviously, this can affect adhesion of the bags to the skin.
Do any of you have experience of having to remove hair around your stoma? I'm trying to figure out the best way to do it. I don ...

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 ...

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 ...

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.

Fartlettes/Turdlettes/Pooplettes, also known as mucus - possible easy explanation for inquiring newbies
Fartlettes = small farts
Turdlettes/Pooplettes = words less offensive to me in place of mucus
These nicknames I have referred to before on this site… A simple explanation would be - if you still have parts remaining south of the baghugger - namely a butthole, these little “lettes” occa ...

Hi everyone

I haven’t posted in a while, but I have been around learning and gathering information for my upcoming ileostomy surgery.
I just learnt about the K pouch and I’m wondering why I would opt for a bag if I can have a k pouch?

To be clear, a K pouch was not offered to me by my medical team, but I’m wondering if I should bring it up with my surgeon and ask him if that’s a ...