Will I ever feel normal again

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I had inflammation in then ileum of my small intestine. It was so narrow that food could no longer pass through which caused multiple bowel obstructions and hospital stays. They removed the inflamed part and just letting my bowels rest and heal for six months. Then I can be reconnected.

I'm afraid when they reconnect me, I will have more inflammation. And I can only imagine how painful the first bowel movement will be! Ouch! :(
 
Nitaboo313 said:
I had inflammation in then ileum of my small intestine. It was so narrow that food could no longer pass through which caused multiple bowel obstructions and hospital stays. They removed the inflamed part and just letting my bowels rest and heal for six months. Then I can be reconnected.

I'm afraid when they reconnect me, I will have more inflammation. And I can only imagine how painful the first bowel movement will be! Ouch! :(
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Sounds like you had a stricture, no? Yes, those can certainly be painful! But remember, inflammation may not always be so bad. My inflammation is just inside my stoma and it has been reduced without any surgery. It wasn't even that painful, until I had the small obstruction. But after a week in the hospital back in May, it's been almost pain free.
 
Nitaboo313 said:
I had inflammation in then ileum of my small intestine. It was so narrow that food could no longer pass through which caused multiple bowel obstructions and hospital stays. They removed the inflamed part and just letting my bowels rest and heal for six months. Then I can be reconnected.

I'm afraid when they reconnect me, I will have more inflammation. And I can only imagine how painful the first bowel movement will be! Ouch! :(
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It won't be very painful and nothing like that unholy cramping you had before- the bad part was removed. You'll be fine. :hug:
 
Don't worry about having your drains out. I didn't feel any pain, just a bit of a weird suction feeling, when I had mine removed.
And like 2thFairy said, welcome to the club!
 
That's a quick stay, herndog! And I just typed your user name as 'horndog' hahahaha! opps!

I hope you doing well!!!
 
Welcome! Herndog...I can see why Michelle almost did that. :ybiggrin:

You 'got out' early! How are you doing??
 
I'm going to add my "welcome to the club" to you as well herndog...hope your recovery is uneventful and easy :)
 
welcome hErndog!
Amy, I'm nearly 8 weeks post surgery. I noticed a huge improvement at 6 weeks but still get breathless and also get really lightheaded for about 5 mins after standing up. but I was in hospital for nearly 6 months beforehand so I am REALLY out of condition. I just have to get my fat A moving and get fit and lose some weight. Carrying an extra 10 kilos can't help.
Nita I was the same as you with my last stoma, wasn't sure if I wanted it reversed - once I'd worked out a system that worked I was quite happy with it. This time I'll be putting off surgery cos I can't bear the though of more surgery - I'm halfway to the 3 month mark and my wound is still healing! Though they did say I may need the stoma longer. I suspect surgeons say 3 months cos thats how long it takes you to get used to it and then you're in no hurry for reversal.:rof:
Last time I was reconnected I was worried about the first bowel movement too - but I had no problems. I was worried the muscles in my rectum/anus would be out of condition and not be able to push it out. Seems silly reading that now, specially since I now know bowel movemnet is automatic ie sympathetic nervous system. As for inflammation returning, with small bowel crohn's disease the stoma only rests the bowel for healing, doesn't prevent the disease returning. Which is also something I only learnt recently. We just can't win.
:heart: Anna
 
annawato said:
....Last time I was reconnected I was worried about the first bowel movement too - but I had no problems. I was worried the muscles in my rectum/anus would be out of condition and not be able to push it out. Seems silly reading that now, specially since I now know bowel movemnet is automatic ie sympathetic nervous system. As for inflammation returning, with small bowel crohn's disease the stoma only rests the bowel for healing, doesn't prevent the disease returning. Which is also something I only learnt recently. We just can't win.
:heart: Anna
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Actually, when those little muscles are out of shape it's harder to keep stuff in! Your doctor will check their strength at a follow up visit so don't stress thinking about it.
 
