Ostomy

Wow... I haven't been on here since 2009, before my second ostomy reversal.

But here I am again. I will be getting surgery in June for an ostomy bag again, but this time it will be permanent. I didn't really have a choice. It was either this or antibiotics with leakage. But I have been dealing with leakage for a year and a half now, and I dislike it. Antibiotics every month, sometimes twice a month. So, you see, no real good choices. But this time, my husband passed away 3 years ago, and he was so kind to help me with the preparation. Well, I am not looking for a new man as I loved and miss him very much; we were married for 45 years, going on 46 when he passed. But I was on this website 15 years ago, and it sure helped me back then.

Chela, I'm so sorry for the loss of your husband. It sounds like he was a good support for you through all of your surgeries. You say you were on here in '09 before your second reversal. This is your third? Did you have a j-pouch? I did have one and had regular pain and inflammation and was on constant antibiotics for five years. I, too, hit a point where I had no choice and now have a permanent ostomy. I get it, when enough is enough. Welcome back and ask any questions. There are several permanent ostomates on here and they are awesome folks!

Welcome back!

Permanent ostomies are not so bad.  It is a close brother/sisterhood.  

Welcome back, awesome people here. Sorry to hear your husband passed.

Hi welcome back I am rather newish here. I have an end ostomy but think of it like this... it's better than suffering and not having a quality of life. I'm so sorry to hear about your husband.  You know the ropes to the ostomy since you had it before which will help in this case. 

 

Stories of Living Life to the Fullest from Ostomy Advocates I Hollister

Hopefully your life will improve once you adjust to the permanent ostomy. If you don't have to deal with leakage and antibiotics all the time I think you will start to feel better. I have been on here a year and I think it's a wonderful place. So welcome back and settle in. Great support here. 

Welcome back 

Welcome back.

It really is about quality of life. It takes time at first to adjust and learn how to care for an ostomy. I've had mine for 15 months. I'm surprised how used to it I am now. In fact, I have to be careful... I sometimes take a peek at my bag in public, forgetting many people have not seen or heard of an ostomy. In my everyday life, my stoma sometimes makes lots of noise when I'm talking to someone. I just pat it lightly and say "quiet you or shush."

Cheers