I had the same questions before my surgery in April. The first big difference is if you get an Ileostomy or Colostomy. An Ileostomy is formed from the end of your small bowel, and your colon is bypassed. Sometimes the colon is removed, and sometimes not.
A Colostomy is formed from a part of your colon. Colostomy is more common and I hear it’s easier to deal with. I have an Ileostomy , which creates more constant output and needs to be emptied 6 to 8 times a day, which is about average.
There are 3 main pouch system companies and many smaller ones like Cymed. The big 3 are Hollister, Convatec, and Coloplast.
The bags (or pouches), come in two main styles: One piece or two piece. And then there are 2 variations, open drainable - and closed pouches.
It is just personal preference if you like the one piece or two piece. I tried both and so far I like the two piece. Maybe in the future I'll switch as my needs and experience changes. With the two piece, the pouch can be removed from the "base" which is called a flange or wafer. With a one piece, the pouch cannot be removed. If you wear a one piece wafer for a week, then you wear the pouch for a week. Personally, with my 2 piece, I use 2 pouches per wafer, so I like the ability to change the pouch and not the wafer.
The closed pouches are more for Colostomies and would not be practical with an Ileostomy, unless you want to go through 8 pouches a day. The drainable is exactly that, it has an opening at the end to empty the contents. Some use a plastic clip, and some use a Velcro type closure.
And I am happy to say that after the initial learning process, it will not interfere with your life. Yesterday, I went hiking, and today a hot and sticky bike ride with the kids.
Your guitar may rest on your pouch without a problem (unless it is very full). Today I was playing, wrestling, and rolling around the floor with the kids and not even worrying about my ostomy or pouch.
I have not had a problem with everyday weight lifting such as my 3 kids. For weight lifting exercise, you will read a lot about the danger of hernia. The key is to wait until you are healed, 2 or 3 months and then take it easy to find your capabilities. I intend to get back into that at some point soon.
If anything, an ostomy will free you from your current Crohn’s limitations - it did for me. I’m doing so much more now than in the last 2-3 sick years.
