Ostomy Topics

Went to Orange County Fair yesterday. Ate a corn dog, BBQ chicken, and tri-tip. Enjoyed a huge vanilla ice cream dipped in molten chocolate, then rolled in peanuts. Was tempted by various oddities like fried Twinkies and pickles, but demurred. Thinking Mr. Stoma might be unamused.
Thus stuffed, shuffled off to the amphitheater to watch the Turtles Happy Together concert. Great show. Old-time h ...

For the last three months, my stoma has retracted and I have tried several different methods to decrease the leakage. I'm fortunate if I can get two days wearing the ostomy wafer. My skin is very irritated due to the leakage. I don't have a stoma nurse; I have been on my own from the very beginning. I'm getting depressed and feeling so helpless. I'm 74 years old and in bad health. I basically ...

What can I use besides stoma powder and crusting technique for the skin surrounding my stoma and wafer? It is irritated, itchy, and blotchy.

Hello all,

I have to say I am very glad to have this forum full of people who understand. I am struggling a bit at work knowing that no one really understands what I went through or am going through. Sometimes I feel so alone.

8.5 weeks post surgery. I’ve been back to work for 2 weeks. I’m a high school choir teacher. It’s been a bit tough getting through the days, but each one is ...

Hi everyone
I'm a newbie to this site. I come from South Australia and I was released from the hospital 4 days ago. Since then, I've had the home care nurse check out my stoma and how I'm coping with attaching it. This is not my concern; however, I'm really hoping someone can help me. My stoma this morning, after releasing my bag and cleaning the site, has shown it has retracted into my belly. ...

Does anyone with an ostomy find it difficult to order food in a restaurant? I find the portions are always too large and most of the food does not agree with me. The food cooked on a grill I cannot digest. Going out to dinner, especially with friends, is a nice way to socialize; however, lately, it causes me anxiety.

For many of us, having an ostomy gave us a second chance at life. But I wonder, what would your lives be if you never had to get an ostomy? Would your lives be similar or vastly different?

Reversal Desperation Novel
Loop ileostomy, hernia, and reversal candidate here. All as a result of emergency surgery to remove a cancer-free cyst on the outside of my colon. No other bowel issues in my life. I say all this because I realize how very lucky I have been and totally understand those who have suffered with so many different issues resulting in pain and surgeries. These are indeed t ...

Thank you everyone for responding to eating in restaurants. My post now is "WINE" does it agree with everyone? I find it relaxes my intestines and I absorb more food. It also stimulates my appetite.

So I'm wondering how everyone gets on with protecting their ostomy pouch and skin barrier when taking a shower. I've only found one product, an ostomy shower guard (see pic) and it has mixed reviews. I personally have so far tried the Glad Press 'n Seal and Hy-Tape, which works ok. But, for many showers to come, prepping will grow frustrating. So, I'm asking "What do you do for showering"? "Wh ...

I'm in very hot Surprise, Nevada. Getting ready to attend my best friend's memorial service. I wrote a little remembrance of our lives together. Hopefully, I can get through it.
Most of my lifelong friends here today have not seen my ostomy. And even though I'm wearing a support belt, it will be standing proud under my shirt. But I will stand up in front and carry on. It's what my friend would ...

My husband and I have been married for 48 years. Born with extrophy of the bladder, I was given a ureterosigmoidostomy. At age 69, with a bowel perforation, I had to get a colostomy and a uro conduit. For the past 9 years in a king bed, I could only sleep on my right side, tethered to an overnight bag. My husband accepted the ostomies, but only once or twice came over to cuddle me. Every night ...

I am 10 days post colostomy surgery, and I am really struggling. I am also battling ovarian cancer and thought I was doing really well until I ended up with a bowel blockage. I am used to being very active and now have another obstacle to overcome. My blockage was high in my colon so my ostomy is above my belly button on the left side. Basically, it's impossible to hide. I'm a golfer and they ...

Has anyone with an ostomy been diagnosed with gastroparesis? What medication are you on?