Ostomy Topics

I bought a new horse in October last year, then got the shock of my life to discover that I have stage 1-2 bowel cancer. I couldn't believe it. I was horseless for two years before I decided to take the plunge and get a new one. Then this! On one hand, it was a good job I did a test and it was found, but on the other, I felt like I'd been punched in the face, both cheeks, by God. Does anyone h ...

Several people have mentioned that the Stealth Belt is the best belt/wrap to get for my ileostomy. However, it is expensive. If I were to buy just one to start with, which Stealth Belt would you recommend? I'm thinking of getting the neoprene one for swimming, but would this also be good for everyday wear?

I use the M9 drops. But they don't help with the smell! I get so embarrassed emptying in public, at someone's house, church, etc.... I need help with something that hides the smells! What helps!!

Hi all. Met with my surgeon today. He's given me a lot to think about. He was very open and discussed what would be involved in the process. As sick as I was, he said it would be tricky, not impossible, but not as easy as someone who did not have the issues I had.
My first thought after I got home was to get rid of this thing hanging on my body. But now, I'm comfortable being an ostomate, and ...

When is the best time to tell someone about your stoma?
I've never had anything negative said when mentioning it; however, it's not something you drop into everyday conversation.
Especially when meeting new people.

Hello, I am searching for a safe diet that a person with an ileostomy can go on. No matter what I do, I cannot lose the extra weight that I have gathered around my stomach since having my most recent surgery in 2018. It is very difficult to do exercise outside now due to my knee being replaced and the heart condition that was graciously given to me by Covid. All the diets I have seen include r ...

Hi! I'm new to this site and the ostomy world. My story is very different from any I've read. In March 2021, I gave birth to my kiddo. Thank God he is doing well. During my birth, I almost died. I remember the doctor screaming at the nurses about needing more suture kits, passing out/losing consciousness, and just having the most traumatic experience possible. I never felt the need to push; th ...

Hi, I have had my stoma for 20 years, and when I went in for a stoma revision last year, they found an ovarian cyst the size of 6 cm.
I have been having issues with my stoma working and pain in my pelvic area, and I was wondering if anybody has had a cyst with a colostomy or ileostomy at the same time.
When I Google, it doesn't give me much information about having my colostomy currently rathe ...

I'm really confused. My consultant said don't drink more than 1.5 liters a day plus Dioralyte. My GP says over 2 liters per day with no Dioralyte. Who should I listen to? If it helps, I have 2 stomas: 1 overactive stoma, which I need to empty at least 8 to 10 times a day, and one with very little output. I also have no large bowel, just small.

My grandson, 19, is worried about the entire bathroom situation should he need to change his bag or should he have a bag failure while at work. This will be his first full-time job, and he is terrified. It's a warehouse job. Should he talk to HR about his situation? Thank you, Rose

I use Convatec 2-piece colostomy drainable snap-on bag system. I am having problems with feces getting trapped under the rim (bag connect side/non-sticky side). I have tried taking a Q-tip and putting baby oil under the rim to keep it from sticking, but it's not helping. It mostly happens when I sleep on my back at night. Any suggestions to keep this from happening will be greatly appreciated. ...

DISSATISFACTION.

Dissatisfaction comes when we
feel that we are unhappy.
which can lead us to frustration
and, in turn to aggravation.

Dissatisfaction’s discontent,
which can be hard to circumvent
and yet, there are techniques for this
to help prevent coming amiss.

Happiness can be elusive
and it rarely is conclusive,
so I prefer to find contentment
as a better sentiment

Whenever ...

Hiya,
I hope everyone is well.
I'm 9 weeks post-op, and unfortunately, I developed a hernia a few weeks ago. Can anyone tell me their experience with a parastomal hernia?

Yup, I said it, RED SOLO CUP!! Grab that solo cup while rolling when changing and fill her up and HAVE A PARTY!! So I have an ileo and I literally never have a quiet time. So bag changes are super fun, lol not really but hey, that's ostomy life, takes me anywhere from 2-3 hours and after that a very short window of about 5 mins to slap on a bag. So while sitting there for over an hour trying t ...