C3Life Community Forum / General / Miscellaneous Forum

blockage of ileostomies

bearcat — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 11:27:57 GMT

I was wondering if anyone out there has had the problem of blockage with an ileostomy and no other way to discharge it, meaning my rectum was also removed. had this thing since Jul-08 and its the first problem i've had, my gastro doc said to use a mild laxative and it should help get things moving.

So some of ya'll jump in and give me some info

Health Insurance

Don_Wallbaum — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 08:16:22 GMT

Gentlefolk;

Had my own health insurance through an employer until I was riffed in 2004. Luckily, my wife took a job at an area hospital, and it costs her $45/mo. to add me to her ins. Prior to that, I was doing the COBRA gig, at around $800 per month. This adds up after a while.

Doing contracting work now, I have not picked up my own insurance, but making inquiries about private insurance outside of an employer group policy has left agents rolling on the floor in fits of laughter. "You want WHHHAATTT!! Hey, Joe, come here, listen to this! This guy... ready? Sit down. No, Im serious. This guy here wants HEALTH INSURANCE! HOOO! BOY! Next thing ya know they are gonna bring back pay phones and the nickle cup o' joe..."

And so it goes, with some variation, company after company.

So, how are folks here handling insurance, and what are you looking for, if anything?

Don

Seatbelts

lamabr — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 16:43:23 GMT

Hi Everyone,

I thought I would bring up an interesting topic. I firmly believe in wearing seatbelts. I wear mine 99.9 % of the time. The ONLY time I don't wear it is IF MY ostomy pouch is extremely too full. At that time I don't want to put pressure on the ostomy pouch. Otherwise the seatbelt goes on. I've had five abdominal surgeries and still wear it. I know this topic might be controversial, because I am sure there are stubborn ostomates out there who absolutley refuse to wear them. Please don't hate me for bringing this up. There are definite exceptions where a seatbelt is not appropriate for ostomates. Let's get the conversation/interesting topic going. Looking forward to the replies.

lamabr

Angry people in the bathroom... what to do?

kermit — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 13:39:21 GMT

I am sympathetic to people in wheelchairs, and if a person with a wheelchair came in while I was waiting, of course I would let them go first. It is true that I can fit into a regular stall. But with the ileostomy and getting all of my stuff together and emptying standing up, it is much easier to take care of cleanly and quickly when I am in the handicapped stall. And the other stalls in this particular bathroom are TINY with doors that open into you and often won't lock. I have used this stall many times over the last 5 years and there has never been a problem. So I am just finishing up and trying to get the ileosorb into the bag when someone says "You know that is a handicapped bathroom". So I explained that I had a medical reason why I was using that stall, and that I would be out in a minute. I came out and this angry woman in a wheelchair says "oh, what, you needed all that extra room for that backpack?" So again I said "you don't know anything about my medical issues, but I have a valid reason to use this stall." More words back and forth, and I was tempted to whip the bag out and show it to her, but I didn't. Finally she said "that stall is for people in wheelchairs" and when I reiterated my point, at which point she said "I'm tired of hearing it" and then I kind of lost my temper and told her "I'm tired of hearing you too, you dumb b***h" and left.

I was not happy with the way I handled that, but I felt very frustrated. Most people know nothing about ostomies, and it is hard to have people verbally attack you for something that you know you didn't do wrong. When I left, I was afraid of more confrontation, so I did not use the bathroom, which was not the end of the world, but not comfortable either. I am unsure of how to handle this sort of thing in the future. The place where this happens is a place where I could run into this kind of issue again. And if I had a leak, I would use that stall, and I would be in there at least 10-15 minutes. If it is not clear by now, I despise confrontation. Anyone else run into this problem before? What would people advise in terms of dealing with this if it happens again?

place to but undies (both men&women)

bearcat — Sat, 03 Jan 2009 15:33:03 GMT

this may or may not be news to some, but i found it a very interesting place.

web site is located in Leicester LE8 4BZ and i think that is in Great Britain. any way the web site is cuiinternational.com.

they have under garments for both sexes several different medical reasons. price is in british pounds( presently $1=1.46 pounds)you can type in currency calculator on line and it will give you the exchange rate.

they have for men i know 2 styles and 2 colors in each, haven't checked out the ladies yet. the mens have pouches inside the briefs.

i'm not sure i would wear then everyday, but i can see it being useful in swimming and other out door activity and maybe formal events. anyway if you think this might be useful, then check it out. i bought one set and it cost me 26.60 american and 12 days delivery time. they did what they said they would so i trust them and will probably buy again

Question?

