1. How do you know when an ostomy wrap is too tight? Wraps don't usually get too tight (you would notice!), but tighter wraps do tend to restrict the flow of output for me. 2. Are maternity wraps...
Nope, never a problem - they don't even ask. I use the short, curved scissors from Coloplast - the blade is less than an inch. And I also keep them in my carry on so they are very easily accessible...
I've had both my surgeries (colon removal and rectum removal) done at Mount Sinai in Toronto, despite me living in Oshawa. My experience there was wonderful - the doctors and nursing staff were...
I recently replaced an old Braun 360 shaver (series 5) for a Braun Series 3 wet/dry shaver, and it's been a good experience. Never owned a wet-dry shaver before, and while I don't shave around my...
I eat popcorn quite often - the microwave bag ones, cinema popcorn, dry popped, you name it! No issues for me. As with any new food, take it slow, chew well, and drink in between bites :tongue:...
I second the Diamonds sachets. @SLF, have you tried ordering directly from OSTOmysecrets? Diamonds are like $25 / tub, which is significantly cheaper than anyplace I've seen. Gel-X and other products...
I carry a smaller bag with me, but often I simply leave it in the car (it's come in handy a few times!). Many say I carry too much in my kit, but I'm simply using all the space available:...
The new "ileostomy bags" are available in Canada, but not the convex (as AnnC pointed out). Coloplast will be adding quite a few new products to their catalogue come the new year!...
I have an ileostomy due to Crohn's Disease, and I can honestly say that I've been doing more NOW than I had before getting sick. I don't feel limited at all. My biggest problem, and it's only because...
I wish I had a good experience with the wound vac I was put on, but it was defective and wasn't replaced until a month later (days before I was taken off it due to tunneling). When it was working, it...
If you're talking about Laura, she's a hero to me (but she already knows that). :-) :-) :-)...
I almost always shower without my appliance on, but I tend to wait until my stoma is inactive. It's such a nice feeling!...
If you're still looking for an opinion: I've tried (and reviewed) the Ostomy Resolutions and StomaShield, but not the Ostomy Armor or Stoma Plex products - I am trying another one, but it's very...
I was changing the 1pc Mio every 3 days (like with all my other wafers), but I noticed more erosion and (contained) leaks with the Mio. I think they are designed more for colostomates, but you either...
I'd ask WHY you want to thicken it up - is it because you find managing liquid output to be difficult or is it affecting nutrient absorption? If it's the former, then I'd go with gelling agents if...
I live east of Toronto and had my surgery in Toronto at Mount Sinai, which is a teaching hospital. I only have good things to say about my experience, although I wish they could have accommodated my...
You've got quite a unique circumstance! It's recommended for us to empty our pouches when it's 1/3 full for a few reasons: - a full bag can be uncomfortable, especially when it's tugging at the skin....
I eat nuts quite often, but there are a few things you can try if you've had difficulties with them: - soaking. Some nuts, like almonds, are perfect for soaking in water overnight. It makes them...
Ladies, this article is reporting on a study about mice, not humans. Breastfeeding the best thing you can do for your child - please don't stop because of misleading articles....
Things will get better as your body adjusts, especially those pains after meals. Eat smaller meals if you find the large ones cause you more trouble. I accepted my stoma before having the surgery. I...
The products you purchase have been tested before hitting the market, so they are generally recognized as safe, but that's not saying that you can't have a possible reaction to them - it's common...
My kids, who were 8 and 11 when I had my ostomy surgery had no problems with understanding the why, how and what about having one. They've seen my scars and they've even seen my stoma "work", and...
Less than a week after surgery?? :confused: That's a real no-no! I didn't experiment with SMALL salads for at least 6 weeks post-op, but now (over a year later), I can eat very large salads without...
If you've got a Hollister pouch, this "hack" may help: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5uLTD1FMhf0 Also, if scratching is an ongoing issue, consider a soft pouch cover....
Sorry to hear that Amanda :( I had a new nurse every time they came to visit (no joke, maybe 8 different ones at least); some were amazing and some were a little iffy about my ostomy, but I didn't...
