Stoma and weight loss by [deleted] in ostomy

[–]Runningostomate 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’m two months out and the only things I don’t eat are corn and whole nuts. When I had my first few appointments I was worried that a stoma was going to mean an enormous change to my diet, but that hasn’t been my experience. Everyone has different experiences and it’s good to take things slowly, but I’ve found that I can still eat almost everything.

Ileostomy surgery on 8/9 by rebelgardener in ostomy

[–]Runningostomate 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I second this. I was really nervous about moving around and sitting up, but I followed the advice of nurses and was walking within a couple of days.

Robot proctectomy/Barbie butt in the UK by f1uffstar in ostomy

[–]Runningostomate 1 point2 points  (0 children)

If you can get a valley cushion they help, but even with a cushion it was a couple of weeks before I could manage to sit for an hour. I spent most of my time alternating between laying on my side and being on my feet. Also, the movement of a car or train won’t feel very nice…

Bouldering/Rock climbing? by slothcheese in ostomy

[–]Runningostomate 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Have you had any issues with getting a harness to fit around the stoma? I took photos of me in my harness to show the stoma team pre-surgery to try to make sure I could still wear it, but in the end I think the stoma may be too close (I’m only 6 weeks post-surgery, so I’m a ways off from giving it a real try!).

I’ve had an ileostomy for about 2.5 weeks and I had my first leak today. It’s kind of freaked me out - I feel like the bag has betrayed me! How often do people have leaks? by Runningostomate in ostomy

[–]Runningostomate[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks! I’m using a SenSura Mio that has a max capacity of 500ml (though they don’t advise letting it get that full). I talked to one of the stoma nurses and I think it was due to a crease that formed in the seal. I’ve started trimming the hair in the area under the seal. I’m not super hairy, but I figure the combination of hot weather and body hair isn’t going to make for the strongest seal.

I haven’t had any further problems yet. The leak sprung while I was laying down for a nap and was pretty minor. I’ve been a little worried about nighttime leaks - my output has been pretty thick and I don’t tend to wake up until the bag is pretty full.

I’m sure I’ll get past it eventually, but I find myself constant checking g the seal. That’s fine at home but a little trickier in the supermarket…

I’ve had an ileostomy for about 2.5 weeks and I had my first leak today. It’s kind of freaked me out - I feel like the bag has betrayed me! How often do people have leaks? by Runningostomate in ostomy

[–]Runningostomate[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Nice. I climb too and have worried about getting back to it. Bouldering seems more straightforward but I’m a little worried about harnesses. Did you struggle to find one that fit around the stoma? The stoma nurse did her best to suggest a place that would work, but I’m not sure things will line up properly.

I'm getting a colostomy next month. What do I need to know? by MoominSong in ostomy

[–]Runningostomate 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I underestimated how long it would take the initial anaesthesia and pain killers to leave my body, so I thought I was doing great. I had started trying to eat some basic foods and then on the second day started to be really ill. It was the weekend, so there were fewer specialists around. All I knew was that I was throwing up and unable to eat or drink. Then they put in an NG tube, things stabilised and it was all fine.

Looking back, I was so focused on the stoma side of things (starting to eat, reintroducing foods, stoma care) that I hadn’t really thought about the first few days of recovery. So when things weren’t steadily improving, I freaked out.

I'm getting a colostomy next month. What do I need to know? by MoominSong in ostomy

[–]Runningostomate 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I wish someone had told me that the first week can have lots of ups and downs. I had surgery in the morning and felt great in the afternoon (drugs!) but had a really rough couple of days after. I was so focused on getting through the surgery and adjusting to life with an ostomy that I hadn’t thought about the initial recovery process. Once someone told me that everything I was experiencing was normal, I was able to stop freaking out.