I couldn’t accept mine either. Waiting 6 months for the reversal seemed like 6 years. My life was consumed by “the bag” and all the work it took. I was kept sane by the knowledge it was temporary.
I'm fine with the colostomy, but then I'm female, very old and long married. What I have ended up with besides the colostomy is a permanent urinary catheter. Now that I do hate!! To me it is a prison so far. I'm hoping that time will soften the effects some. Cannot imagine being in a real prison.
Having a colostomy is a bit of burden having to constantly monitor output and changing the bag. Also, at times, it leaks at night, which is really a hassle.
I’ve had 2 bags since 1979, and while, yes sometimes it’s a pain, it’s so much better than the alternative. I’m sure it seems much more of a prison for someone who just recently acquired one…it’s a major change of life to adjust to.
I've had a colostomy bag for 2 years and don't consider it a prison at all. It's a very minor inconvenience 85% of the time, a bit of an inconvenience 10% of the time and a hassle about 5% of the time. Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you respond to it.
If you're having leakage at night, you may want to try other products. I use the holister products and have only had 1 overnight leak. If you're filling up the bag overnight and that's causing the leakage, you may want to adjust your eating times so it fills up and can be emptied/changed before you go to bed, or just plan on getting up once/twice a night to empty it. All things that are relatively minor in the great scheme of life.
Having a colostomy is a bit of burden having to constantly monitor output and changing the bag. Also, at times, it leaks at night, which is really a hassle.
My colostomy has given me back my life! I was miserable before. All my time was spent looking for a bathroom or being in one. I suffered horribly from fecal incontinence due to radiation treatment for anal cancer. I am extremely grateful that the option of having a colostomy even exists!
Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | 2 days ago
@coloncutter, you compare having a colostomy like being in a prison. It sounds like it is limiting your getting around and doing the things you like to do. I bet other members can help by sharing their tips for adjusting to life with an ostomy.
Coloncutter, what do you find imprisoning about your colostomy? What things are you no longer able to do?
My colostomy has given me back my life! I was miserable before. All my time was spent looking for a bathroom or being in one. I suffered horribly from fecal incontinence due to radiation treatment for anal cancer. I am extremely grateful that the option of having a colostomy even exists!
Rioa, i’m so happy to hear this. I have Colitis. I am electing to have my colon removed because I can’t do the cleanup anymore. I have frequent and urgent incontinence. I’m almost 70 and have tried biologics which were horrible. My appointment to even see the surgeon is not until November. I’m from Canada and we have long waitlists and limited doctors. It’s a big decision so your post is good news. I’m wondering if you have a pouch or a J pouch and if you have leak issues? Or skin issues? All the best to you!
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I couldn’t accept mine either. Waiting 6 months for the reversal seemed like 6 years. My life was consumed by “the bag” and all the work it took. I was kept sane by the knowledge it was temporary.
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2 ReactionsI'm fine with the colostomy, but then I'm female, very old and long married. What I have ended up with besides the colostomy is a permanent urinary catheter. Now that I do hate!! To me it is a prison so far. I'm hoping that time will soften the effects some. Cannot imagine being in a real prison.
Sorry you are having problems.
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1 ReactionHaving a colostomy is a bit of burden having to constantly monitor output and changing the bag. Also, at times, it leaks at night, which is really a hassle.
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3 ReactionsI have a bag for 42 years and never felt like I was in prison
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6 ReactionsI’ve had 2 bags since 1979, and while, yes sometimes it’s a pain, it’s so much better than the alternative. I’m sure it seems much more of a prison for someone who just recently acquired one…it’s a major change of life to adjust to.
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3 ReactionsI've had a colostomy bag for 2 years and don't consider it a prison at all. It's a very minor inconvenience 85% of the time, a bit of an inconvenience 10% of the time and a hassle about 5% of the time. Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you respond to it.
If you're having leakage at night, you may want to try other products. I use the holister products and have only had 1 overnight leak. If you're filling up the bag overnight and that's causing the leakage, you may want to adjust your eating times so it fills up and can be emptied/changed before you go to bed, or just plan on getting up once/twice a night to empty it. All things that are relatively minor in the great scheme of life.
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4 ReactionsSimilar experience.
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1 ReactionMy colostomy has given me back my life! I was miserable before. All my time was spent looking for a bathroom or being in one. I suffered horribly from fecal incontinence due to radiation treatment for anal cancer. I am extremely grateful that the option of having a colostomy even exists!
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6 Reactions@coloncutter, you compare having a colostomy like being in a prison. It sounds like it is limiting your getting around and doing the things you like to do. I bet other members can help by sharing their tips for adjusting to life with an ostomy.
Coloncutter, what do you find imprisoning about your colostomy? What things are you no longer able to do?
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Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionRioa, i’m so happy to hear this. I have Colitis. I am electing to have my colon removed because I can’t do the cleanup anymore. I have frequent and urgent incontinence. I’m almost 70 and have tried biologics which were horrible. My appointment to even see the surgeon is not until November. I’m from Canada and we have long waitlists and limited doctors. It’s a big decision so your post is good news. I’m wondering if you have a pouch or a J pouch and if you have leak issues? Or skin issues? All the best to you!