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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.
bagbill

Impressed by Halo's New Stoma Guard Product

Sep 21, 2024 - Sep 22, 2024
I recently tried a new stoma guard product from a company called Halo. I bought it on Amazon and was so impressed with it I wrote the review below. I thought I would post it here as well. As I noted, they took a really good idea and made it even better.
I have been a StomaDome user for over ten years. This product was revolutionary for me in that it allowed me to wear all the same cloth ...
2 replies | 210 views
Sep 22, 2024
Bagger, thanks for the info. My stoma is a bit too high up for that to work as it should, but maybe others will find it useful. Very easy to make if you have a 3D printer, and you can add belt lo ...
Sep 22, 2024
There is a similar product that I have used using a belt. Protection Shield for Stomas does not require the velcro attachment of the dome but does similar protection with a belt. https://stoma-p ...
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 | 325 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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markmd1112

Long Flights with a Colostomy - Tips and Experiences?

Aug 12, 2023 - Sep 16, 2024
Hello! Does anyone with a colostomy have first-hand experience with flights that are more than 14 hours nonstop? I know from my pre-colostomy days, those flights cause digestive issues such as bloating, dehydration, indigestion, and constipation. Does having a colostomy worsen those and add other issues? If so, any suggestions for how to minimize and manage them? I'm hoping to travel to Austra ...
20 replies | 1581 views
Sep 28, 2023
Had the same type of experience a couple of months ago. Pat pat, sniff sniff, and gone. :-)

Sep 16, 2024
Right on, Oscar. I take double supplies & meds in carry-on & checked in. My luggage got lost in Madrid on the way to Athens.
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JH

Endurance Athletes with Ileostomy - Hydration Tips Needed

Aug 19, 2024 - Aug 25, 2024
Hello,
I am getting an ileostomy this fall due to uncontrolled UC, and I am an endurance athlete, mostly into cycling these days. I can be out on rides for up to 12 hours at a time, and often out on 5-6 hour rides several days a week. I'm concerned about my ability to haul water with me on these long rides. Any advice from other endurance athletes? Have you been successful at figuring out hydr ...
7 replies | 240 views
Aug 25, 2024
JH. Before U/C Crohn's ate me up, I was a hiker, rock & Mt. climber. Now too old & lost muscles. Beware, you can dehydrate very easily. Could give you kidney stones.
The answer? Camelback on your ...
Aug 25, 2024
Plenty of options—I've done a lot of century rides (and some near 150 miles) with an ileostomy. I've carried four bottles—two on the bike and two in waist packs, and stopped to fill them when ...
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Mysterious Mose

Eliminating Toilet Bowl Odor with Pooph

Aug 31, 2024 - Sep 02, 2024
Given that I have an ileostomy, dealing with toilet bowl odor is a constant task. For a while, I was using a bleach cleaner spray and bowl brush after every dump. But all that does is replace the lingering odor of shit with the lingering odor of bleach. Then, I ditched the bleach and got out the bottle of Pooph I bought some time back. After I flush, I use the bowl brush while the tank is fill ...
7 replies | 245 views
Sep 01, 2024
Yes, I also seem to stain or leave a residue inside my toilet stool, so several years ago I found a soft squeeze bottle, commonly known as a Peri bottle. Most women will know about this bottle, an ...
Sep 02, 2024
I agree that eventually the bowl will stink, and if left too long without cleaning, it would take a lot to get the smell out, and that's not just with ostomies. I like the bleach spray. That alway ...
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Differentclass

30 Days After Hartmann's Reversal: Feeling Much Better

Aug 30, 2024 - Sep 09, 2024
I thought I should update since I am now back from the hospital for the 2nd time. Robotic reversal on August 1st, sent home after 10 days, back in the hospital as an emergency a week later where I have been on IV antibiotics. Released 29th August and feeling much better. Bowels are now working well! Never thought I would say this, but what a joy to sit on the loo again. I can't believe how exc ...
4 replies | 203 views
Sep 03, 2024
Congrats!!!!!
Sep 09, 2024
Congrats - may you continue to heal and regain your strength with no further complications!!! :)
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Lorr

High-Protein Drinks for Sensitive Stomachs?

