Oh, dear. My colostomy was emergency surgery—no idea what was wrong with me and I went into the hospital thinking I had pneumonia. Well, I actually did, but also diverticulitis, sepsis, and a major attack on my kidneys. Lots of suspicion that I might not live. But I surprised everyone and did—thanks to my stoma and pouches. How can I possibly hate something that had prolonged my life and given me more time with my husband, sister and her family, and wonderful friends. I am almost 82, had my colostomy about 3 1/2 months ago, and am still learning everything I can to make things easier. My ostomy nurse has been fantastic, and I can now cope with emergencies I couldn’t just a couple of months ago. I watch videos, read articles, and watch for posts on resources like this one, always gaining tidbits that help. I am buying things like special pouch disposal bags and charcoal treated pouch covers to make things a bit easier, and have named my stoma so that he could be integrated into my friends circle. I have decided not to get the reverse surgery done because the risks at my age are too great, in my opinion. So every day I live in gratitude that I am still around, and I sincerely hope that you can find your way forward to do the same. Bette
I know it’s different but I have a 5 week old ostomy.
It was so tough and disheartening and embarrassing/ I couldn’t stand the smell of myself and I had rashes. But every time I removed the bag I was worried underneath all that mess that the stoma was not healthy and each time I saw my pink stoma I applauded that it was still healthy. Such a relief
I had skin problems so I tried different bags and products and had great tips from this group.
My family and I crack up when the Stoma is vocal, (and at times loudly like a whoopie cushion) and we have named “her” Tootsie. I just want to send positive thoughts to my organs and cheer on Tootsie when she’s working right. This all might sound silly, but turning it around to a positive is the only way I could handle it.
That and a lot of prayer. I hope this encourage you in a small way.
I love a positive attitude. You rock! My husband's Iliostomy has a one year anniversary August 7. A life saving operation. He won't try to change his pouch but it's not a big thing for me to do every 4 days. We could do with less sound effects however. No reverse for him at 83. Thank goodness for the ostomy nurses. A marvel in a time of need. Good luck in your ostomy journey. Laura
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!
I have had a complicated colostomy for over 10 years and I can say that life with a stoma is not the worst thing that can happen to you.
Shortly after the operation I returned to work and for a long time I continued to play sports and travel normally until motor neuropathy of the legs appeared, which gradually confined me to the house - and this is much worse than the stoma itself. I had to build a job at home to survive. I am a technician and I invent and manufacture various devices/tools that make life easier for ostomates. The banal loss of my ostomy scissors for cutting holes led me to this, so I invented/patented a device for cutting holes, first in pads and then in bags for one-piece ostomy system. And this made my life as an ostomate much easier, gave me back my self-confidence and a reason to continue inventing other tools - named OctoPus cutter for ostomy.
Every night 3 to 4 hours of abdomen/gas pains!!!I have hardly slept in 4 months between peeing every hour and cramps!! Life sucks right now!! I feel constipated and bloated every night like I’m going to explode—?colon perforation??
Every night 3 to 4 hours of abdomen/gas pains!!!I have hardly slept in 4 months between peeing every hour and cramps!! Life sucks right now!! I feel constipated and bloated every night like I’m going to explode—?colon perforation??
Every night 3 to 4 hours of abdomen/gas pains!!!I have hardly slept in 4 months between peeing every hour and cramps!! Life sucks right now!! I feel constipated and bloated every night like I’m going to explode—?colon perforation??
jk, have you spoken to your physician about your symptoms? I acquired my colostomy 10 years ago in a life or death cancer surgery. My first six months both mentally and physically were very hard, I will not lie. For me, I was bloated for a few months, but I had a very complicated surgery that resulted in both a colostomy and urostomy. I was told it would take months for my swelling to resolve. Are you having output from your stoma at all? Also, make sure you're staying more hydrated than you can imagine. Perhaps ask your doc if they recommend electrolytes to add to what you're drinking. A lot of water alone for some people can dilute your electrolytes. Some of us need additional electrolytes, which is an easy check with your labs. I'm sorry you're having all this cramping and bloating. It's the worst when you're trying to sleep. Let us know how it goes for you.