Leggy — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 08:32:53 GMT

Does anyone know anything about a Stoma Register please? I had a phone call from 'someone' who asked me to confirm my name - ok - then asked what kind of stoma I had ! I was utterly astounded as i have only told the immediate family and a very few close friends that I have had a Urostomy operation. So, i asked who wanted to know and how they had got their information and she just said it was The Stoma Register and could they call me back for further info about myself later in the week. I've no objection to answering questions really, especially if its helpful to the medical profession or others who are in the same boat, but rather annoyed that my personal details are somehow generallyavailable somewhere, without my knowledge.

A Happy and Healthy New Year to everyone

lacemaker — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 11:20:07 GMT

Wishing everyone whatever they wish for themselves.

Best wishes

Finding out about C3Life

opalwintry — Thu, 22 May 2008 12:52:29 GMT

Fuzzy recently made an interesting comment and I for one would like to know the answer!:w00t:

[quote][b]fuzzy (5/19/2008)[/b][hr]lilli...have we another Brit on this forum? ....I'm curious why, suddenly, so many from the UK are joining? How did each of you find out about this forum? I think that I found a reference to The Forum on either an Ostomy Assoc. Newsletter or from Hollister (can't quite remember). I'm just curious on how the word's getting out...it's great to know that more & more are learning of this. :P[/quote]

To respond, make sure you are signed in, then just check one of the boxes above, click on 'Add Vote' and it will add your answer. Hit 'refresh' and you will see the scores!;)

Pajamas

Lovemymom — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 08:30:54 GMT

So, Mom is settling in okay with her new urostomy bag. But, she's wondering how things will work with the bag at night once the weather gets cooler and she wants to wear pajama bottoms. The tube for the night bag isn't long enough to snake all the way down the pajama pants leg and that seems like it might be a little uncomfortable anyway. What do all of you do? She was thinking of maybe putting something like a button hold in the appropriate place in her jammies for the tube to come out. Any other suggestions?

Thanks

I'm back

lacemaker — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 00:42:02 GMT

hi all.did you miss me?Just got back from a week of ski-ing.First time as a double bagger and no hassles at all. The injections seem to be helping (fingers crossed) and I had more energy.

tests, hospitals.