Ah, I knew there was a reason I was worried! Not silly just crazy. :)
I'd better start on the kegel exercises now.........
 
annawato said:
welcome hErndog!
Amy, I'm nearly 8 weeks post surgery. I noticed a huge improvement at 6 weeks but still get breathless and also get really lightheaded for about 5 mins after standing up. but I was in hospital for nearly 6 months beforehand so I am REALLY out of condition. I just have to get my fat A moving and get fit and lose some weight. Carrying an extra 10 kilos can't help.
Nita I was the same as you with my last stoma, wasn't sure if I wanted it reversed - once I'd worked out a system that worked I was quite happy with it. This time I'll be putting off surgery cos I can't bear the though of more surgery - I'm halfway to the 3 month mark and my wound is still healing! Though they did say I may need the stoma longer. I suspect surgeons say 3 months cos thats how long it takes you to get used to it and then you're in no hurry for reversal.:rof:
Last time I was reconnected I was worried about the first bowel movement too - but I had no problems. I was worried the muscles in my rectum/anus would be out of condition and not be able to push it out. Seems silly reading that now, specially since I now know bowel movemnet is automatic ie sympathetic nervous system. As for inflammation returning, with small bowel crohn's disease the stoma only rests the bowel for healing, doesn't prevent the disease returning. Which is also something I only learnt recently. We just can't win.
:heart: Anna
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Thanks Anna!
 
Rough how? I was and still am just afraid to eat too much. And for a while I couldn't really put a lot in my stomach. I got full really fast. I'm actually still not back to eating normally but its getting easier.
 
maimmie said:
Rough how? I was and still am just afraid to eat too much. And for a while I couldn't really put a lot in my stomach. I got full really fast. I'm actually still not back to eating normally but its getting easier.
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It felt like I was full for hours, I got the hiccups and a little nausea. I'm gonna take easier tonight.
 
My first through seventh meals came back up while still in the hospital. Even after things settled down, it took another couple of months before I was eating kid-size meals in one setting. Don't fret about it, maimmie; it will happen.
 
Herndog said:
My first meal was pretty rough on me. Anybody else?
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I got my first meal 2 weeks after I was admitted to hospital...up till then I was only allowed ice chips (and I have to say that they're not filling at all! lol). Then I got ensure...yum (NOT!)...and a few days after that it was chicken broth and tea. So, by the time I got some real food (a ham sandwich) I was ready to eat! I didn't have any problems at all by then. But solid food didn't come till 3 weeks after my surgery, so that might have been why.
 
As others have said it's not unusual for the first meal to be a bit of a disaster. I visited vomit city a few times in the first few meals, and was certainlyl hiccuping and burping for a good few days after food. It took a while for my digestive system to wake up and get to grips with its new state.

Hope things settle down chap.
 
Terriernut said:
Alot of people report that problem. How long after surgery was your first meal, and was it 'normal' food, or soft?
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It was only 5 days after and it was normal food. I'm sure I probably eat to much to fast. I've got to learn to take it slow. Thanks everyone for the help I'm sure Ill be asking a bunch more questions!
 
My sister in laws mom hugged me yesterday. Later I was a little emotional about this because she was the first non family member to touch me since surgery and I guess I just had it in the back of my head thar other people might not want to touch me or be near me if they knew what I had done. I'm still a bit afraid of people seeing me differently and treating me differently.
 
I understand this completely, as I think most of us have felt like this. Just keep in mind, its all about how you present it. If you present it as an icky thing, even silently, other people will think that too.
 
I will also add, however, that there have been 2 people who came to hug me and I sensed hesitation. I don't know if their hesitation was not knowing where Bob was and not wanting to squeeze too hard or just not wanting to get too close to me. Either way, I hugged them even closer and longer than normal.:devil:
 
Oh, Amy, they will love you just the same and be thankful that you have done something to make you feel better. :hug:
 
Amy, I can relate. I have to admit it (hangs head in shame), I don't let people come near me to hug me. I don't want them to. If someone tries..I tip forward so much they don't get near my abdomen. :redface:

I don't want to embarrass anyone, or bother them.
 