Sep 01, 2023 - Aug 25, 2024
I'm scheduled for a reversal in a couple of weeks, but the doctor wants me to have a higher albumin level - eating higher protein food and drinking a high-protein drink. I've been drinking Boost but find it bothers my stomach and causes loose output. Any suggestions for a high-protein drink that doesn't do that? Thanks.
21 replies | 2362 views
Aug 25, 2024
I agree. Not a fan of Boost. Too much sugar - not enough nutrition. I like NOW brand for affordability and some vitamin choices. I used to buy Optimum Nutrition whey protein but switched to Rule1 ...
Aug 25, 2024
Gaspari protein is lactose-free. Look up isolate vs. concentrate when it comes to lactose.
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Lilbet

Is a Diaper Genie-like Disposal Can Worth It for Colostomy Bags?

Oct 14, 2023 - Sep 18, 2024
Hello,
I've had my colostomy a little over a month, so I'm a newbie. I am very concerned about odor. I was looking today at garbage cans that are like a diaper genie, but use regular kitchen-size bags. Is it worth the expense? How do you deal with disposal?
Thank you,
Lilbet
13 replies | 1548 views
Sep 18, 2024
Those cheap bags will leak. Many have small holes in the bottom and are only 2 mil thick. Chintzy! Try Doggie Poop Bags. Free, thicker, leakproof, and black (no one likes staring at their poop!).
Sep 18, 2024
Bill, Hollister makes them as well. Much bigger than Convatec's. Fits my homemade emptying device perfectly.
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artingwithilly

Seeking Shorter Ostomy Bags with Tuckable Velcro Features

Jul 21, 2024 - Sep 16, 2024
Hello!
I got a loop ileostomy on July 2nd and was fitted with a Hollister 2-piece system with a drainable pouch. I'm actually doing really well with this system so far, but my biggest issue is how long the bag is.
I'm fairly medium-tall for a woman too, so it's not like I'm petite, but the Velcro area is down on my thigh/crotch area and it's making wearing anything but baggy pajama pants prett ...
31 replies | 787 views
Aug 27, 2024
I would try a sample of Coloplast - the opaque, not the translucent. The opaque has a Velcro you can tuck at the bottom or just under the observation flap.
Trying to decide if I should request a ...
Sep 16, 2024
I've read over and over comments like yours looking for a specific pouch size and having problems trying to figure something out on your own. I have a 23-24 Edgepark "Ostomy Supplies" catalog that ...
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warrior

How Does Hot Weather Affect Your Appliance's Performance?

Jul 06, 2024 - Sep 07, 2024
With the heat and humidity NJ brings us each summer, it just seems we are sweating a lot more and worry if the appliance will just fall off while:
Outside working the yard?
While at parties? At festivals? BBQs...concerts, dancing around?
With a date at dinner?
Sitting in the heat, I believe, is the worst thing you can do when it's this hot outside.
Recently, while working 2 backyards just ye ...
17 replies | 504 views
Sep 07, 2024
I live in Central FL and I sweat a lot. This time of year, my maximum time outside is 2 hours, usually running errands. I use a protective sheet and the extenders, and it will still leak. I have z ...
Sep 07, 2024
I live in Central FL, and I sweat a lot. This time of year, my maximum time outside is 2 hours, usually running errands. I use a protective sheet and the extenders, and it will still leak. I have ...
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eab3691

Adjusting to Life with a Colostomy Bag - Seeking Advice

Jun 29, 2024 - Aug 23, 2024
I had emergency surgery in May (bad diverticulitis) and now have a colostomy bag. I'm adjusting to it, but it's hard. My main issue is changing my bag out myself. My wife has been changing my bag (she used to work with patients in the healthcare field) because I get sick looking at my stoma. I get queasy and just sick looking at it.
Is there anything I can do to get over looking at it so I can ...
19 replies | 583 views
Jul 10, 2024
Y'all come back now, you hear. IGGIE
Aug 23, 2024
The first time the wound nurses wanted to show me how to empty mine, they showed up right before my husband and kids were going to visit me in the hospital. My kids hadn't seen me since the night ...
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J3n84

Managing Constipation with an Ostomy and Cerebral Palsy - Tips and Advice

Apr 09, 2024 - Sep 07, 2024
Hi all, newbie here. I've had my ostomy since June of 2023. Lately, I've been dealing with constipation. What do y'all do/eat to get rid of constipation? I also have cerebral palsy.
11 replies | 514 views
Sep 06, 2024
Black tea??? Fizzy wine! How did you come up with that? I think it makes me nauseated, but anything is worth a try!
Sep 07, 2024
I have a colostomy and have thick output as a norm. I drink a cap of Miralax "polyethylene glycol 3350" daily and twice if needed.

