Frequent bathroom use with a pouch: What happens as I age?

My husband too is concerned about how many times a day he has to empty. Is this a common concern?

I am 70 years old undergoing chemotherapy, which messes with you and causes extra trips that unexpected usage of the pouch. I don’t go 20 times a day. This seems like an inordinate number of times to have to use your pouch.
I suggest you check with your doctor on this and if they say that’s OK talk to a different doctor!

Hi @caronkoll

I guess it depends on what type of stoma you have. I have an ileostomy and probably empty it 8 to 10 times a day. It really depends on what I eat. I'm 64 now and have had this ileostomy for 24+ years now. I haven't noticed any difference in how often I empty it.

We have a virtual ostomy support group run by one of the Mayo WOCNs. This would be a great place to ask this question
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/events/
What type of ostomy do you have?

I have a loop ostomy and it's faring well enough these days. However I have problems with undue amounts of mucus which does not leave, but which has to be removed by weekly enemas. I'm almost 85, still living on a farm out in the middle of nowhere with my husband of 66 years who is almost 86 and we are both slowly failing. He won't leave the farm and I fear for my own future.

I put the night bag on at night.
And I never pass a good chance at a bathroom.
I don't go 20 times but it is frequent; just a little more than if I had a bladder.
At three years with my little buddy I am completely happy with it.
The Mayo Clinic is thee place!

@morironman I have a urostomy and everything you said here tracks with me also.

I've had my pouch 26 years it actually gets better over time and you get more control and you find a diet that works and the right meds to help slow it down on a good day I only go 5 to 6 times now

I have a colonoscopy and I go sometimes once a day but can go up to three.