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TWO WEEKS POST ILEOSTOMY/PHOTOS

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Posted 8/29/2007 4:38 PM (GMT 0)
Hey everyone.  I am two-weeks post surgery today and I have not felt this good in a long time.  Thank you ALL for helping me through this time.  I hope that I can do the same for other people who are considering having an ileostomy.  You'll never believe it but I walked 3 miles today in a pair of running shorts and a sports bra!  My tummy is still a bit distended from the surgery but I didn't care!  I felt great! 

You can see how I hide my bag at....

www.photobucket.com/

just login to the account (click the login button on the top right of the page) with the following info:

user: Crohnsdisease
password: 6mp3asa

I would love for some of you to add your photos here.  If you can, please log in and upload a photo!  Come'on it's free!

Thanks everyone!

Amey

Posted 8/29/2007 4:54 PM (GMT 0)
Amey

Gad you are lucky! Mine is too high up to hide like that!
Posted 8/29/2007 10:41 PM (GMT 0)
I guess both locations have there pros and cons. Can you wear low pants? All of my pants, shorts and exercise wear are low and they land right on my stoma. They irritate me so bad that I cannot wear them. I kind wish mine were in a different location.
Posted 8/29/2007 11:52 PM (GMT 0)
yeah yeah yeah Way to go, Amey!! yeah yeah yeah
Posted 8/30/2007 12:26 AM (GMT 0)
I have to agree, way to go Amey!! Other than the fact that you look great in those pics, it takes guts ( no pun intended) to not only show the bag while wearing the sports bra, but put up the pics so we can all see!!  Now thats confidence!!  Made my day. Glad it's all working out for ya.
Posted 8/30/2007 1:53 AM (GMT 0)
Amey

I'm so happy for you. You look great!!!!!!!!

Posted 8/30/2007 2:32 AM (GMT 0)
Amey - I remember my pictures at 2 weeks post-op. I was just happy to be upright!! You look great. I was so malnourised prior to my surgery.... TPN before they could do the surgery. 36 days at Cleve Clinic. NO fun. Dropped to 82 lbs. at 5'5". Kudos to you - you go girl!!!!!
Posted 8/30/2007 10:53 PM (GMT 0)
Wait, where are the pics of the smiley faced stoma?
Posted 8/31/2007 1:12 AM (GMT 0)
LOL Slice, This is a "G" rated site, for that picture your ganna have to pay some $$..~~giggle~~
Posted 8/31/2007 1:19 AM (GMT 0)
Amey,

I have had severe Crohn's since I was 15, and I am now 26. I am about to have my 7th surgery to dilate scar tissue tomorrow. I have never had any parts removed, but have had problems with strictures (scar tissue narrowing the digestive tract). Anyway, when I met with my surgeon yesterday, he told me that there is only so many times that they can do this procedure on me before the tissue becomes so damaged that it is not possible to correct. An ileostomy is pretty much certain in my future--the question is when.

So I have spent many hours recently googling pictures of people with ileostomies, because I think my biggest fear is that I am never going to be able to look attractive, wear clothes I like, etc. (Vain, yes; but honest.) All the people I found were elderly, not anything like me. I am engaged, and what my fiance thinks of my appearance is important to me. However, seeing you--a young attractive woman--really made me think that there are people like me who have this done, and they go on to look normal.
Posted 8/31/2007 1:48 AM (GMT 0)

ConsideringABag -  Just think how much better you will feel not having to have multiple surgeries.  And how much different your life will be when you can be pain free, not look for a bathroom everywhere you go, eat whenever you want, and the list goes on.  I, too, was single and young when I had my surgery.  The guy I was dating was just so glad to see me out of pain and happy and able to eat and enjoy life.  I became a much different person. 

Sure, I had my "down" days.  Honestly, I think we all do.  Especially early on.  Yes, I really hated the looks of my body for a while, but that is such a small price to pay to be alive and healthy again.  It is not that I don't care about how I look.  I do.  But I mourned the loss of a body part and let it go.  I've said this before - an ostomy is a life altering event, but getting rid of the disease and intestine is well worth it to be able to move on with your life.  I wouldn't go back to that horrible pain and discomfort now if I had the option. 

