First Hot Bath Since My Surgery: A Glorious Experience

I finally got up the nerve to take a hot bath... I've been nervous to do so since the surgery. I figured tonight was my night to change the wafer, so why not chance a bath. If it ruins the seal, no big deal. It was glorious!!! My first soak since surgery
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. I'm happy. LOL

I love water. I swim and go in hot tubs a lot. My tub is my favorite place. I haven't actually found anything my ostomy prevents me from doing. You go, girl!

If water proves to be a problem, try blow drying the tape edges when you are done. And don't ever waste money on the expensive water proof tapes as good old fashioned black electrical tape out performs them all.

Hello, I'm so glad you enjoyed your wonderful bath. I don't shower either. I have an ileostomy and
do remove the sticky outer seal part prior to getting in the tub, as it makes a hard mess to clean off. I have had mine for nearly eleven years and enjoy my bath. I must admit, not every day, as I would have to redo the whole system. I try for Monday and Friday and change the system right after. Enjoy :-)

Maybe I should take the plunge. I've been nervous to do so... It's been 2 1/2 years for me. Thank you so much. I have no one to talk to about that stuff, so it is good to talk to you. Have a great day.

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Laura, good for you. It is a big move and with that attitude, you're going to be right back at it in no time. Those struggles seem so long ago. I say if it feels like the right time, then proceed with caution. Good luck!

Winter, you sound new to this site. I think you will find all your questions and answers right on this site. So do not hesitate to ask! Good luck as well.

Take care.

I am glad you enjoyed your bath. I haven't tried it yet. Your post is giving me the confidence to try it. Thanks.

Thanks to you all. It was actually coming onto this site that has helped with my courage to try a few things.

A BATH?? C'mon...I scuba dive.  Noooo Problem

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I have had an ileostomy for many, many years. I swim, soak in a hot tub without worries.
A few years ago, an E.T. nurse recommended a product called Sure Seal Rings, a very thin adhesive ring that fits around the flange. It's completely waterproof, non-irritating, and helps me keep my appliance on 3 or 4 days longer.
Perhaps when you have had your ostomy a bit longer and feel more secure, you can try this remarkable product. The place where you get your equipment from will send you a sample.
Good luck.

I had a reversal after one year, but when I wore the bag, I would take a tub bath right after I "emptied" and then go for a while with just the stoma exposed. It seemed to help some with the irritation. Let it dry for a while and just keep an eye on it. I had a few close calls, but nothing major.

Good luck to you!

Can I ask a dumb question?  I am new to the site.  I have a colostomy, but I hear iliostomy mentioned frequently.  Just what IS an Iliostomy?

There are no dumb questions here; maybe some dumb answers once in a while. I am pretty sure my answer isn't one of them since I went to a truly authoritative source: "about.com." Here goes:

Different types of ostomy are performed depending on how much and what part of the intestines are removed. The surgeries are called ileostomy, colostomy, and ileoanal reservoir surgery. When the colon and rectum are removed, the surgeon performs an ileostomy to attach the bottom of the small intestine (ileum) to the stoma. When the rectum is removed, the surgeon performs a colostomy to attach the colon to the stoma. A temporary colostomy may be performed when part of the colon has been removed and the rest of the colon needs to heal.

Welcome to this site, and we hope to see more of you.

PB