HealingWell
Search Close Search
☰

In need of info...

Support Forums
>
Ostomies
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply
❬ ❬ Previous Thread |Next Thread ❭ ❭
Posted 10/19/2005 1:32 PM (GMT 0)
Hi all,

 I had originally posted this under the Crohn's Forum, but was directed to ostomies instead. Basically, I am having a collectomy on Nov 17th. I am just about square with what the surgeon plans on doing except that I am in the dark about my temporary colostomy bag. I have never seen one, on a person or even in general. I need to know about the upkeep, changing, cleaning,etc. Anyone who can guide me to any websites, or give me any personal stories, or experience would be GREATLY appreciated.   Thank You  Kathleen

Posted 10/19/2005 3:27 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Kathleen.

I think your first step would be to ask the the Doctor/surgeon to put you in touch with a Stoma nurse. She/he should be able to answer any questions that you have and also will be able to show you the different types of Colostomy bags and accessories that you might need.

I hope that helped a bit

Sue 

Posted 10/19/2005 11:07 PM (GMT 0)
Me too, I saw a film where a lady comes out to the bathroom with a gauzy white nighty on and puts on a bag. It didn't teach me anything. I want to know when it is full, exactly how you empty this thing step by step. I am from Missouri and it is the "show me" state. I have never been very good closing up potato chip bags with clips, so it is going to be hard. Also how do you get this roll up cuff cleaned off and put drops of deoderant in an opening that is facing down? I am not working now and want to save money, but I am scared I will be leaking all the time and use all my bags in one day. I wish there were a picture on the web that would show the real deal. I go tomorrow into the hosp. to get stabalized and sterilized, and cleaned out.
Still reply if you can and I'll get the posts in a week or so.
Hopeso
Posted 10/20/2005 9:54 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Hopeso.

I hope that I have not missed you because I wanted to tell you that when you are in the hospital you will be able to ask for the stoma nurse to show you the bag and she will explain everything to you. Once you have had your surgery,any stoma nurse worth their salt will make sure(as mine did) that you wont go home until she has helped you to feel confident enough to clean the stoma and change the bag by yourself. Never be afraid to ask for the stoma nurse to explain things again and again if nessaccery (sp) The most important thing is that you go home feeling better phyisicaly,but also that you feel confident about everything that is involved with the care of your stoma.

One thing to remember is that everyone is different and just because the person in the next bed is getting along great with a coloplast one peice drainable bag(As I do) that doesnt mean that you will too. There are many different bags out there and it is your stoma nurses job to help you to find the one that is best for you so if you dont feel happy for whatever reason with anything then please make sure that you speak out.

I was lucky because the very first bag that I tried in hospital was the one that I have continued to use because I am happy with it.

Oh, BTW, when you wake up from surgery,you will probably find that you are wearing a clear bag. This is so the nurses can keep an eye on things and to make sure the stoma is doing ok. If its an Ileostomy that you are having they will probably give you a drainable bag. This is usuely worn straight down between the legs for ease of emptying(I just sit on the toilet to empty mine) but for the first couple of days after surgery they will probably have you wearing the bag sideways so that the nurse can empty the bag for you while you are still in bed.

Sorry to ramble on but I didnt know any of this stuff when I had my surgery and I know it would have made a difference to me.

Take care both of you and let us know how you get on

Sue
Posted 10/23/2005 9:16 AM (GMT 0)
I agree - a stoma nurse will be invaluable for you at this stage.

I will say that looking after an ostomy is very easy - I was doing it all by myself at 10 years of age so it obviously can't be that hard at all :)

I usually change my bag once a week but normal weartime can be anything from 1 day onwards. It's the ostomate's eternal quest to find a bag that lasts so experimenting with different brands after you've healed a bit will be the best way to find out what bag and wafer will work best for you - there are many out there to choose from and you do not have to stay with what you were given in the hospital.

I usually empty my bag approx 4 - 6 times a day depending on what I have or haven't eaten. It's quick to do - two minutes and I'm out of there (unfortunately, you will find your reading time in the loo reduces to nil - my one big regret *sigh*)

Have a look at http://www.ostomates.org for my story plus plenty of others. There are pics of stomas and bags and anything else you could wish for  regarding ostomy surgery.

Good luck.

Shaz

 

Posted 10/24/2005 4:21 AM (GMT 0)
I will tell you that at first, it will be emotionally difficult, or it was for me. But everyone is right in telling you that your ostomy therapist will be your best friend until you get used to taking care of it yourself. I love having my colostomy, because I can go places now that I could not go before. I have a life now and am even starting nursing school in january. I find that the disposable one-piece bags are the best for someone on the go alot. I keep a few drainable ones for emergencies, but I prefer the opaque closed-end bags with the air filters in them. I will say that I found that most of the air filters tend to leak at night, but if you take a little bit of hospital tape and put it over the filter (has to be porous tape) that it will let the air out and keep the feces in. I don't know why this works, but it does.

Just remember, no matter how depressed you are when you wake up from surgery and see your stomach, your stoma will actually become a part of you and you will get used to it and live a normal life. no one even has to know you have a stoma unless you tell them. Good luck, and I am from Missouri too, so if you need someone to talk to, e-mail me and maybe we can switch phone numbers or something. I am a 34 year old female. [email protected]
Posted 10/28/2005 1:24 AM (GMT 0)
Hi all,

  I just want to take a minute and thank everyone who replied to this post. Since I posted this, I was sent to Shaz's site..an awesome one at that. It showed me pictures I had never seen, and even had stories that my mother read. She actually found them interesting, not knowing a whole lot about this whole deal, like myself. But thanks to everyone who replied your info was helpful as well. Surgery is scheduled for Nov 17th, Ill let everyone know how things are going when I return!!!! Bye for now.....Kathleen

Posted 10/29/2005 10:07 AM (GMT 0)
All the best for your surgery on the 17th Kathleen.

Sue
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply