Hey everyone!

Not trying to offend anyone here—just genuinely curious and slightly worried and looking for some wisdom.

I read online that the average age of getting an ostomy is 68, and some studies show people living up to 30 years with one! That’s why they call it a ‘full life’ but what does that mean if you get an ostomy at 35, life’s over by 65?

Also, can we make an inf ...

I switched from one seal manufacturer, Brava, to Eakin early this summer 2024. I recommended both in my profile, which I'm likely going to update.
I am joining the growing percentage of people on here who toss the Eakin to the trash due to skin irritation.
I thought the Eakin was perfect. Soft, moldable, leak preventive worth. Since starting using it, I noticed redness developing until this mo ...

How often should I change my wafer? I have been changing it twice a week but feel I could go to once a week. The adhesion is still secure at 1 week and I feel like it would be kinder for my skin. I'd appreciate any help.
Thanks

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 is my 10-year ostomy anniversary. I have long avoided serious consideration of reversal surgery because it's difficult to imagine my quality of life being more comfortable than it is today with a bag. I am left with a rectal stump to deal with, however, and it feels overdue for a decision. I don't presently have any issues but it has atrophied and narrowed last I had it examined 2 years ...

Hey all! I am new to this site, but I am not new to being an ostomy warrior. I'm going on nine years. Anyone have advice or suggestions on how to eliminate odor? I've tried the Adapt from Hollister, and that just makes it worse. Any suggestions, besides not eating or drinking the things I love?!

Hi, just a quick question. Since my ostomy (20 months ago) I have travelled from the UK to Germany and Spain but have only stayed in family houses. It looks as if I'll have the chance to go to Egypt in the new year. I know what to take etc but was wondering if anyone in the forum has been to Egypt recently? I'm worried about the disposal of my pouches. I use 2 a day. I'll be staying in hotels ...

Hello all, my BB surgery is scheduled for 11/18!! I’m excited, but growing more anxious by the minute. I’m getting my hospital bag ready, and I’m wondering if anyone has any tips for what to bring?
Also, how long were you in the hospital for BB/ileostomy? I’ve already had my colon removed, so this is proctectomy//end ileostomy.

Thanks in advance

Hello my Osteomates,
I wanted to update, after 5 months I had my reversal surgery on May 2nd. I had a few blips with some incision issues and the bowels starting to work, but overall it has been a success! I finally started to have regular bowel movements about 3 weeks after surgery. I am still taking Miralax daily on the advice of my doctor, hoping to eventually discontinue the Miralax. For n ...

Hello everyone,
I had an ileostomy done in August 2024. Thinking about buying a Stealth Belt to help with support and comfort. The horizontal one looks best in terms of concealment, but since I go through periods of high liquid output every day, I'm not sure this is the best choice. Has anyone else had a Stealth Belt? Any advice would be appreciated in advance.

One thing I have struggled with since my ostomy, is having to go to the chiropractor, or a massage therapist. Lying flat on the chiropractor's table is extremely uncomfortable on my ostomy, and having any pressure put on me has made it even worse. I've feared leaks, or even damage to my ostomy, although neither has happened. I simply haven't gone for a massage since my ostomy, and I've avoi ...

I've had an ileostomy for 45 years. I have been through many situations and here are a few things that have helped me along the journey.
If someone asks or thinks you have a disability, tell them you have an ability. You can do everything anyone else can and sometimes even better. Don't hide the fact that you have an ostomy. I had emergency surgery when I was just 20 years old. My doctor told ...

Hello. I am nearly 2 years out from colostomy surgery due to cancer. I have come across information about using an enema-like irrigation process to train your bowel to release output at a desired time of day—once a day, or for some, every other day. I also came across a discussion using Dulcolax suppositories or tablets instead of the irrigation, however, I can't find which rabbit hole I wen ...

I had noticed a bulge around my stoma with my stoma in the middle of it. It doesn't hurt, and when I lay down, it goes away and is flat (no bulge). I went to my surgeon today to ask about it. He looked at it and said, "Yep, it's a hernia." I told him I've not lifted anything at all to get it. He said it happens and seemed unconcerned. He smiled and said, "You'll be fine. When we do your colost ...

Hello all... I am traveling next week. I have flown before and didn't have much problems, except having to rub my hands over my ostomy site and then having my hands read for explosive material..(This was in front of the travelers waiting to be checked in). Any suggestions on flying, traveling etc. As always thank you for all the sage advice and suggestions, tips and lessons. Yaya

For the first time yesterday, I decided to play Osto Roulette and have a bagless shower. I used my lovely new shower gel that I got for Christmas and had no output at all. Result! I then put on my new bag, slathered myself in my new body lotion, and put on my new loungewear... I felt great!
Feeling very pleased with myself, I started to go about my day when I suddenly felt something wet drippi ...

Just want to share that I use an item which has made ostomy pouch maintenance a breeze. The product is flushable ostomy pouch liners. Not suitable for septic tanks. The liner is inserted into the pouch from the top. When a change is required, simply pull the liner out at the top of the pouch and throw it into the toilet. No fuss, no muss. Full instructions for use come with the package.

I have spent endless amounts of time trying to accurately measure my crazy loop ileostomy stoma’s shape realizing this one measurement is crucial to my comfort level. So crucial in fact that I swear it will directly result in a smile on my face and a happy day ahead !!!

The final successful DIY (thx Bill) tool measurement for me came in the form of clear plastic wrap with a piece of clea ...

So 13 years ago I had my bladder removed along with my prostate and 16 lymph nodes. A urostoma was installed. I was very lucky and for some reason I healed very quickly and was back to work in 3 weeks. Twice I had a nurse show me how to change my bag and I was discharged from the hospital in a week and never saw another nurse.
But I then noticed I never got an erection of any kind. As it turns ...

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.