New Member

I just joined today and wanted to say hello to everybody. I am really glad I found this board!

I have an ileostomy after unexpected surgery to remove my colon. I had antibiotic resistant c-diff and ended up in the hospital. While there they discovered that I had UC (not sure if the c-diff aggravated it or not, the doctors are debating that, but I never had UC symptoms before the c-diff). After two weeks trying to bring the UC under control I was told surgery was about the only option left as I was just getting sicker and sicker. The surgery went fine but (probably because I was so sick) I had a series of complications afterwards. I spent a month in the hospital -- there were many days I didn't think I'd ever get out and I missed my kids so much!

I have been home now about a month recuperating slowly. It's frustratingly slow at times. And I still have a drain in for an infection in my pelvis -- the fluid is gone but we're waiting for the hole to heal. If it doesn't heal I'd need more surgery -- so I'm desperately hoping it heals. I don't want more surgery!!!

Technically I'm supposed to have the reversal done once I am healthy. It wouldn't be till next summer because I'm out of vacation/sick time at this point. But, honestly, I'm not sure I want to do it. The idea of another surgery and potential complications and being stuck in the hospital again scares me. I know it may go just fine but I'm pretty worried about it right now after everything I just went through and am still going through. So I'm putting off thinking about it right now.

I am having some problems getting used to the bag -- I can change it, empty it, etc. no problem. But I have problems with leakage -- not a lot, just enough to cause skin irritation in two spots. I'm changing more frequently to try and clear up the skin but the fact that no matter how perfectly I seem to get the seal it still leaks a bit is driving me up a wall. A additional frustration when I'm easily frustrated.

But I've really enjoyed reading the posts here and hope to get to know everyone!

Marie

Doodle38-Welcome to the board!  This is a wonderful place to learn tricks to living with an ostomy;) 

I am a HUGE believer in the EAKIN SEAL.  I have a very uneven stomach which was prone to "lifting" from around my stoma which caused that awful irritation. My ET nurse suggested I try them about 5 years ago, and I haven't done a change without one since!

Have you tried other pouching systems?  Sometimes it can take a little while to find the system that works best for you...Have you suggested samples from different manufacturers?  They will gladly send you a few samples.  You can go on to Hollister/Coloplast/Convatec's websites and check them out. 

Good luch and remember there are no stupid questions!!

ha ha smartie. actually i have stuck with the paste cause, other than the aforementioned stories, it has worked so far, and i am one to not mess with what is working! Plus i got some of the seal things, or at least that is what i think i got and i don't understand them

HEHEHEHEHE -- good one Cece!!   

Doodle, I've had my loop ileostomy since July 23, 2007, so almost a year. It took me several months to find the product that worked best for me. I have extremely sensitve skin. I started off with Hollister (which is what the hospital sent me home with), then my ET nurse had me try Convatec, then I finally ended with Coloplast. To me, they are the best. I found their Sensura line is the best for sensitve skin. For almost 6 months, I've been "irritation free"! What really cleared my dermatitus/irriation up was Kenalog spray. You have to get it by prescription. Once you spray it on, it dries right away so you can put your pouch and stuff on. If you have severe itching like I had, Atarax (another prescription) works well.

Good luck!