scousemonk — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 11:05:03 GMT

hi everybody. i was told a while back that i need a ileostomy,(non reversal.) the surgeon told me that it was a big operation, and i would have to have councilling from a stoma nurse, and more tests. i was happy with the situation, i was sent for a barium enema xray by the surgeon, and was called by the stoma nurse who invited my wife and myself to a meeting. you see i hadnt told my wife exactly what i was going to the hospital for, she is not a stupid woman, but i just told her that it was a suspected ulcer. the cat came out the bag the night before our visit, i had told my son what was happening from day one, his atittude was, (sh-t happens dad,) you only get one chance at life and when sh-t happens you have to deal with it. you will still be the dad to us and the grandkids, you have had problems in the past and we have all got over them. my wife was not as cool about it,but that is another story. we went to see the stoma nurse and we where there for 2 hours, they explained what i had to look forward to, my wife was dumb-struck when she was told exactly what was going to happen, but like all women she was strong and took in more information than i did. i was told by the stoma nurse that would have another appointment with them in the presence of the surgeon as he wanted to go through everything with me and the stoma nurse, i was happy with what was going on, and my wife has took control of my way of life and my diet, as a 54yr old scouser i loved my fish+chips, curries and fast food. i am on a diet now i have lost 21lb in the last 4 weeks, excersing and eating fresh fruit. i was doing well,i have read nearly all the posts on this site and have had some brilliant feedback. i am reading everything that i can get my hands on concerning the ileostomy. i am prepared mentally i think, physically i need to lose a bit more weight, i have even met two people who live locally who have had stomas, one guy i have known for years, been on holiday with his family and i only found out, when he came to see me. and a lady who lives opposite me, she even showed me her scars, i have known her for 25yrs. so yes i think i am going to get all the help i need from these people,and sites like this one which i visit when not being bossed into taking a walk or doing things about the house. i thought that i was coping, but then i recieved a letter from my local hospital,with an appointment for another colonoscopy, i thought that i had been through all the tests, my wife phoned the stoma nurse to ask the reason for this appointment, she never had a clue,but she would make some enquiries and get back to us. after a couple of hours she called back and told us that the surgeons secretary would ask the surgeon if he had requested the test. when she called the next day she informed us that the surgeon did not order the test, i was not having any more tests,as he had all the information he needed. and i was to cancel the appointment.now i dont know about other hospitals but my local has an automated system, so i couldnt find out who had requested the test, i tried, my god i tried but i have had to give up. has anybody else had phantom appointments. i am sorry i have ranted on but i try to keep things to myself, i feel better now i have got it out in the open. i look at life differently now, i am sure i will have times when i will have to rant on this site again, but i will know that i am ranting among friends. my grandson who is 10yrs old came out with a classic the other day, he said, with a straight face, (grandad when you die can i have all your money, i will be sad for a week but then i will go shopping.) ah well from the mouth of an innocent child, but he brightened my day, what else can you wish for. thank you for reading this book, god bless you all. friends indeed.

scousemonk aka john.(liverpool.)

Want to blame someone for the mess

GRASSHOPPER — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 08:30:33 GMT

Received email today.

545 PEOPLE By Charlie Reese

Politicians are the only people in the world who create problems and then campaign against them.

Have you ever wondered why, if both the Democrats and the Republicans are against deficits, WHY do we have deficits?

Have you ever wondered why, if all the politicians are against inflation and high taxes, WHY do we have inflation and high taxes?

You and I don't propose a federal budget. The president does.

You and I don't have the Constitutional authority to vote on appropriations The House of Representatives does.

You and I don't write the tax code, Congress does.

You and I don't set fiscal policy, Congress does.

You and I don't control monetary policy, the Federal Reserve Bank does.

One hundred senators, 435 congressmen, one president, and nine Supreme Court justices, 545 human beings out of the 300 million are directly, legally, morally, and individually responsible for the domestic problems that plague this country.

I excluded the members of the Federal Reserve Board because that problem was created by the Congress. In 1913, Congress delegated its Constitutional duty to provide a sound currency to a federally chartered, but private, central bank.

I excluded all the special interests and lobbyists for a sound reason. They have no legal authority. They have no ability to coerce a senator, a congressman, or a president to do one cotton-picking thing. I don't care if they offer a politician $1 million dollars in cash. The politician has the power to accept or reject it. No matter what the lobbyist promises, it is the legislator's responsibility to determine how he votes.

Those 545 human beings spend much of their energy convincing you that what they did is not their fault. They cooperate in this common con regardless of party.

What separates a politician from a normal human being is an excessive amount of gall. No normal human being would have the gall of a Speaker, who stood up and criticized the President for creating deficits. The president can only propose a budget. He cannot force the Congress to accept it.

The Constitution, which is the supreme law of the land, gives sole responsibility to the House of Representatives for originating and approving appropriations and taxes. Who is the speaker of the House? She is the leader of the majority party. She and fellow House members, not the president, can approve any budget they want. If the president vetoes it, they can pass it over his veto if they agree to.

It seems inconceivable to me that a nation of 300 million can not replace 545 people who stand convicted -- by present facts -- of incompetence and irresponsibility. I can't think of a single domestic problem that is not traceable directly to those 545 people.

When you fully grasp the plain truth that 545 people exercise the power of the federal government, then it must follow that what exists is what they want to exist.

If the tax code is unfair, it's because they want it unfair.

If the budget is in the red, it's because they want it in the red.

If the Army & Marines are in IRAQ , it's because they want them in IRAQ .

There are no insoluble government problems.