Terriernut said:
Amy, I can relate. I have to admit it (hangs head in shame), I don't let people come near me to hug me. I don't want them to. If someone tries..I tip forward so much they don't get near my abdomen. :redface:

I don't want to embarrass anyone, or bother them.
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See Herndog, this is the part that's a little different with men than it is for women. When men have this problem there's a real easy way for them to fix it- just go to strip club and get a couple of lap dances. After surviving that with pouch intact, you'll feel much more confident when hugging others. :D
 
Hobbes650 said:
See Herndog, this is the part that's a little different with men than it is for women. When men have this problem there's a real easy way for them to fix it- just go to strip club and get a couple of lap dances. After surviving that with pouch intact, you'll feel much more confident when hugging others. :D
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Is the lap dance on you?! Haha:D
 
It never crossed my mind that people might not want to hug me. I do tend to keep my right side slightly out (even when I cuddle my husband), just because I don't want to squish Norman.
 
Terriernut said:
Amy, I can relate. I have to admit it (hangs head in shame), I don't let people come near me to hug me. I don't want them to. If someone tries..I tip forward so much they don't get near my abdomen. :redface:

I don't want to embarrass anyone, or bother them.
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I know I poked fun at this, but laughter really does help. This kind of stuff we all experience in one form or another. I got over that part and don't see my ostomy as any different that wearing glasses. Please ignore the fact I got lasik PRK done a few years ago and don't need glasses anymore! :D

The point is, the issue Terriernut describes is very common and completely normal. But it should also be short term. One thing we do have some control over is how normal we feel. It may take some time, but it does happen. I found that doing "normal" things sooner helped me feel more "normal" sooner.
 
I don't have a problem with hugging anyone tight...all my friends have always been huggers and that hasn't changed at all. What's the worst thing that's going to happen? You're going to fart on them? That just makes me laugh...lol But I'm weird like that...
 
Terriernut said:
Alot of people report that problem. How long after surgery was your first meal, and was it 'normal' food, or soft?
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That's the part I found most frustrating. I certainly felt ready to eat before my body was actually ready, and I pushed it a bit. But then I got a little nauseous afterwards so I ate something less heavy the next meal. This happens, but your body does get back to normal pretty quick. Initially it might be difficult, but that part doesn't last for very long. At least, that's how it was with me.
 
Hobbes650 said:
That's the part I found most frustrating. I certainly felt ready to eat before my body was actually ready, and I pushed it a bit. But then I got a little nauseous afterwards so I ate something less heavy the next meal. This happens, but your body does get back to normal pretty quick. Initially it might be difficult, but that part doesn't last for very long. At least, that's how it was with me.
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The thing I found most frustrating was having the head surgeon telling me to eat because the sooner I ate the sooner I'd feel better ( even though I was still in extreme pain from the op and wind) and his chief underling telling me to take it easier, only eat what I could tolerate. Conflicting advice from surgeons? How unusual.

Was also frustrating how he (chief surgeon) wanted me to move more and more but kept decreasing my pain meds so that I couldn't. I believe the first 3 or 4 days post op they should provide enough pain meds to enable you to move as much as possible then decrease them. This op was the worst hospital experience i've had. I'm meant to go back and see the surgeon soon but I just can't bring myself to make the appointment cos it was all so awful.
 
annawato said:
The thing I found most frustrating was having the head surgeon telling me to eat because the sooner I ate the sooner I'd feel better ( even though I was still in extreme pain from the op and wind) and his chief underling telling me to take it easier, only eat what I could tolerate. Conflicting advice from surgeons? How unusual.

Was also frustrating how he (chief surgeon) wanted me to move more and more but kept decreasing my pain meds so that I couldn't. I believe the first 3 or 4 days post op they should provide enough pain meds to enable you to move as much as possible then decrease them. This op was the worst hospital experience i've had. I'm meant to go back and see the surgeon soon but I just can't bring myself to make the appointment cos it was all so awful.
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Hi Anna!

That reminds me of some experiences. I think it's different with each surgery, for whatever reason. One time after having some surgery for a j-pouch issue it took longer for me to recover than I "expected". The first week I was home I mostly laid on the couch or bed and took walks occasionally. But yet when I had my first surgery, the proctocolectimy, I was up walking the day after surgery. Now I did have some issues because I came off of the steroids too quick, but after a week I was up and walking on my own even though I was rail thin. I cannot explain why it was harder one time versus the first one- you'd think it would be harder when I was sicker and weighed much less. The point I am trying to make is that each time can be different, and just because one had a hard time doesn't mean the next time will be easier. Or harder. You never know. All you can do is listen to your body and then do as much as your body says is ok.
 