Best of luck to you with your upcoming surgery.  You have been through a lot at a very young age.  My CD was finally diagnosed at 17.  Multiple surgeries.  Ileostomy by 24. You and your surgeon seem to have a good relationship.  He seems to be honest with you and you are wise to be researching and getting answers to the questions that are important to you.  Hope what I've said helps in some way.  Take care,

Posted 8/31/2007 2:10 AM (GMT 0)
ConsideringABag,

Thank you for the kind remarks. I am glad I could help. I had my first surgery at 26 and my life has been down-hill ever since. However, since I had my ileostomy surgery 2 weeks ago, I have felt great! I can completely relate to your feelings. I also looked for all kinds of photos while I was in the hospital trying to find out what to expect. I am a fitness instructor and I do not have time to let a bag get in my way. I think the whole thing comes down to attitide...stay positive, work hard, and you will do great! If you get down about having a bag, think bad thoughts, your experience is going to be tough. I refuse to go down that road. If you consider surgery, you WILL be GREAT. Just tell yourself, "I am going to do great!" and you will.

Good luck!
Posted 8/31/2007 2:36 AM (GMT 0)
Considering,
Welcome to Healing Well. :-) I'm glad you found us, but am sorry that you've had to live with Crohn's for 11 years. There are many of us here who can relate to your situation, and I want you to know that you are in good company.

I was young and newly married when I was diagnosed with Crohn's and suffered with it for 7 years before finally having surgery. Since you are in the process of exploring what life is like with an ileostomy, I want you to know that you are not alone and can ask us any questions, and we will give you honest answers.

I hope your surgery goes well tomorrow.
Cecilia
Posted 8/31/2007 10:59 AM (GMT 0)
Peggy, Amey and Flchurchlady,

I really appreciate your replies (they made me cry). This has just been a very stressful week. I am a teacher, and have had to miss 2 days out of the first week of school for this surgery...

I normally really don't like message boards, but everyone here seems so sincere. You have made me consider Choosing to have this operation in the near future, rather than waiting until I am Forced to have it. I keep thinking, what if I get colon cancer because I am vain? (my mom has Crohn's as well, and found out last year that she has colon cancer--she is fine now since they caught it early) How ridiculous does that sound?

Anyway, I am off to surgery this morning. Thanks again and I am sure I will keep reading posts here. :)
Posted 8/31/2007 11:23 AM (GMT 0)
Considering, if you want to see some pics of other ostomates who are youngish have a look at http://www.ostomysupport.info/sean/ostomyland.html



I've had my ileo since I was 10 years old so I was youngish too once with a bag :)

Posted 8/31/2007 10:07 PM (GMT 0)
Considering.

 Most likely you've been around or even know someone with an ostomy.  It's just not something that comes up in casual conversation.

Amey..big $$ for smiley stoma pics?!  Cracking me up girl.  Something like  Stomas Gone Wild maybe. haha

  Man, made me laugh.

Posted 8/31/2007 10:13 PM (GMT 0)

Considering -

Please post and let us know how you came thru your surgery, k?  Take care and listen to doc's orders.....

Posted 9/2/2007 4:20 PM (GMT 0)
Everyone,

Truly, thank you so much for your information and positive messages. If I do choose to have an ileostomy, I think the most valuable information will come not from my surgeon or ostomy nurse, but from people like You on this board.

My surgery on Friday went very smoothly (thanks for asking, Peggy!). The scar tissue was dialated easily--the only minor complication was that I contracted an infection (common with this surgery) so I am now on antibiotics. However, I have no pain, and I just went for a walk to enjoy the weather! :)

I was showing my fiance pictures of stomas and bags, etc., and said "You need to know before you marry me that this is probably going to happen to me sometime in the future." When he saw the pics, I could tell he was taken aback a bit (can't say I blame him--), but after a few minutes he assured me that nothing would change between us and he would still love me and think I am beautiful, and would be happy that I would never be sick again.

