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

Posted by caronk @caronk, 1 day ago

I am age 64 with a pouch. I use the bathroom about 20 times a day. What will happen when I am too old to do all that walking or if I am hospitalized or in a nursing home?

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bagman | @bagman | 16 hours ago

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

charlescarnohan | @charlescarnohan | 9 hours ago

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!

Susan F, Volunteer Mentor | @susanf8 | 1 hour ago

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?