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does anyone have a bag

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Crohn's Disease
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Posted 1/31/2009 6:47 PM (GMT 0)
I was just wondering if anyone has a bag?  My doctor was preparing me for sugery on Thursday and she had mentioned that if anything goes wrong that there is a chance that I might have to have a bag?  I kind of know what that is but not exactly sure how it all works.  If someone can tell me I would appreciate it....thanks!
Posted 1/31/2009 7:28 PM (GMT 0)
I have one and I prefer the word Pouch
Posted 1/31/2009 7:53 PM (GMT 0)
I am sorry I called it the wrong thing?  Like I said I don't know anything about it.  Can you tell me about it just incase I have to have one?  If you don't mind that is?  I would appreciate it..thanks!!!
Posted 1/31/2009 8:30 PM (GMT 0)
Hi ya I had surgery that I woke up from with a pouch.  I presume if that happens to you it will also be temporary?  I've had mine for 3 months and am due a reversal any time soon.  I tell you what, compared to all the pain of Crohns it's great, no pain and you can eat pretty much anything though not nuts or mushrooms, I expect they will tell you if this happens.  Think posotive about it if this happens as then you are 3/4 of the way there to coping.  It really isn't bad at all I wear really nice clothes and you can't see a thing.  If it's an ileostomy you might have then it can be tricky to deal with I had lots of leaks to begin with that realy knocked my confidence but the nurses will try everything until they find whats right for you so it will be sorted then you can enjoy getting out and about with not a care in the world (almost).  Anything you want to know particularly just ask or go over to the ostomy section of HealingWell they are a brilliant bunch of people there.  Good luck with the surgery  :-)   
Posted 2/1/2009 1:02 AM (GMT 0)

Angela...I had my first one because of surgery complications and tho I didn't care for it in the beginning, like Miss UK said, you'll be able to eat almost anything (after you're off the soft diet).  When it came time for my reversal I was ready, but really missed it sooner than I thought I wood!

 Just remember that everyone's experiences are different, and although you might have to try a few items before you find the right pouch for you, your ostomy nurse will be able to help you out with that.

The Ostomy Forum is a great place for all kinds of info...just like here search older posts, too.

Posted 2/1/2009 4:09 AM (GMT 0)
i wouldnt worry. i had a BAG for about 4 months. it was a Jujenostomy so a bit differant than what most have had. it was extremely unpleasant for me but i had more complications at the time so who knows if i had had it at a another time.. you can see photos of mine on my website below.. dont let them scare you though , like ai said i had other things wrong at the same time. it basically works like a diversion. instead of waste leaving your bottom, it is diverted into a bag through a stoma. they would sew a end of intestine to a hole in you skin and attach a flat wafer with adhesive. then the bag will connect to it. when its time to go it moves into the bag. you can either just change the bag, or in some cases , empty it and go about your day.. of course thats oversimplifying things but in general thats how it works... if this happens to you you will get a nurses class to teach you how to do everything for your own care before you go home from the hospitall.. good luck.
Posted 2/1/2009 2:28 PM (GMT 0)
Ive had an ileostomy for 20 years. I was alittle surprised when I woke up from surgery to see I had one but it's really no big deal. I was young and single when I first got it and that was a big concern for me but it turned out not to be an issue with most girls I dated. I really don't, and never have, given it alot of thought. I am so happy to feel better that it was worth it. I do miss cutting grass with my shirt off but other than that, no big deal. I still swim, work out, date, whatever I did before so don't sweat it too much if it happens. The ostomy won't change your life a bit but your mind can.
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