Amey, I agree that attitude is probably 99.9% of what matters when adjusting after this surgery. You seem to have an awesome one--the fact that you are a fitness instructor is very inspiring to me--if you can make this work, surely I can!

Shaz, for some reason, the link you sent of pictures of "youngish ostomates" was not working...if you have time, could you post it again? I was very interested to see the pictures. :)

Have a wonderful Labor Day, everyone! I am going to a picnic to **eat a cheeseburger** now that I can eat again!! :)

Considering
Posted 9/3/2007 1:46 AM (GMT 0)
Considering,
That's great news that your surgery went well and that you're feeling good. :-) It was smart of you to discuss this possibility with your fiance, and his response was very loving and supportive. You both have the right attitude that if this will help you be well, then it is a good thing.
Enjoy that cheeseburger!
Cecilia
Posted 9/3/2007 7:35 PM (GMT 0)
Hey Considering!
How was that d e l i c i o u s cheeseburger?! I bet you enjoyed every last morsel, didn't you? Boy I do know that feeling of finally being able to eat again. Glad your surgery went well. But even happier that you had the dreaded "chat" with your fiance. That was the hardest chat I had too. Don't you feel better tho? I did. Kinda like a relief.
Posted 9/3/2007 8:13 PM (GMT 0)
Considering,

It sounds like you have a great guy! I am glad that you are discussing these issues now before you get married. It is important to be as open and accepting as possible. Although you may never need a bag, you are wise to bring this up to him in advance. I know how hard it is to have the "talk" with someone you love. My husband was not happy about the bag. He went through a couple of tough days after I had the surgery, but now he is fine with it.

I am glad your dialation went well.
Posted 9/4/2007 12:49 AM (GMT 0)
Shaz, I couldn't get your web address to work? Thanks for all you share and do.

quote="Shaz032"]Considering, if you want to see some pics of other ostomates who are youngish have a look at http://www.ostomysupport.info/sean/ostomyland.html


For Considering a Bag...first time I went to an Ostomy support meeting they all had grey hair and seemed a lot older than me. But I kept coming back and the younger ones did come, just had something to do that other month. They are all ages. It depends on how long you want to wait and suffer. Or how long it takes for the disease to get so bad, that is the best choice. I still have a very hard time with my body image now. I feel fat with the bulge and I ate my self fatter after the operation. Now I have 2 problems...a bulging fat abdomen with a bag that makes it worse. It helps getting the positive attitudes from this site.

I will post my pictures...before and after surgery! I also got way to sick/thin!
Laura Beth/jacksns4
Posted 9/5/2007 1:14 AM (GMT 0)
I'll never forget what my sweet husband said when I told him that I needed to have surgery and would have to have a bag ~ he said, "I don't care if your whole body is in a bag, I just want you to be well!" eyes I fell in love with him all over again when he said that!
Posted 9/7/2007 10:38 PM (GMT 0)

ConsideringABag said...
Amey,

I have had severe Crohn's since I was 15, and I am now 26. I am about to have my 7th surgery to dilate scar tissue tomorrow. I have never had any parts removed, but have had problems with strictures (scar tissue narrowing the digestive tract). Anyway, when I met with my surgeon yesterday, he told me that there is only so many times that they can do this procedure on me before the tissue becomes so damaged that it is not possible to correct. An ileostomy is pretty much certain in my future--the question is when.

So I have spent many hours recently googling pictures of people with ileostomies, because I think my biggest fear is that I am never going to be able to look attractive, wear clothes I like, etc. (Vain, yes; but honest.) All the people I found were elderly, not anything like me. I am engaged, and what my fiance thinks of my appearance is important to me. However, seeing you--a young attractive woman--really made me think that there are people like me who have this done, and they go on to look normal.


there are some other recent posts about this topic including one i just posted as to whether people are happier before or after the bag..... check them out....
Posted 9/7/2007 10:52 PM (GMT 0)
ok weirdos....as for smiley stoma pics, i'll show you mine if you show me yours...haha....jk...

Amey,

wow! you look great....thanks for putting up the pics and making our album that much nicer, not to rain on anyone else or anything, but in my humble opinion, you are one of the most attractive members in the album! of course though, you are already married!
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