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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.
Penguins7

Ostomy Travel Tips - Be Prepared & Stay Comfortable!

Jul 28, 2017 - Sep 16, 2024
I have a few tips for my ostomy friends out there when you travel locally or on extended trips: I never leave the house without an emergency change out. When I travel on an airplane, I carry a backpack with extra supplies and a change of underwear and a t-shirt and extra pants. I carry rolled up several toilet paper sheets (folded 5 times) and a 3 oz. container of baby oil (airlines allow up t ...
9 replies | 3701 views
Mar 20, 2018
Has anyone done long-haul flights? If so, I need any of the hints you can give me. I have been to Kenya 29 times but haven't been back since my abdominoperineal resection for cancer. I feel quite ...
Sep 16, 2024
I am traveling on my first major trip, post-op to Tokyo. I like the small backpack idea for carry-on. Easy to carry, free hands. Always carry a folded TP in my left pocket for quick stops or after ...
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Bliss

Leaking from pancaking with Coloplast Sensura Mio - Need advice on moldable rings and alternative bag brands

May 31, 2022 - Oct 30, 2024
Hello everyone, it is nice to meet you all! It has been three weeks since my colostomy was installed. I started out with a Hollister two-piece system while in the hospital and for the most part have had pretty good luck with their equipment - no leaks, some pancaking, and 4 to 5 days between equipment changing. But that being said, I am not very fond of Hollister bags. They make so much noise ...
17 replies | 1836 views
Sep 21, 2022
I wear a vertical StealthBelt and of course the wrap I wear is vertical also. I'm not sure I'd want a horizontal one, especially wearing a one-piece system. A two-piece system I could understand b ...
Oct 30, 2024
Hi Bliss!
I am 8 months post colostomy surgery (cannot even believe it’s been that long) and I could not use Coloplast products for the same reason, leaks all the time! Drove me crazy and I tri ...
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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 | 283 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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Gemini16

Cardio Causing Pouch Woes - Any Advice?

May 15, 2023 - Oct 28, 2024
Lol... not in that sense! Hehe. I've recently got into more cardio rather than just weight training but, my pouch seems to come undone... even on days I haven't sweat too much. Anyone have any tips/tricks/advice?
10 replies | 806 views
Oct 08, 2024
1) Soberderm barrier spray!
2) XL Coloplast Brava Tape Extenders!
3) Use hairdryer to warm skin & flange of bag!
If that doesn't work, put your head between your knees & kiss your arse goodbye!
Oct 28, 2024
Hey Sis, try using coloplast brava skin barrier sheets beneath your pouching system. I've found they wear quite well despite sweat or skin wetness.
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eldonnaa

Facing My 4th Surgery Tomorrow - Nervous and Hopeful

Aug 22, 2024 - Sep 23, 2024
First of all, I can't find any of my previous posts. Ugh, I was hoping there was a link on my profile page, but...
Well, for those that have read those previous posts, I'm finally having surgery tomorrow morning at 7 EST. The hospital is 2 hours away, so having to be there at 5 AM means we need to leave home at 3 AM. OMG! Well, I know I won't sleep tonight, but I'm having my husband go to bed ...
21 replies | 382 views
Sep 23, 2024
Well, almost a month later... Post-op appointment went well, and I have another this Thursday. On Friday, I will have another surgery scheduled. This one is to remove the stents in my ureters, and ...
Sep 23, 2024
You know, I swear I am the luckiest woman alive. Harry and I have been together for 20 years and he treats me like a queen. We've never even had a fight. While I was in the hospital he had a 15 ft ...
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oldfart1946

Showering Tips for Keeping a Stoma Dry

Sep 14, 2024 - Sep 25, 2024
Thanks to everyone who helped me with diet info. I always shower with the bag on. What are the tricks to showering with the bag off and keeping the stoma dry? How is this done? Thanks to everyone.
42 replies | 890 views
Sep 25, 2024
You can lead a stoma to water, but you can't make it drink... oh wait, never mind... that's a horse. You can lead a stoma to water, and it helps get rid of the stink...
Sep 25, 2024
It is a shame you are letting your ostomy limit yourself so much. I take hot showers every day, including on change day, and I agree with Alex that it's the best thing for your peristomal skin to ...
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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 | 829 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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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 ...
56 replies | 1412 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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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 | 287 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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Rene

Soaker Blues - Is It Safe to Soak Bag-Free with a Stoma?

Jan 24, 2024 - Oct 07, 2024
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?
9 replies | 748 views
Jan 31, 2024
I am apparently the odd man out. I've never done the "naked shower" or bath. I have two ostomies, so there isn't really any way to do so without issues. You all have better-behaved stomas than I.
Oct 07, 2024
I always bathe bag-free; yes, sometimes the timing is wrong, but I don't care, I too deserve a soaking. I have always used an antiseptic (Dettol) in my bath. I find the soaking gets the skin clean ...
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spratford

Swimming??