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Hobbes, as usual you're absolutely right. I've had this surgery three times and this is the only time I can complain about. Three out of Four aint bad!
 
I'm so frustrated! My tablet keeps eating my posts! Here's a final attempt. If you're reading this it worked.
Having a day where I hate being in my body. Bag, having my incision packed and seton bands. I have moments where I wish I could just crawl out of my body and take a break.
I've also had an awful cold flu thing for the past couple weeks which isn't helping. I thought my energy level was rising before that and I guess it is still but being sick has really taken it out of me.
I tried wearing jeans for the first time yesterday and hated every minute of it. I still can't figure out how to be comfortable with my bag tucked into my pants so I wore it out with a long camisole. The waist band of my jeans felt like it was rubbing the sticky part and I was worried it would lift up. I think I still need to figure out how much abuse things can take and still hold together.
Also wondering when most people see some weight gain? I thought I was making progress there but weighed myself and seemed to have lost a couple lbs this week.
Sorry this post is negative. I don't generally feel that way. Just how I feel right now.
 
Yay!! I can read your post!

Boo, you aren't doing so well. Honey, don't apologize for being negative. We ALL have days/weeks/months of not doing too good at all. Anyone says different is a liar. The problem with getting a stoma, and recovering is we have alot of ups and downs. Add to the fact you've gotten flu, and that will set you back again.

I personally had to get maternity jeans, can't wear my old ones anymore. I fought it, I didn't like it, but I love jeans and leggings so maternity was the way to go. When you feel more up to it it's a good excuse to go shopping!

You just have to find things that work for YOU. Only way is trial and error I'm sorry to report.
:rosette2:
 
Hi I know the feeling about body image and the bag I'm the same I've had mine 14 months. When I wear jeans my bag seems to always show above my jeans so I have to keep pulling my jeans up over it. Also I make sure I wear a camisole underneath my jumper/top to hide it. Weight gain I have stayed the same as before I was ill can't seem to put any on and I need to as well just incase I lose some after my next surgery. Wish I could but my body has always been the same and can't seem to put any on no matter how much I eat. The only time I put on weight is when I had those protein drinks after my op. they were vile but done the job! Maybe I should get put on them again. You will get there it just takes time and patience. Hope you get better soon.
 
Things crohnies can't eat that make me sad:
Popcorn- what's going to the movies with out it?
Peanuts- all nuts really, I like nuts and seeds. MmMmmm sunflower seeds
Coconut- I love chocolate macroons and usually bake macroons at christmas time :(
Mushrooms- cream of mushroom soup is my favourite! And sateed mushrooms and steak! Mmmmmmm!
That's all I can think of right now.
I'm sure there's more though.
 
It took me a while to start putting on weight, but the funny thing was that, because I went off Pred., my face actually got thinner and most people didn't even notice that I was putting on weight. Some of them said that I looked sicker, but it was just my face dropping in.

I only even buy jeans or other trousers that are high waisted so that the waist band is completely above the stoma bag. It's difficult to get them but I have a couple of favourite shops that keep an eye out and ring me when something comes in that they think might suit me.

Popcorn isn't something that I miss because I never liked it, not even the smell. And I haven't been able to eat most nuts or any seeds for a very long time. I find that I can eat peeled walnuts and macadmia nuts, but have to chew them well, of course. Coconut is a definite no-no for me.

Have you tried making mushroom sauce and blending/processing it very finely? I still wouldn't eat a lot of it, but a bit of sauce might be nice on your steak.
 
maimmie said:
Things crohnies can't eat that make me sad:
Popcorn- what's going to the movies with out it?
Peanuts- all nuts really, I like nuts and seeds. MmMmmm sunflower seeds
Coconut- I love chocolate macroons and usually bake macroons at christmas time :(
Mushrooms- cream of mushroom soup is my favourite! And sateed mushrooms and steak! Mmmmmmm!
That's all I can think of right now.
I'm sure there's more though.
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I haven't eaten popcorn for YEARS, long before I got Stan. I no longer go to the movies because it's TORTURE. But...you may get away with nuts, chewed very, very well. You should try them, in small doses only to test. Coconut, I've managed with, again, very little chewed well. Mushrooms, I've eaten them! I think it's all in preparation, chewing. This is the problem because we are all so different. You have to try it and see if it works for you.
 
