Ostomy: Adapting to life after colostomy, ileostomy or urostomy

I have had my ostomy for 20 years now as a result of Crohn's Disease. I hike, scuba dive, swim on a Masters Swim team, go to the gym, eat at restaurants, and just... normal life.

It takes a while to adapt and heal up, and different people have different experiences in how long it takes. Be patient, make sure your talk with the ostomy nurses about how to manage the ostomy on your own, and what to do if you have problems, they are fabulous resources.

My life was so much better after the ostomy. I also had a lot of grief that I "lost" the battle to keep my colon. It was a very mixed feeling...

I do an ostomy newsletter could I use your positive statement here. It would help so many ostomates. I could send you a copy of this month’s newsletter and let you read it first. I’ve had my ostomy since 2012. Mine was also a lifesaver! Thank you. Linda

I’ve had an ostomy since 1989 do to Crohn’s disease also.
After my surgery I felt, and still feel, that we should all be born this way! No more accidents or making sure you know exactly were the bathrooms are whenever you walk into a place. I’m now 71 yrs young and never look back on “what it should have been”

Thank you so much for this and I take it you wouldn’t mind me using it in our newsletter. If you send me your e mail I can you you a copy of my newsletter. Would you like your name on the article. Thanks again.

Thank you so much for this and I take it you wouldn’t mind me using it in our newsletter. If you send me your e mail I can you you a copy of my newsletter. Would you like your name on the article. Thanks again.

Checking in with some of our new ostomates:
@morironman, how did the iliostomy go? How are you adjusting?

@kayhy, you might want to start a new discussion about reaction to the adhesive. @jeannebab, asks Do you mean the adhesive on the skin barrier (that the bag attaches to)?

@rnnh, when will you have your surgery?

Hi! My name is Kathy and I had an ileostomy on 7/28/23. I am learning new tips daily from my doctors ostomy nurse, the ostomy supplier has a peer to help me through the questions that come up, once a week. It’s been a whirlwind of confusion and learning what brand is best to the actual steps to put on the ostomy bag. I had a major skin irritation from leaks which have healed with advice on what to do. I am waking up to a bag that feels like a balloon, I’ve learned not to use the powder unless there is skin irritation, and to use the less products the better. I was told by the rep that the spray adhesive is no longer made and that I can use the cement however my peer who has an ostomy for 5 years says no to the cement. I’m reading about swimming and showering in your posts.
Any advice for me would be appreciated and welcomed. I am a school bus driver and have short breaks between runs and a break from 9:30-1:00. I start at 6am and end the day at 5pm. I am to return to work sept 11th.
I do like the coloplast convex bag. Part of the base piece goes over my bellybutton so I’ve been told to turn it just a bit to stay off it. It doesn’t seal well there. Thank you for your advice, Kathy

I have had an ileostomy since 2009. Things will get better for you.
I use the Coloplast deep convex pouch. It may help you to use a barrier strip on the bell button side.

It may be that another manufacturer's pouch would work better for you. It took me a while to get the best fit for me. Most manufacturers will send you free samples to try. Just go to the company websites.