Correct.
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FernL

How did you solve proctitis after Ostomy?

Jul 23, 2024 - Aug 30, 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 ...
12 replies | 310 views
Aug 30, 2024
Biologicals..ugh..what is the name of the drug they plan to use? And this drug is suppose to calm the proctitis?
Aug 30, 2024
Hi warrior,

I'm going to be starting on Infliximab. Yes, it's for my proctitis.
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infinitycastle52777

1 Year

Mar 29, 2024 - Aug 24, 2024
I have been on these forums for one year now. My stoma relocation happened a year ago tomorrow. I can't believe it's been a year. It was when I got my relocation that I was finally able to wear a bag. I got my first stoma on Jan. 1, 2022. And from then until March 30, 2023, I was not able to wear a bag due to the location of the stoma. I don't blame the doctor for placing my stoma in such a ba ...
22 replies | 428 views
Apr 02, 2024
IC
I can actually empathize to a point, for during the phases where the sinuses were erupting and I too could not have a base plate or bag on - it was a severe challenge - BUT, somehow one got thr ...
Aug 24, 2024
I had an appointment with my consultant last week and we discussed the pros and cons of having a reversal.

As I have Crohn's it's quite possible for me to have a blocked bowel again and that's s ...
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Mermaid13

Looking for Recommendations on IRA Surgeons

Apr 07, 2024 - Sep 11, 2024
Hi all, I know IRA surgery isn't performed as much as J-pouch, but I still have 10 inches left of sigmoid colon and a current end ileostomy. Last week, I had scopes and was told everything looked great and if I wanted to pursue surgery I should. I saw Dr. Remzi in NYC last year and discussed a J-pouch, but he never mentioned an IRA which suggests to me that he preferred a J-pouch since that's ...
15 replies | 592 views
Apr 23, 2024
... even Clint Eastwood would wonder if an IRA would make his day. Great movie.
We will be anxiously waiting to hear your decision on yours.
Sep 11, 2024
Yeah, Warrior, my old brother from another mother?
The bigger question is?
Do you feel lucky, punk?
Did you end up having IRA or J Pouch or stay with the bag?
Did you survive?
I lost Greg & Jo re ...
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Hisbiscus

Hep c

Jun 08, 2024 - Aug 25, 2024
It was hard for me to bring this up worrying about people being judgemental but it's a much needed topic for ostomates in this position and I will never see anyone here outside the forum anyhow.

Found out I had Hep c in the mid 90's and suspect I got it from my ex husband who actually had a liver transplant.

Anyhow I was always afraid of the horror stories of how rough the meds were to ...
71 replies | 1123 views
Aug 12, 2024
I did bloodwork again on Friday and Hep C viral load came out undetected. My liver function is within normal range. I see the hepatologist this Wednesday. I'm feeling great energy little by little ...
Aug 25, 2024
Had my follow up with my hepatologist on the 14th and he says I need to get another viral load test in November. He says if it comes out neg then I'm cured as most people are.

I had to give him ...
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Nini4

Always remember, never forget

Aug 17, 2024 - Aug 19, 2024
My PSA for the day. When you change your bag and wafer and get all cute because you're meeting some friends for lunch, always remember and never forget to make sure your bag is completely attached to the wafer before you get in your car and drive. Holy crap for sure. Thankfully, I was close to home and can change clothes get all cute again and head out but damn this is not how I wanted to star ...
12 replies | 291 views
Aug 19, 2024
Yep, I've done that one before. I've also gotten distracted and forgot to "fold and close". Ah, the stories only ostomates understand. Way to not let it ruin your day.
Aug 19, 2024
Even after 19 months... it happens. I was changing bags. Took the new bag and squirted in some M9. One little problem. Forgot to close and seal the drain. Had blue M9 all over my shoes, floor. Wha ...
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mandi85

Ileostomy Takedown Recovery Tips and Advice

Oct 05, 2024
I had my ileostomy takedown surgery yesterday.
What are tips and tricks from you all that worked?
The nurses are trying to make me eat solids already, and I don't feel right about that.
What do I do?
Any suggestions are welcome.
2 replies | 131 views
Oct 05, 2024
Agree with the nurses. You need to see how your system handles the food.
Oct 05, 2024
If you are still in the hospital, try firmer foods; you have to start that process sooner or later. I started immediately after colostomy reversal. Just small meals to "test the waters." Advance a ...
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 | 1216 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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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.
31 replies | 607 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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