Ostomy: Adapting to life after colostomy, ileostomy or urostomy

It takes time to become comfortable with an ostomy — a surgically created opening in your abdomen that allows waste or urine to leave your body.

Many questions may run through your mind as you practice good ostomy care and live your life. It can help to talk to others who have been there. Perhaps you'd like to ask others questions like: What can I eat? What about leaks? Can I go back to work after colostomy? Can I ride a bike with an ileostomy? Will everyone figure out I've had urostomy surgery just by looking at me? What about intimacy?

Welcome ostomates. Let's talk frankly about living with an ostomy. Why not start by introducing yourself? What type of ostomy do you have? How's it going?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Ostomy Support Group.

Thank you for the hug

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@racing212

I am getting nervous. They are doing an ablation on my kidney.

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When will they be doing the ablation, @racing212?

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I am getting nervous. They are doing an ablation on my kidney.

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@racing212

Hi. I'm going to mayo clinic on February 28th and on March 2nd have a mass removed from my right kidney and the Dr thinks that it is cancer. How do I cope with that. Not knowing what to do if I should have it removed or let it go. I've had cancer before and not sure if I should fight it it or not

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@racing212, I can imagine you're scared. I know you've been through a lot. Sending you strength for the upcoming appointments and surgery. You are in good hands at Mayo Clinic (as you know).

Here is the discussion where you were connecting with others about kidney cancer and follow up:
– Re: My Scan Results for followup of Renal Cell Carcinoma https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/re-scans/?pg=4#comment-282000

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In reply to @gallbladder14 "I have an iliostomy" + (show)
@gallbladder14

I have an iliostomy

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Hi @gallbladder14, how long have you had an ileostomy? How are you doing?

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Hi. I'm going to mayo clinic on February 28th and on March 2nd have a mass removed from my right kidney and the Dr thinks that it is cancer. How do I cope with that. Not knowing what to do if I should have it removed or let it go. I've had cancer before and not sure if I should fight it it or not

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@jimgeb

I have had State IV prostate cancer for 11 years but didn't need treatment for the first 5 years because of low PSA. Started Lupron followed by about 7 treatments of docetaxal over the past 6 years. However the prostate cancer has entered my rectum and I am now scheduled for Pluvicto this week. Now having bowel problems and don't see much chance it will help the bowel situation but maybe I'll try it anyway. Not much to lose. I'm 79 years old and have been pretty lucky with my quality of life over the last 11 years, except for losing my wife to cancer 4 years ago, and have made the decision not to have a colostomy bag when that becomes necessary.

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I send Heartfelt prayers to you. And I am very sorry for the loss of your wife. Do you have family or friends nearby to help you and spend time with you.
I pray for you to have strength and for your higher power to intercede on your behalf.
Take care

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@mlmcg

Having any surgery when you are in good health is better than having emergency surgery, the recovery time is much faster. I had semi-emergency surgery, I was admitted Wednesday night, in surgery Friday morning. I don't remember Thursday, I was either knocked out by the doctors or so sick, I knew I was in good hands, that I don't remember all the test that they ran. Learning how to live with and emptying "2 bags" will require a more alert person who is willing to learn now to do new things. Bending over to pick something up off the floor will be a new experience. You have made changes in your life style, with the surgeries you have had, if you have the "2 bag surgery" you will be making more changes. If you have a support group you may want to discuss your concerns with when. They will either be at your side through it all or you may never see them again. We never know who our real friends are until we are faced with major adversities. I have more people there for me than I ever dreamed of.

Now is time to make the decision to step off that cliff. It could just be a small step down and a smooth path from there. Good luck.

mlmcg

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I have had State IV prostate cancer for 11 years but didn't need treatment for the first 5 years because of low PSA. Started Lupron followed by about 7 treatments of docetaxal over the past 6 years. However the prostate cancer has entered my rectum and I am now scheduled for Pluvicto this week. Now having bowel problems and don't see much chance it will help the bowel situation but maybe I'll try it anyway. Not much to lose. I'm 79 years old and have been pretty lucky with my quality of life over the last 11 years, except for losing my wife to cancer 4 years ago, and have made the decision not to have a colostomy bag when that becomes necessary.

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