Thank you so much for your kind words. I was able to find inspiration from other ostomates before I had my surgery, and that's what motivates me to help others in the same way. I'm glad you like it...
Congrats! You were sewn up, so that's likely why it healed so quickly =) Those of us who've had a large open wound to heal haven't been so fortunate. It'll be a great 2015 for you !...
Wishing you the best of a luck and speedy recovery :turn:...
If you carry a TINY bottle (like 30ml or smaller) and about 10 sheets of gauze (the non-woven type), you should be able to make enough "wet naps" for an entire change. I wouldn't use baby wipes or...
That must be terrible :( I know it's a bit of a long-shot, but have you tried probiotics? Sometimes they cause gas, but I know a few j-pouchers who've had MAJOR improvements after using probiotics....
It doesn't feel any different to me! HOWEVER, there is one cool thing I have noticed: no more "butterflies" in my stomach. Yup, that feeling went away. I guess it should be called "butterflies in...
I use CanMedDirect often (I've got an order coming in today, as a matter of fact!) and they are reasonably priced, but... Do yourself a favor and checkout http://www.greenshield.ca/ . They cover...
I use hydrogen peroxide to get rid of many stains! It's a real life saver! :yeah:...
After years of not responding to any form of treatment, then failing on steroids and biologics, I really didn't have any choice - when your doc tells you that you won't live to 40 the way things are...
I hope this video will be useful to the male ostomates who aren't sure how to wear normal clothing post-op. I'd love to know if it helps you! :yeah: http://youtu.be/dZkP5koouQs Please share any tips...
Hey BigJohn! I'm in the process of putting together a video and article for clothing options specific to male ostomates . It won't be done for at least a few more weeks, but I'll be posting a product...
:turn: :turn: :turn: Wooohoo! My proctectomy anniversary is on Nov 7th! What a great time to lose our butt holes! :smilewinkgrin: Good luck Katie!...
Sounds like you've had it rough, Angela! I would suggest having your stoma nurse watch you change your appliance. Sometimes, there's something small that we miss and it results in leaks or poor wear...
If you're using the Coloplast "regular" wear wafers, then you wont' get much out of them (they peel on me after less than a day!). Try their XPRO or Assura extended wear. Hollister New Image wafers...
I've got a really nice kit that I'll often take around with me if I'm out of the house long. I've never had to use it, but emergencies never give you notice in advance! Here's my kit with the details...
I had one several months back. My GI wanted me to do the same prep I used with my colonoscopy and I did the whole procedure awake. It hurt like I had really bad gas, but it was really cool to see my...
You probably can get away with just doing the motions, but the gun does work well. I believe it was 3x a day for no more than 5-10 minutes. If you overdo it, you'll make things worse! :shocked: But...
Interestingly enough, the hospital I had my surgery at had us chew gum a few times a DAY to stimulate the digestive system (without needed to swallow food). Not sure if other hospitals do that too....
I feel for you! I had an NG tube put in after a blockage in April - when your nurse says "this is the first time doing this on a patient", you know how it's going down! LOL I was dry heaving doing...
I had a lot of discomfort with urination when my rectum was removed. It took many weeks for the pains and pressure to go away, but it was still passing urine. If your doctors aren't concerned, try to...
Welcome to all the new ostomates! =) @Annadee, the output from my ileostomy was quite awful at first (it was mostly bile), but it gets better as time goes on - it's still poop, so those pouch...
I had no problem gaining weight after my ileostomy as it was the first time in years that I could actually eat food without an issue. My diet is mostly starch-based, which will thicken output and...
I'm sorry to hear of your daughters diagnosis. If it's any consolation, she's very lucky to have someone close who can at least be understanding of her situation. Many of us get patronized by our...
$21 a can is a steal, considering each can may last you a few months. Yes, makes removal of the wafer much, much easier - saves your skin! The Hollister adhesive remover spray (and just about all...
The two cannot be used together, unfortunately....