Do not let these 545 people shift the blame to bureaucrats, whom they hire and whose jobs they can abolish; to lobbyists, whose gifts and advice they can reject; to regulators, to whom they give the power to regulate and from whom they can take this power. Above all, do not let them con you into the belief that there exists disembodied mystical forces like 'the economy,' 'inflation,' or 'politics' that prevent them from doing what they take an oath to do.

Those 545 people, and they alone, are responsible. They, and they alone, have the power. They, and they alone, should be held accountable by the people who are their bosses provided the voters have the gumption to manage their own employees.

We should vote all of them out of office and clean up their mess!

Off on holiday again

lacemaker — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 10:55:33 GMT

My husband has just booked us a holiday. I went to see the professor today and he was willing to allow me to have my slow release injection slightly early so that we can book a holiday and go away before the schools break up. We are off to St.Anton for a week on sunday so I shall be away from you all. I shall miss you all

Self Confidence

violet08 — Sun, 03 Aug 2008 15:08:22 GMT

Hi:

I am detecting the loss of self confidence in some people in some of the emails I am reading. I agree with Wendy that us "ostomates" are really cool folks. We are as good as all the people and better than most. We generally have our priorities straight (Lots of love going on in this forum i.e., look at Cantalibre and his lady.) Not many non-ostomates can have a relationship like that.. We all have an outlook on life that most people would envy. If people don't like my bag, tough! I am so much a better person than I was before all this happened, I wish it had happened earlier in my life. I laugh uncontrollaby almost every day, love my family, and have more fun that most of the bagless ones. Like Gutless said in one of her emails, "the bagless are clueless". Let's all remember that and love ourselves for who we are. When we can do that, everyone else will love us too!!

Cheers!! Also, Congratulations to Cantalibre and his lady. :P

Question for the Brits on the forum

GRASSHOPPER — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 12:19:29 GMT

I have a friend who is doing some family history work and he is trying to get details of things while his Father was in England during the war.

He has some pictures and notes that indicate that his Dad spent a lot of time at a place called the "White Horse" (either club or pub) on Piccadilly. I don't know if that is the famous square or some other road.

It looks like it may have been a by invitation only place but not sure about that either.

If you tell me it is a house of ill repute he wasn't married at the time.

Any information would be appreciated.

Edinburgh

lacemaker — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 09:01:13 GMT

In 18 days time our beloved youngest daughter gets married. For us, as we have no stable home, this means she is getting married where she and her fiancee live, in Edinburgh. This means we have had no organising to do as we don't know the area at all.We're going a couple of days earlier as we don't know Edinburgh. Does anyone have a tips of what to do there? Not really going to be bothered with shopping or art galleries.

Improvements to the Forum -- What do you think?

C3LifeAdmin2 — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 08:38:04 GMT

We'd like your feedback on improvements we've made to the C3Life Community Forum!

Test results at last

lacemaker — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 10:54:22 GMT

I had my doctors appointment finally today with the results of my recent two week incarceration. Unexpectedlly they actually think that they have found out something and have yet another new solution to try out. The output I put out from my colostomy is about 10 times what it should be at over 2.5 liters a day and it should be around 250 mls .Apparently I have a very short small intestine , about 150cm, and the average is around 500cm. this means that food is passing straight through without the fluids being absorbed as would normally happen. The enzymes that the pancreas produce are normal but because the bowel is so short everything has no chance to be absorbed. I have a lot of fat in the output, not because I eat a lot of fat, but because it is not staying inside long enough to be absorbed. They are going to give me 3 times a day injections and once a dosage has been worked out then I shall be given a slow release injection once a month. I will be taught how to do the daily injections but the monthly ones have to be put in a certain place and the actual manufacturer comes out and inserts in under the skin once a month. The drug is called Octreotide and starting at 100mg 3 times a day.It will probably take a bit of working out to find the dosage so it won't be an immediate result but hopefully it will work. I have now been transfered to the actual professor whose specialism this is rather than a more junior doctor. Apparently this professor was amazed at how much I put out, and as the junior doctor says it takes a lot to surprise them. So that makes two professors I directly see! It won't be for 10 days that I start this regime as the nurse who is going to teach me is currently away on leave. They also now understand why all the previous medications have had no effect. At least it proves I wasn't imagining it or making it seem worse than it was.So keep your fingers crossed for me. Hopefully it will work and give me a more normal output.

capsule camera endoscopy

Cheryl — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 18:46:36 GMT

I was wondering if anyone with an ileostomy had did the capsule endoscopy? I am scheduled for it and I have some concerns. When I found out the size of it (1 1/8 x 3/8) I wondered. I have had 5 obstructions and a partial blockage, lots of adhesions and scar tissue. I heard that was reasons for concern of having this done. I would appreciate any information I could get. Thanks.