I eat everything...popcorn, nuts, coconut...not mushrooms though, I'm allergic to them. I've never had a problem with any of them.
 
Colostomies are more forgiving true. But we have a lot of ileo folks that can eat everything too. (thank goodness)
 
Thanks guys I guess I'll just have to get brave and try stuff a bit at a time. I may wait a bit longer though before experimenting too much since this tuesday will be six weeks and I think they reccomend the low residue diet for 6-8 weeks post surgery. I will admit I've eaten some junk already. I have a weakness for potato chips and candy.
Yesterday I did a bit of shopping for ostomy friendly clothing. I got a few sweaters and a couple long tank tops. I don't know if they have the store anywhere but Canada, but Bootlegger carries the great long stretchy tanks that I wear under most of my tops and it works great for coverage and support. I'd think they are almost like a ostomy band. I'll look it up and see if I can post a link to them in case anyone is interested.
 
Food - I have no problem with nuts Amy, but I'm not prone to blockages either - I think you can eat anything once the first 6 or so weeks are passed so long as you don't overdo it and try a little at a time at first. I've been eating cherries and grapes and although the skins come thru rather whole they haven't cause me a problem - I imagine mushrooms would be similar so long as they were chopped up well since i think they swell up (???)
Haven't eaten them myself cos I hate them but could be worth you trying a few, well chopped and chewed since you love them.And coconut I didn't even know it was on the forbidden list, again i think a little should be ok - but of course I am no expert. :)
 
I'm being brave and trying something new today. I got samples of the coloplast sensura flex two piece system. I was a bit worried about trusting just an adheisive to hold it all together so I took one of them and stuck it together and filled it with water to see how the weight was on it and shook it around and tipped it to see if it held and didn't leak. Since it seemed to work and hold together really well I'm trying it out. The only thing I don't like so far is that I got opague bags and I'm not used to not being able to see my stoma and the out put. Don't know if I can get used to that.
 
maimmie said:
I'm being brave and trying something new today. I got samples of the coloplast sensura flex two piece system. I was a bit worried about trusting just an adheisive to hold it all together so I took one of them and stuck it together and filled it with water to see how the weight was on it and shook it around and tipped it to see if it held and didn't leak. Since it seemed to work and hold together really well I'm trying it out. The only thing I don't like so far is that I got opague bags and I'm not used to not being able to see my stoma and the out put. Don't know if I can get used to that.
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They come in the non-transparent bags...just give them a call and they'll send you some. I don't like seeing what my dude's doing either...lol
 
Nyx said:
They come in the non-transparent bags...just give them a call and they'll send you some. I don't like seeing what my dude's doing either...lol
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The way I read it, she LIKES to see what her stoma is doing. I never did either. The opaque (non transparent) bags are great in that there may be times other people don't want to see what your stoma is up to, but not everyone cares about that part.
 
I ordered the opaque bags because I didn't think I wanted to see what it was up and didn't want to have to worry about other people catching a glimpse. But turns out I've gotten used to being able to see it and watch what its up too. I like being able to see what kind of output I'm having. Also I have a problem with the flange gapping right next to my stoma and if I can see that happening sooner it hurts my skin less because I can know it needs to be changed.
 
I dont like to see mine personally, but hey, we are all different.

I am using that very system Amy, and I really like it! I can change bags so easily, and that makes me a happy camper. I hope you like the system!
 
maimmie said:
Things crohnies can't eat that make me sad:
Popcorn- what's going to the movies with out it?
Peanuts- all nuts really, I like nuts and seeds. MmMmmm sunflower seeds
Coconut- I love chocolate macroons and usually bake macroons at christmas time :(
Mushrooms- cream of mushroom soup is my favourite! And sateed mushrooms and steak! Mmmmmmm!
That's all I can think of right now.
I'm sure there's more though.
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I didn't know people with Crohns shouldn't eat Mushrooms I eat them all the time. Why not Mushrooms?

