I am so glad you posted this! I have never had a problem with an Eakin's seal until my last order...they were completely different. The seals before were sturdier! The ones I got with my last order...
Oh, and the eating has been a DREAM!!! I haven't found anything yet that disagrees with my new anatomy...it is awesome!...
I chose a permanent ileostomy because I NEVER EVER wanted to be desperately searching for a bathroom again. It is an extremely personal decision. I have been able to be more active since my surgery...
Music, that just seems so odd for your docs to do that to you. You need to definitely keep your wishes the top priority. After my surgery, my arthritis symptoms completely went away! I believe it was...
Only you will know when it is time for you to have surgery. My doctors had encouraged me for years, but I just wasn't ready. I have 4 active kids and a great husband, and I became a hermit. I didn't...
Somedude---well thank goodness then, that it is not up to you to make decisions for the rest of us! It is none of your business to try to tell us what we "COULD" have done. It was our choice, not...
Peace&Harmony...by the time you read this you will probably be several days out of surgery, and I hope that all went well for you. I was in immense pain for about 2-3 weeks, pain meds didn't help, I...
Somedude---All through the thread, your common theme has been: -"why would you not consider a j pouch if you're a candidate?" and -"Why would someone live with a bag if other options are available is...
Peace & Harmony---good luck with your surgery!!! I hope it turns out to be exactly what you needed! LollyLouise---hang in there! I remember the pain vividly and couldn't believe that someone could be...
Nicecupoftea...the job thing is exactly where I was. I was completely unable to work...the incontinence was so unpredictable and the flares were pretty much constant. I am now able to get a job, if...
Good Luck ActiveUCer!!! It is going to be a big change, but it sounds like you are ready!!! The worst part of the whole thing was the pain after surgery...I ain't gonna lie!!! It was horrible!!! But...
Thanks for the input. I was truly starting to believe that I was the only one who had a good outcome and was happier than ever with my decision. I am thankful everyday for my stoma and the...
oh no...I specifically said that it CAN get better...I never made any guarantee. And until you are ready to make that decision for yourself you shouldn't do it, unless, obviously it is an emergency...
Bluegrass, that is exactly how I feel!...
I purposefully chose to not have the pouch. I told the surgeon that I had been forced to the bathroom too many times, and too many times it was too late. I never wanted to HAVE to use a bathroom...
I get on here and read the posts quite often and find them very informative. But a lot of them are from those who are so unhappy with their ileostomy and the emotional turmoil it causes them. When I...
It very well could be from sweating. I moved from a constant 65 degrees to a steady 90 degrees this week...I did use stoma powder this week, but it is the first time since I first had surgery. I am...
I do not normally use powder, but did today when I changed the wafer because of the awful itching. I use Hollister pre-cut 7/8" wafers. I have never noticed a change in my output except when I eat...
The rash is not all over, just around the edges of the wafer. It looks like a heat rash. Raised red bumps and it itches like crazy! I haven't had any leaking issues...thankfully! The spot I am most...
I have never had any issues with my wafers until this week. I have one large oozing sore right above my stoma, and them a rash that follows that curve of my wafer around my stoma. The stoma itself is...
I have noticed more problems with the bag becoming all wet and icky when I sweat, and I thought it would be the wafer I had problems with. Those ideas about using barriers between the bag and your...
Silent Lucidity...I hadn't even thought of hypo-allergenic anti-perspirant! You guys are awesome! Windy City, I also use Eakin Seals, and got 6 days out of my last one, with being out in 80-90 degree...
Aussie-Slow-Guts...I had never thought about leaving my supplies in the car! It makes perfect sense, I just hadn't considered it! Thanks for that tip. I was wondering if I would have a shorter wear...
Silent Lucidity...where do you get that cream. I have never heard of it...but sounds exactly like what I might need. I never thought of using regular anti-perspirant...I might try that on one of my...
It is hot and dry where I live, thankfully, so I won't have humidity to deal with, just sweat. It just seems like the bag is going to be miserably hot and icky, and that sweat may make the wafer not...
I have had a permanent ileostomy since last September. I have never had any real problems with it and haven't felt this good in 18 years! I survived the winter months with no problems , but am...
I wonder if our stoma's are related? Mine is also named Stella, and I got her in September of 2011. She has been wonderful to me, and I am expecting that she and I will be the best of friends for the...
. I know exactly how you feel! When I finally said the words, I felt complete peace!!! I have never been so sure of a decision in all of my life! Of course, now I wonder why I didn't do it sooner....
I believe it is genetic! My maternal aunt had colitis and ended up with a stoma and eventually a J pouch. Her mom, my grandmother had diverticulitis, my mom has IBD...I was diagnosed at 25 with UC,...
I completely understand!!! I told my husband that if I needed to work, I could actually do it now!!! Up till now, I have not even been able to think about getting any kind of job...unless perhaps it...
I had a Total Colectomy with Ileostomy...total cost was about $55, 000. I am not having any other surgeries, the ileostomy is permanent. I had this done in Mid-September, so the prices, at least for...
I am also thankful for my stoma (Stella)!!! This will be the first Thanksgiving in years that I have actually felt good!...
I soooo know what you are talking about. I know they were trying to help, but it was such a downer after I was so excited about the decision I had finally made. Now, they are all glad to see me...
Like I posted before, you have to be in the right frame of mind to accept the surgery as your best option. Until you are ready mentally, you aren't ready. But for the majority who have the surgery,...
That is what I thought, Blueheron, but it sounded like we shouldn't use them for some reason...got me a little concerned. I LOVE them for the same reasons...I don't hike, but spend lots of time on...
Well, I guess that might make sense. I just know that mine never works!...
Is it just because the drainage is more watery and the bags fill quicker, or is there a medical reason. My ostomy nurse has never given an opinion one way or another about the different types of...
I use both kinds of bags...open and closed. It is easier for me when I am out and about to just replace the bag than to try to empty into a public toilet...with having to clean the end of the bag and...
You have to be "ready" for surgery. My gastro tried for years to talk me into having it done. But it wasn't until I reached the end of my rope and felt completely dominated and defeated by UC. I have...
so...how do the filters work on the Hollister bags? Mine NEVER let any gas thru...are they just there to help with the smell?...
jackie, I have the same bags, and it seems that with the plastic covering the filter, it does absolutely no good! Nothing can pass thru the plastic to get to the charcoal filter and it definitely...
Good for you for making this big decision. I was on Remicade for 9 months and it helped for a couple of weeks after each dose...my next step was either to double the frequency AND dosage of remicade...
I've looked the Stealth belt up online, been curious, been tempted to try it...but just can't quite commit to the cost. I REALLY want to know if they work as well as advertised! I keep going back to...
I have been just where you are Gautegirl! After 17 years of suffering, 20 or more pills a day, years of prednisone, achy joints, 6mp, remicade and the constant pain, I finally had to go where I had...
I am 4 weeks post total colectomy with ileostomy. At 1 week, it sounds like you are doing awesome! I was still laying around feeling sorry for myself! I also couldn't stand up straight, and I carried...