Colostomy: I hate this thing!

@dgroves0430 you are getting some great advice from folks with colostomies. One thing to keep in mind is that what kind of ostomy (colostomy, urostomy, ileostomy) a person has makes a difference for some things, like what kind of pouch. Colostomates can often use a closed end pouch, but someone with a urostomy would have one with a spigot, and someone with a ileostomy would need a drainable pouch. So you might hear some different things 🙂

I use Coloplast SensSura Mio 2-piece deep convex with Convatec's slim Eakin ring and Hollister 3 piece extenders. Also Skin Tac for maximum stick. And I generally change my apparatus every 7 to 14 days. I shower with the pouch off and clean and reuse the pouches. And I don't hate it...what I hate is the indwelling catheter. Ostomies are a walk in the park compared to catheters...

@susanf8
I'm 81 and I've had an ileostomy for three years now. I also had to have a nephro-ureteral stent catheter for my left kidney and luckily it is contained in my pouch so I can still do my aqua aerobics and whatever I want. I traveled to Portugal last year and did fine. Just have to keep an eye on where the bathrooms are and bring extra supplies.
It's an adjustment yes, but life can still go on okay. Don't let discouragement sneak in.

@pilottd .. so true. The disease is long gone. I smiled
The day I left the hospital.
When I got the OK to return to life from my doctor, my wife took to Cancun as a reward. 33 years post op.
“ Rejoice & celebrate” your
New found health.
Be well my fellow patients

@rioa21 I agree! You need to embrace it and enjoy life to the fullest everyday! I have had mine, for the second time, now permanently for 9 years. I had a temporary one when I was 20. Both times it saved my life and I am grateful every day. No one should ever be embarrassed or feel like they are in prison. If you are having leaks or skin irritation talk to your ostomy nurse. Leaks should not be frequent. Most people do not even know I have an ileostomy. Live it up my friends 💕

@piki can I ask why you need a catheter? I have not been able to be cured from a UTI just wondered if that was the reason for your catheter

@barbwith3cats i’m sorry about your long wait for your rehearsal. I should be having my reversal at the end of November. Just got my Ostomy surgery on August 28, 2026. I sure hope it all works out. I was told I just need the Ostomy for three months. Can I ask how your recovery after the rehearsal is going? I hear it can be pretty tough.

@beckyrpsiagnosis Ostomy was December 2023 and suddenly in February 2024 I just quit being able to pee and had to accept a urethral Foley catheter. I was basically hung out to dry by my urologist...but I was too uneducated to know what I needed or what was out there. I was not given a TWOC until well into September and if I could have made my way back, I'll never know. For me, after several months, it was just too late. Then by accident I learned about the suprapubic catheter. Managed to get myself to a new urologist...no mean feat in Ontario...and a SPC (suprapubic catheter) in a month and here I am.

@beckyrpsiagnosis the reversal was soooo much easier than the original surgery. I was only in the hospital 3 days and the pain was a lot more tolerable. My recovery was pretty quick. Within a few weeks I felt pretty great.

@barbwith3cats oh my goodness that is so great. I am so happy to hear that it went well for you andthank you for your inspiring reply. I have been so stressed out because everything I’m reading says that it’s a lot harder to recover from the reversal. I am 64 years old. I don’t know if age matters, but I am in pretty good shape for my age. I keep reading that it takes time for your bowels to start working properly again and that sometimes it can take six months to a year before feeling normal again so I have been a little stressed out about that although I am grateful that I am able to get the reversal. Thank you again for your response 🫶🏽