I was just diagnosed in October so still sort of a Noob
 
maimmie said:
Also I have a problem with the flange gapping right next to my stoma and if I can see that happening sooner it hurts my skin less because I can know it needs to be changed.
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Same here. Twice last month I wasn't paying attention and ended up with raw skin near the opening. No itch and no burning, but the skin was tore up. If I had the opaque bag, I would've gone on even longer before chnaging.
 
cleuger said:
I didn't know people with Crohns shouldn't eat Mushrooms I eat them all the time. Why not Mushrooms?

I was just diagnosed in October so still sort of a Noob
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Mushrooms swell up in your gut. If you have a stricture or kink, it could cause an obstruction. New ileostomies are more prone to obstruction, so we are warned to avoid mushrooms for the first few months (or more).
 
2thFairy said:
Mushrooms swell up in your gut. If you have a stricture or kink, it could cause an obstruction. New ileostomies are more prone to obstruction, so we are warned to avoid mushrooms for the first few months (or more).
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I have a stricture but I think the surgeon said it was mostly due to inflammation it never hurts when I eat them. For the future Ill reconsider when thinking about eating them. Thanks
 
:heart: Toothy, I don't think we should tell them about you and Johnny Depp then should we? Nah...too private.
 
maimmie said:
Things crohnies can't eat that make me sad:
Popcorn- what's going to the movies with out it?
Peanuts- all nuts really, I like nuts and seeds. MmMmmm sunflower seeds
Coconut- I love chocolate macroons and usually bake macroons at christmas time :(
Mushrooms- cream of mushroom soup is my favourite! And sateed mushrooms and steak! Mmmmmmm!
That's all I can think of right now.
I'm sure there's more though.
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Popcorn i don't eat at all. I could eat some, but when I eat popcorn it's a pretty unconscious act so I'm afraid I'll eat too many and get blocked up. Coconut is no problem for me. Mushroom are ok, but I'm cautious- I make sure they are in small pieces and don't eat too many at one sitting. Cream of mushroom soup is fine for me. On a steak is fine too as long as I keep them small. Nuts aren't great for me either, like popcorn. I don't go out of my way to eat nuts, but I won't refuse a food if it has nuts in it- usually it's not that many so as long as I chew them up well I'm good. But like popcorn, I won't sit down and eat a bunch of nuts while watching the football game, etc.
 
2thFairy said:
I like to watch. I'm a freak. ;)
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Me too! And its one of the reasons I don't use coloplast bags = My welland bags have a clear plastic front covered by the usual brown cover but there is a slit so you can open it and see whats happening. I also have the problem of the flange gapping next to my stoma so it is good to know when thats happening.
Plus, well I must admit I am always amazed at what comes out and how quickly or how undigested etc etc. Yep, definitely a freak too. :quack: :)
 
Has anyone tried salts products? I have some samples of them. They have a similar coupling system to the coloplast flex but the bag is clear with a beige cover with a slit so you can peek in and see what's happening. I'm thinking of giving them a try. I just hope the flange sticks to me as well as the coloplast ones do. The flange is of a softer more bandaid like material and has slits to help it conform better to curves like if you had a hernia. Hopefully when my output leaks under the edge as it always seems to do now it won't eat its way through this flange and cause leaks. I was going with the theory that if it aint broke don't fix it with the coloplast flange working so well for me. Its just too bad they don't have a bag with the feature I want.
I really like the idea of most of the time not seeing the output but that I can look if I want to. I guess wish me luck!
 
I've tried the salts bags and found them quite good, particularly the peakaboo window like my welland bags but I prefer the emptying system on the welland bags cos they have a little tab to open the spout. I also found their (salts) convex bags to be a bit too rigid but the non convex bag was really comfortable - just didn't work for me cos I really need convex.
Certainly worth trying Amy. Can you get welland bags in Canada? I'd recommend them if you want the peakaboo window and a flexible strong flange.
 
Well just to update, I didn't like the salts bag at all mostly because I found the emptying system to be not as nice as the coloplast so I'm back to using them for now. I like their nice wide opening and they are much easier to keep the end clean.
I've ordered convatec samples and I'm going to look into wellend as well. So far I just prefer the coloplast but would love the option of an opaque bag with a window.
Coloplast just came out with a one piece closed bag with one. I'm hoping they will expand that feature across the board.
 
