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New colostomy, need some help please

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Posted 6/2/2006 9:03 PM (GMT 0)
Hi,

I had and emergency resection 4 weeks ago (Crohn's) that left me with a colostomy.  It is a temporary ostomy, approx 5 months.  I have a few questions:

There seems to be a little bit of infection at one of the areas the ostomy is stiched to my skin.  I am trying to keep it swabbed out.  Anything else I can do for it?

I am currently using Hollister new image two piece closed system.  What others would any of you suggest I try.  I dispose of the bag each time I change (about 2-3 times a day).  Is there any one piece disposable options out there?  There is a filter on these bags, but there doesnt seem to be any stickers included for showering.

Also, what can I use for swimming?  Just a smaller bag or something?

Further, I am going for a colonoscopy in 2 months, will I still have to drink the prep?   Will they put the scope through the stoma?

For reversal, what can I expect.  Major hospital time, what will the scar be like.  Do they have to cut more or just use the opening that was created for the stoma?

I know many of these things vary person to person, but what experiences can any of you share.  Thanks sooo much!

Posted 6/4/2006 6:23 AM (GMT 0)
Can you get in to see your stoma nurse about the infection? They would be the best ones to see - they can have a look at it first hand and recommend products for you to use.

As for products, no one system suits all. I would suggest contacting the various manufacturers, ie Coloplast, Hollister, Convatec, Dansac, etc and get as many free samples to try from them as you can. They all have websites and you can order the samples over the net. Just because one product works for one person, doesn't mean it will work for you unfortunately.

I would suggest sticking to a two piece non-drainable disposable system. The reason being that if you have a one piece system and are changing 2 - 3 times a day, your skin probably won't like it very much if you're attaching and removing a flange so often. If your output is loose, you could try a drainable system so you won't have to change so often - just drain the contents into the loo 2 - 3 times a day instead.

I have an ileostomy and so use a drainable bag. I use a one piece midi sized bag and so can't change bag size at wil. However, I don't have a problem swimming with a bag that size. I just wear mine angled towards the middle of my tummy and it all fits neatly into my underwear or swimming costume. I choose a costume with a pattern or splash of colour across the stoma site which disguises any slight bulges which might be there and at no time in 30 years has anyone ever commented they can see my bag.

A colonoscopy for colostomates can be either via the rectum or the stoma since both are part of the colon. Depending on where they are going to scope will depend on whether you need the prep or not. If it's via the rectum, then obviously the prep isn't going to reach there anyway so you won't need it. If it's via the stoma then you will need the prep because that is where your stool hangs out :)

I can't help you with the reversal bit but I'm sure others will come along who have had experience in that area.
Posted 6/8/2006 8:18 PM (GMT 0)
Hello! I don't know what to tell you from my own experiences but rather what I experienced with my now 5 month old son. With his reversal the surgeon cut along the same line that was cut previously for his stoma site. The scar is a tad bit larger but is still relatively thin. The pediatric surgeon that he saw suggested the using lotion that has cocoa butter in it. One suggestion that I got from another parent was to use Neosporin Scar formula, an over the counter product.

After the reversal surgery we were in the hospital for 4 days post op.. I've been told that with adults it can take longer, even two weeks post op. The surgery site itself (three days later) didn't appear to be tender to the touch, he never once cried when it was touched.

Do you know what kind of pullthrough method they will do? My son had the Duhaml procedure I believe.

Good luck!
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