Sep 14, 2024 - Sep 22, 2024
So I love to go swimming. Now that I have an ostomy I don't swim anymore. Tips recommendations, help me here open to all suggestions thanks!
11 replies | 223 views
Sep 15, 2024

I got these bottoms, they’re ruched so they don’t fit completely flat against my body and so hide my bag better. The top is longer than the typical top and also not tight. Works perfec ...
Sep 22, 2024
Posted about my first swim with my ostomy this summer - https://www.meetanostomate.org/discussion-forum/viewtopic.php?t=32065

The top I am wearing is one of my old triathlon tops. I wore them t ...
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rlevineia

My Stoma Emptying Device for Travel and Everyday Use

Sep 08, 2024 - Sep 18, 2024
I put together a great stoma emptying device. Works great in my car, hiking, and flying. You all have seen this jar. As a patient, I have two. Hollister disposal bags fit perfectly. I shoved a few extra bags in the bottom. All you need are wipes for the pouch and hands.
Note the red circle. I drilled two tiny holes on either side with my Dremel, so the bag expands in the jar. Hope IGGIE reads ...
27 replies | 632 views
Sep 18, 2024
Port-a-Johns are bathrooms and probably the easiest thing anyone with an ostomy can empty into. So, you'd empty in your SUV, risk making a mess in there, and then go dispose of it in the Port-a-Jo ...
Sep 18, 2024
I just take the boat to the dock, walk up to the bathroom and go. Then, go back out on the boat. I don’t take my dog in a boat. ‍
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boymom3

Jeans Recommendations for Women with an Ileostomy

Jan 27, 2024 - Nov 03, 2024
I've had an ileostomy for a year and a half. I miss wearing jeans as I cannot find ones that are not too tight in the waist and/or baggy in the legs. I'm not looking for skin-tight legs but not super loose either. Does anyone have any recommendations?
27 replies | 2066 views
May 18, 2024
Where do you find elastic waist jeans?
Nov 03, 2024
I use elastic waist jeans. I found them at Walmart and also on Blair.com. I also wear yoga pants that have an elastic waist and drawstring, also on Blair.com. The yoga pants are casual and comfort ...
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FernL

How did you solve proctitis after Ostomy?

Jul 23, 2024 - Nov 03, 2024
Hi everyone,

I had my ileostomy 10 weeks ago and unfortunately I’m still getting rectal bleeding from the UC which prompted the surgery - it’s not huge amounts but several times per day. I know this happens for some people. However, I’m not keen on further surgeries - I’m satisfied with my bag and in an ideal world, I’d be keen to keep my rectum. For those of you who had ongoing i ...
18 replies | 407 views
Nov 02, 2024
I totally get where you're coming from; after my surgery, I also experienced some bleeding, which was really frustrating. For me, it took a bit of time to find my rhythm, but keeping a food diary ...
Nov 03, 2024
Yep definitely lucky , I guess age and being fit and healthy, I got myself in the best condition I could before hand
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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 | 232 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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Handy

Swimming and Hot Tub with Colostomy

Dec 10, 2023 - Oct 20, 2024
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.
15 replies | 1063 views
Oct 20, 2024
Interesting I will be checking that out!
Oct 20, 2024
Can I ask what brand you use? I want to try this
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JVM261

Handheld Bidet Sprayer - Tips for Cleaning and Installation

Mar 24, 2024 - Oct 05, 2024
I got this sprayer from Amazon to prepare for my reversal. However, in the meantime, I find that it really works great for cleaning out the bag. You just put very little pressure on the part of the sprayer that makes the water come out. Full pressure is too strong. Gently fill the bag up with water. Close it up and slosh it around and gently, carefully empty it into the toilet. It has been hel ...
14 replies | 916 views
Mar 28, 2024
I use women's douche bottles, keep them washed and clean by the toilet, works great!
Oct 05, 2024
Terrific idea. Molto bene.
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NancyCat

Best Paper Towels

Oct 07, 2023 - Sep 17, 2024
Everyone always talks about using wet paper towels, but it has to be the "right" paper towel. My fellow ostomate, Pat, told me right in the beginning that the best paper towel to use with our ostomies is Viva! They are super soft, so much better than the usual "rough" paper towels!
BTW—I celebrated my 6-year stoma-versary on 9/29! So yay me!
28 replies | 1264 views
Nov 21, 2023
Sep 17, 2024
Viva Signature Cloth....NOT the Viva Multi Surface Cloth. The Signature Cloth is lousy in the kitchen but perfect for washing around the stoma and then another sheet to dry up.
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patandwinnie55

Use of Osto EZ Vent

Nov 22, 2023 - Sep 18, 2024
I have a lot of gas. I use filtered pouches, but after even one day's use, the filters are not very effective. Can anyone who has used the Osto EZ Vent, share their experience -- how easy to use?, effectiveness?, is it covered by Medicare?
16 replies | 755 views
Jan 09, 2024
Please see my original reply that my husband was going to try and reuse the vents. My husband was able to get the vent off the used bag and he has reused the vent on a new bag. He used a clear pla ...
Sep 18, 2024
You can release gas by slightly opening the ring that snaps the pouch to the flange. Just open it at the top and press your pouch lightly to expel the air. Watch out, it can be stinky! Without thi ...
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Hisbiscus

Curious About Urostomy Care and Challenges

Feb 24, 2024 - Nov 03, 2024
I have an ileostomy and am very familiar with the struggles we ileo's deal with, but out of curiosity, I'm interested to know what struggles urosomates go through. How do you care for and empty it, etc.? Is it a challenge getting the bag on? I mean, will it start going like it does for us at changing times? Do you shower with or without the bag, etc.?

5 replies | 420 views
Feb 26, 2024
Thanks for all the great information. I like learning about things. I can imagine the liquid is quite a challenge. Thank the Lord we are all alive and healthier due to our ostomies.
Nov 03, 2024
I've had a urostomy since I was nine and I'm now 64. I change my bag every three days. I shower at night and make it a rule not to drink a couple of hours before showering so I don't urinate as mu ...
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