It would be nice to combine the feature of all the different bags you like. We should design our own - except we all like different things!
 
I agree. I loved the dansac but they got smelly, not poo but the adhesive smelt on me. I now use the coloplast and am a little against trying another yet, as if its not broken don't fix it. Would love to see what comes out..I'm a bit of a sicko also, when there are lumps in my pouch I try to work out what they are. I have to say lately its been capsicum or peas. Even when I chew till my jaw hurts, the peas stay whole!
 
Jaano711 said:
Even when I chew till my jaw hurts, the peas stay whole!
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I think they reconstitute somewhere along the line!
I've always wondered if you actually absorb nutrients and calories from undigested food - my husband says yes because they're micronutrients but I'm not so sure. I'd love it if I missed some calories along the way - but if that were the case I'd be losing weight a lot faster.
Welcome Samboi. I was wondering where you were on this one, thought maybe you were just busy with your lady love and teaching. It seems we have overtaken Amy's thread and turned it into a general stoma chat, but I don't think she minds, do you Amy?
Which reminds me, how are you getting along Amy? How did your new bag trials go?
 
Welcome Samboi! And I don't mind the taking over at all. Its all good information and usually entertaining too!
As far as trials with different bags, I still seem to prefer the coloplast. I want to give opaque bags more of a chance. I think the benifit of not having to see the mess all the time out weighs not being able to see my output or my stoma when I want too. I can usually tell when I have some gapping anyway since it stings or itches a bit.
The only thing I'm not so sure I like is the filters that come with a non transparent bag. They seem to only stay good for a day. As soon as I lay down at night the output is gonna get it wet and ruin it. Plus I'm paranoid about smell and I really think the filter allows stink to escape no matter what they claim.
Anyone else have thoughts on filters? How to make them last longer? Stink?
Oh and I went out on saturday! My husband and I went to dinner and a movie! I haven't gone out to eat in a very long time, not to mention eating out before going to do something else! We were out for about 6hrs because we did some shopping first too. Two months ago I could not have done that!
 
Thats great you've been out and about. My husband and I went out for chinese for our 25th wedding anniversary recently - it was fabulous.
As for filters, mine don't last long and actually leak fluid sometimes if I allow the bag to fill too much or if I lie down. Then they do block up. But since I change them everyday its not such a problem with me.
I'm not sure about stink - I occasionally smell a smell and wonder if its me. Recently when I was having leaks at night I kept smelling a terrible smell. I had several showers thinking I must still have poop on me. I couldn't work out why my output didn't smell like the terrible smell i could smell. My husband laughed his head off when I confided in him and told me that the neighbour had just put blood and bone on her garden!
 
Nothing like being a normal person! It feels wonderful after going through so much and coming out the other side. It is amazing what healthy people take for granted isn't it?

So glad you had a lovely dinner and shopping!
 
If anybody can remind me what normal feels like let me know ! It's been that long I forget what it's like.
 
Well, I think that "normal" is a very over-rated state of being. :ytongue:

Uncommon, oddball, eccentric, unusual, singular, exceptional, extraordinary, idiosyncratic, even strange, are much more interesting descriptors, surely!:D
 
Man, I just wrote a post here and the Internet fairies have taken it!

Anyway, hi big truck, I haven't seen you around in ages, I do hope you are doing ok. Nice to see your name again.

Maimmie, I use the coloplast with the filters, but, I cover the filter with the little stickers that come with the bags. It seems to stop the smell and the 'damp spot" from happening. It would probably be easier to order filter less bags. Suppose it's all working so I don't want to risk changing it all and a disaster.

I have a box full of samples that I am still to wary to try. Maybe I will have a look at them tomorrow and maybe phsyc myself up for a change.
 
Hi Jaano. Love your chocolate Lab puppy.
dog-1.gif


Try the sample bags on a day that you are at home and have no stressors - and don't expect too long out of them.
 
I use the coloplast bags with the filters too. If I get 24 hours out of a filter I would consider that good! I have a very loose output though rather more ileo than colostomy actually.

There is one positive though...I can burp the bag and clear a room in seconds flat! Those filters are useless after a short time and it blows up like a balloon...hey, it's gotta get out so I use it to my advantage! :shifty:
 

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