I've had an ileostomy for 3 years. I'm going in for surgery to have the ileostomy reversed and hooked back up. Parastomal hernia repaired. Ostomy moved to the other side of the abdomen and switched to a colostomy. In the past 3 years, every time I had surgery, something went wrong. I'm due for some good luck. I have heard all about how a colostomy works compared to an ileostomy. I'm just wondering so many things. Is a 2-piece system like I have now okay? Do I really only have to change the whole appliance once or twice a week? Should I do the same things the night before I have a change due? Marshmallows in the morning? Bananas? Do I really only have to empty the bag 1-2 times a day compared to the 5-6 times a day I do now? Okay, my anxiety has gotten the better of me.......
I have a colostomy. 1 year post-op.
Colostomy output is thicker and far less acidic than ileostomy output. I use a Hollister 2-piece system.
3 months after surgery, I developed a peristomal hernia. It doesn't interfere with my wafer or bag. I haven't had any leaks. I change the wafer every 7 days. I change bags every few days. My stoma is quiet in the morning, so that's when I change the wafer. I don't do anything to slow output.
Sometimes I go 2 days with nothing coming out. Then there are days I empty a bag 2 times in an hour. That's just the way my system operates.
Hernias are tough to prevent. You could try wearing a support belt right after surgery, then for a few months. Unknown if that will prevent a hernia, but worth a try.
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Good luck with your surgery. You are going to do fine. I think you will like your colostomy much better than an ileostomy.
The good news is that you can avoid them with some small changes in your diet.
Hi Jalrein, good luck and ask the surgeon if you can do irrigation after the colostomy heals. You may not need a bag.
Best of luck. I cannot compare, but I have a colostomy, and it has evolved in 2 years and 9 months from terrifying to no big deal. I forget about it now until Moana makes noise or the bag fills up, and that's what I hope will happen for you too. Try to stay calm and have faith that it is all going to work out.
My Ostomy Journey: Ryan | Hollister
