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Otomies....pros and cons

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Ostomies
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Posted 1/14/2009 7:20 PM (GMT 0)
I thought that those of us who have ostomies could say whats good and maybe whats hard about them, because I have read alot of things on here about people who are aprehensive about having an ostomy, and maybe it could help some people...

 

I also was scared about having one, in fact it took me about 9 months to decide to get it done, but now I am thankful I have it, because I was in alot of pain, I still have pain but not as much as I did, I guess what I think it hard sometimes  is when I am somewhere and it leaks or starts to smell, in fact when I worked at a preschool for handicapped kids, the clip fell off and all the stuff in the bag fell out, it happened 2 times, it was so embarassing but the ladies I worked with were very nice about it and halped me, but I think that had to do with the kind of clip I was using, I use a different one now

If anyone has any questions about ostomies, please feel free to ask, you can also email me. :-) turn wink

Posted 1/14/2009 9:38 PM (GMT 0)

This is a great thread pepperann27. The level of apprehension and downright fear of having an ostomy is pretty high. I was in the hospital recently, and one lady who had just had an ostomy installed was very upset. She was told by a hospital worker that she could no longer swim or jog, things she loved to do. What nonsense !

Before I had my surgery, I was able to speak with a guy my age who popped by my hospital room and chatted about his experience before and after ostomy surgery. He was normal, healthy, and working. Had a young family, and was doing great.

Anyone facing ostomy surgery might consider talking with an Ostomy Nurse, or your doctor, and request a visit like I had. If it's possible in your area, it really helps to ease fears about things.

Mike

Posted 1/15/2009 2:46 AM (GMT 0)
The hugest pro is that I don't feel sick! And that has been worth it for me-no more nausea, vomiting, constant bleeding, diarrhea, etc. I also can eat anything I want (so far) whereas b4 surgery, I had such a limited and blah diet. So I'm sure I'm gonna get fat :) I FEEL GOOD!
My energy is getting stronger every day, too.

The obvious con is the vanity issue. Having a sack of crap hanging off of your stomach isn't fun.....but I'm getting over it!

I was worried about clothing issues, but so far, I can wear anything I was b4. (with the exception of jeans, only b/c I still can't stand restriction on my abdomen).
Posted 1/15/2009 3:58 AM (GMT 0)
pepperann27, you mentioned a clip that your using for your bag - you should try Coloplast, Convatec or Hollisters - velcro type bags - much easier to use and you don't have to full around with a clip. I couldn't imagine using one. I know that's what they hospital started me out with. You can order samples from the three listed above. Give them a try, if you haven't already.

Also, there are lots of jeans out there with spandex. You don't need to worry about squishing your stoma. I wear modified briefs from Bali that give me lots of support (like a girdle) because I have a hernia around my stoma, but my Colorectal Surgeon told me I couldn't hurt my stoma. I've had an ileostomy since July 2007. I can't stand any of the ostomy belts or hernia belts.

Let me know how things work out for you.
Posted 1/15/2009 11:10 AM (GMT 0)

I agree, this is a great thread!

Pros:

I'm not sick anymore, don't take any medicines, and can eat whatever I want!  turn  

I'm healthy, can exercise and swim, without any problems.

I have tons of energy and don't have to be near a bathroom all the time!  

Nobody can tell that I have one!

And, I've met the nicest people through this forum! smilewinkgrin

Cons:

Vanity, but since my hubby doesn't mind, I'm getting over it! blush

Posted 1/15/2009 5:41 PM (GMT 0)
Pro's: I can travel, ride my horse, play with my daughter, shop, go to school, eat WHATEVER I want, don't take meds, want to have s*x, can take a walk for hours and many things I haven't thought of yet!

Con's: Hmmm I cannot think of one! I'm married and even if I wasn't it would stop me from anything:) Limitations are only ones you place on yourself...how's that for corny!

Oh, I have one word to conceal: SPANX!
Posted 1/15/2009 5:55 PM (GMT 0)
Pros: I am alive.

Cons: I still have Crohn's and have had more accidents with the bag then without. They caught the cancer, but left quite a bit of colon ...

As most would say - vanity. I never had a perfect bod, but I thought it was decent and was a confident gal once ...

Oh, then there's the hernia ... OHIO76 - SPANX ROCK!
Posted 1/16/2009 1:33 AM (GMT 0)
badbaggirl, I wear modified briefs that are similar to Spanx for my hernia. So you don't wear a hernia belt? Are the Spanx tighter than other modified briefs such as Bali? Do they offer high cut panties as well? I know they're expensive, have you found someplace that has them on sale?

Thanks

Mary
Posted 1/16/2009 2:33 AM (GMT 0)
pros-way too many to list them all
but
No meds! No runnign to the bathroom! no missing out on important things! having energy, being able to eat (and drink) anything i want, being able to do anything i want, i feel like i got my life back, like i can start all over! and i am going dancing next weekend! i am sooo excited! lol sorry just threw that in there!
Cons-taking my bag of clothes with me, and my little things of supplies takes up too much room in my pocketbook, i could just get a smaller thing, but that would be too much work! Sometimes i get a little self concious about it, but then i am like, what the heck, noone knows! You cannot even begin to imagine all the things i have done and noone knows still!

after about 2 months i didnt have a problem with jeans, once the tenderness from the surgery went away.
Posted 1/16/2009 1:32 PM (GMT 0)
Ohio43-I can find them on ebay!  Infact, they can be about half price:)  Just make sure you buy from a reputable seller...Try a pair on in a store then order online.
Posted 1/16/2009 2:15 PM (GMT 0)
I buy the 'knock off' ones at Target called 'Assests'
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