Ostomy Topics

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.

Hi! I had a colostomy in February of this year due to a fistula in my colon from radiation I received several years ago due to cervical cancer. In order to have the possibility of a reversal I must first undergo a surgery where the gracilis muscle is pulled from the knee up to the fistula to cover it and see if it will heal. My fistula will never heal on its own due to location and size. Has a ...

Has anyone experienced ballooning while flying ? My pouch seems to fill up with air every hour. Thankfully I wear a two piece. Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

I am about 3 months post temporary ileostomy placement. When my stoma size leveled out, it was on the smaller side, just barely above skin level, so I was instructed to use convex appliances. Over the past 2 or 3 weeks, I have noticed my stoma has increased in size by quite a bit. It also sticks out more than usual. I emailed my surgeon who said as long as it doesn't change color, or cause pa ...

Had a colostomy 5 months ago. Was in hospital and rehab for about 2 1/2 months with trouble fighting sepsis. I’ve been having quite severe abdominal pain when I first get up and start moving in the morning. It dissipates as I get moving. Almost feels muscular with certain hot spots in the right side colon. Is this a usual occurrence? I am suspecting that diet has something to do with it, but ...

My wife has UC and recently received news that she had high-grade dysplasia and they would need to do a colectomy and subsequent ileostomy. She is devastated by this, and it hurts me to see her in so much pain. She has become withdrawn and robotic with most interactions with me. She has had a few breakdowns. I will send her texts of support, and I try to constantly tell her how much I love her ...

I've tried lubricant, tissues, etc. I still have terrible pancaking! Anyone else, and what did you try?

Hi everyone!
I was wanting to ask about eating granola. I was wanting to add some granola to my yogurt and other things. Do you think this may cause a blockage or something more serious?
Thanks for your advice and input.
Mindy

Is there another recommendation besides Hollister? The scars from colon cancer surgery messed with the shape of my stomach somewhat, I think it's why it always leaks... It's getting very stressful.

I found this forum while researching how to help my elderly mother adapt to a new bag, when the Karaya 5 was discontinued. I became my mother's caregiver 2 years ago and change the bag for her. At 95 she is still able to empty the bag, but the new material, which is thinner plastic, is very upsetting to her. She has never accepted change well now or in the past. She also still wants some indep ...

I have had my ileostomy for 45 years. For the past 4 years, my eGFR is dropping and creatinine is rising. Is this common, or perhaps due to electrolyte problems?

Hi everyone! I just found this site and I got my reversal of my ileostomy on Monday last week. I was wondering if anyone had any tips to help me out?
I've been struggling with finding foods that are good for me because I've been back and forth from the bathroom a lot more than I think I should.
If anyone has any advice or tips, feel free to let me know! Thanks!

Hey OstoMates! I have a question for the men of this site that I'm hoping someone may be able to help me with!
My body is fairly hairy, in particular my abdomen, which is obviously where my stoma is located. Obviously, this can affect adhesion of the bags to the skin.
Do any of you have experience of having to remove hair around your stoma? I'm trying to figure out the best way to do it. I don ...

Hello all! I’ve only posted here once, but I do check in every now and then to get some peripheral support. I’m constantly amazed at how everyone copes with this situation, some good, some bad, but mostly good. It’s a comfort to have a place to check in for a dose of reality and practical tips from fellow Ostomates..

My husband and I just did our first bit of travel after my surgery 14 ...

I am about 11 weeks post temporary ileostomy due to a leaking anastomosis after colon resection due to cancer. I was told the stoma would shrink as time went on until the swelling was gone and it was stabilized. That did happen.

Well, the past few weeks I have noticed it is actually getting bigger (mostly around but it sticks out a little more too). Has anyone had this issue. I did have a CT ...