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Oh, dear. My colostomy was emergency surgery—no idea what was wrong with me and I went into the hospital thinking I had pneumonia. Well, I actually did, but also diverticulitis, sepsis, and a major attack on my kidneys. Lots of suspicion that I might not live. But I surprised everyone and did—thanks to my stoma and pouches. How can I possibly hate something that had prolonged my life and given me more time with my husband, sister and her family, and wonderful friends. I am almost 82, had my colostomy about 3 1/2 months ago, and am still learning everything I can to make things easier. My ostomy nurse has been fantastic, and I can now cope with emergencies I couldn’t just a couple of months ago. I watch videos, read articles, and watch for posts on resources like this one, always gaining tidbits that help. I am buying things like special pouch disposal bags and charcoal treated pouch covers to make things a bit easier, and have named my stoma so that he could be integrated into my friends circle. I have decided not to get the reverse surgery done because the risks at my age are too great, in my opinion. So every day I live in gratitude that I am still around, and I sincerely hope that you can find your way forward to do the same. Bette
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5 ReactionsI know it’s different but I have a 5 week old ostomy.
It was so tough and disheartening and embarrassing/ I couldn’t stand the smell of myself and I had rashes. But every time I removed the bag I was worried underneath all that mess that the stoma was not healthy and each time I saw my pink stoma I applauded that it was still healthy. Such a relief
I had skin problems so I tried different bags and products and had great tips from this group.
My family and I crack up when the Stoma is vocal, (and at times loudly like a whoopie cushion) and we have named “her” Tootsie. I just want to send positive thoughts to my organs and cheer on Tootsie when she’s working right. This all might sound silly, but turning it around to a positive is the only way I could handle it.
That and a lot of prayer. I hope this encourage you in a small way.
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Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionI love a positive attitude. You rock! My husband's Iliostomy has a one year anniversary August 7. A life saving operation. He won't try to change his pouch but it's not a big thing for me to do every 4 days. We could do with less sound effects however. No reverse for him at 83. Thank goodness for the ostomy nurses. A marvel in a time of need. Good luck in your ostomy journey. Laura
I have had a complicated colostomy for over 10 years and I can say that life with a stoma is not the worst thing that can happen to you.
Shortly after the operation I returned to work and for a long time I continued to play sports and travel normally until motor neuropathy of the legs appeared, which gradually confined me to the house - and this is much worse than the stoma itself. I had to build a job at home to survive. I am a technician and I invent and manufacture various devices/tools that make life easier for ostomates. The banal loss of my ostomy scissors for cutting holes led me to this, so I invented/patented a device for cutting holes, first in pads and then in bags for one-piece ostomy system. And this made my life as an ostomate much easier, gave me back my self-confidence and a reason to continue inventing other tools - named OctoPus cutter for ostomy.
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Helpful -
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4 ReactionsI love your story! I’ll look for your tool. Are the best to you…thank you for posting!
I hate mine too—the last 4
Months have been a nightmare!!
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1 ReactionEvery night 3 to 4 hours of abdomen/gas pains!!!I have hardly slept in 4 months between peeing every hour and cramps!! Life sucks right now!! I feel constipated and bloated every night like I’m going to explode—?colon perforation??
I'm so sorry to read of your troubles jkwreath. I wish I had any thing useful I could say.
jk, have you spoken to your physician about your symptoms? I acquired my colostomy 10 years ago in a life or death cancer surgery. My first six months both mentally and physically were very hard, I will not lie. For me, I was bloated for a few months, but I had a very complicated surgery that resulted in both a colostomy and urostomy. I was told it would take months for my swelling to resolve. Are you having output from your stoma at all? Also, make sure you're staying more hydrated than you can imagine. Perhaps ask your doc if they recommend electrolytes to add to what you're drinking. A lot of water alone for some people can dilute your electrolytes. Some of us need additional electrolytes, which is an easy check with your labs. I'm sorry you're having all this cramping and bloating. It's the worst when you're trying to sleep. Let us know how it goes for you.