New to this...

Hi everyone,

I usually follow the Crohn's forum but as you will see below my life has changed,

On August 15 I went in for a routine colonoscopy with my GI to have a stricture stretched. The procedure went well according to my dr but unknown to him he perforated my colon. I went back to the hospital the following day and the surgeon on call wanted me to try three days of antibiotics to close the perforation. Meanwhile stool was flooding my stomach, and insides for three days before I was finally rushed into emergency surgery. While I don't remember all of what happened to me, I was on life support and in a medically induced coma for three days while I was pumped full of antibiotics to try to treat all of the infection that had flooded my body. When I finally came out of the coma and was coherent enough to be told what had happened, I was told I have a permanent ilieostomy and that I would have to have more surgery in a year to remove the rest of my colon. I spent the following two weeks in hospital undergoing tests, drain placements to get rid of abscesses caused by all the infection, TPN treatments, IV pic line, all kinds of antibiotics, three Jackson Pratt drain removals and an incision from the bottom of my rib cage to my pubic bone.

No, it wasn't how things were supposed to go and I am still struggling with my sadness and my anger. I was supposed to be on vacation with my family, not in the ICU fighting for my life. There has been more good times than bad since I have come home. My mom has been here for five weeks, my husband and 11 year old daughter have been amazing as we all adjust to our new reality.

Having an ostomy has changed my life, right now I am not sure if its for the good or the bad. I dont have the pain from my crohn's anymore. I know that I don't have any pants that will fit over it so that saddens me as I can't drive for another two weeks to go shopping but I am here, my family is not grieving my death, my daughter still has a mom and in five weeks I am heading to Europe for our 15th wedding anniversary.

No one knows what life has in store for us and those of us with chronic diseases have our strength and faith tested on a daily basis. For me now, I have to learn how to live with the cards I have been dealt. Through prayer, meditation and the love of my family, everyday I feel stronger.

I am still trying to get used to changing the bag and finding a product that works. I am only 5'2 and a 12" bag is FAR too long for me. Any product suggestions would be appreciated. My flange size went from 70mm to 57mm so it's not as huge now.....

What products to you use to go to the beach? We are going to the Dominican for two weeks in Feb.

As a card given to me in the hospital said "Be the kind of woman who, when your feet hit the floor in the morning, the devil says "Oh no, she's up!"

Kelly

Welcome Kelly! Wow, you've been through a lot ... so scary. Very glad you made it, and it sounds like you're doing remarkably well.

I know coloplast makes "midi" bags and hollister has some small pouches, but I'll let others comment on that in more detail, as I like the larger bags.

For the beach, it depends on your style. I swim three times a week at a pool, and what I like to wear is a homemade tankini that includes a pair of very short running shorts that have underwear built in. No wrap or anything, the lining holds the pouch quite well, and it's a clean line.

A lot of others like the bathing suits that have a skirt attached, they hide the pouch well (either one piece or a tankini -- having two separate pieces makes it easier to empty if you're there all day).

There are swim wraps out there, and you can also use a tube top bra or "trendy top." But I found that these just add bulk; I like it better without.

Have a great time, and happy anniversary.

I used a pediatric bag when I first got mine. All manufacturers have that. Ask to try one; it may fit better than the 12 inch.

Thanks everyone. It's all a bit overwhelming right now but I am certain it will get better.

We are off to Frankfurt for 5 days (hubby has to do some work there) and then we are taking the train to Paris for our first visit. We will be there 6 days. Very excited and it gives me something else to think about.....

Appreciate everyone's assistance!