Bucket List, Fires, Leaks and such

Kalamity — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 19:04:31 GMT

Hi Guys,

Wowee! I leave for a few weeks and all kinds of new members and new happenings! I have missed the forum so much and spent last few hours reading the posts and catching up.

Have been doing some things on my "bucket list" and then Ca got hit with the fire storms---one was ascoss the creek where I live. Was rather scary. You think about the things that are important that you want to save (photos) but the first thing as an ostomate that I packed were my supplies!! I have now placed supplies in several locations for some peace of mind---crazy.

Welcome to all you new members--Just Peachy-your story brought tears to my eyes and prayers to my heart---hang in there and know we are all here to help. Swifter, your humor is so refreshing--loved the sock story and I really think what with Wendy driving thru walls--you two should make an effort to get together!! welcome pensfaith, Jimmyq, gutlass, Iluvcats---I am so anxious to hear more from all of you. Sunny--love your new photo, Grasshopper you haven't lost your unique wit. Don, Brenda Elsagher is looking for funny/inspiring stories for her new book Bedpan Banter. you can get more info at livingandlaughing.com. Fuzzy, as for you--I have missed the most--your "saga" "ramblings" whatever you choose to call them-are a wonderful way to share what is happening. I believe that you have truly been the one on the forum that is unafraid to spill your heart and I have learned more about you and from you than any other person. Thank you for sharing your life with us. lacemaker--you are always there to pick us up and encourage us--thank you! others of you have kept me posted with PM--thanks for that--kept me from feeling so out of touch.

Having said all that--i will go back to reading the posts and try to catch up.

Profile

behindblueyes — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 13:59:52 GMT

Where do I go to file out the information for myprofile?

Back home

lacemaker — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 03:33:24 GMT

Well I have finally managed to escape my prison. Drs decided that as they were not going to do anything else and test results will still take a while to come in , I could go home. hurrah, at last. The colonoscopy was ok, and the camera pill test takes a while to get the results as someone has to review over 7 hrs of film. They have drained me of blood and collected urine and stool samples to their hearts content. I have one new tablet to try and 3 separate appointments with 3 different doctors over the next month, starting next thursday.
I have been bored stiff as they refused to let me go home, even though I only live 15 minutes walk away, even for only an hour, so I did anyway (bad girl). I found it pathetic and childish to be honest to be treated like a small child. I would sneak out after lunch during the quiet period, and then again during visiting hours. I just made sure I only stayed away max one hr and was there for medicine and drink trolleys. no one was checking anyway.Couldn't sleep, even with sleeping tablets, as the old lady in the bed opposite was deaf and bed ridden and they had to turn her over every 2 hrs and would come in and shout to her what they were doing. Fine for her but not for me as it woke me every time, even with ear plugs in.
Thats basically all I can tell you at the moment. I shall keep you updated as I know things myself.

Trip to see Surgeon

pensfaith — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 09:52:04 GMT

:)Hi Guys,

I didn't know where to post this so I will try to post in two places. Miscellaneous and Ostomy Surgery.

I went to talk with my surgeon today about a lot of things and he was very good about explaining things to me. What I found out was that it is a good thing I did have the first surgery because if I had waited until I was older it could have been permanent. He said the reason I had to have the ostomy was because after the resection I did not heal properly. He also said that he wants me to start doing core exercises and that at the end of October we can do the reversal surgery:D. I do understand that there is always the possibility that it wont work but I am willing to take that chance. The Doctor says that there is no reason to think it will not be a success as long as I do everything he says things will go good. I know with the help and support and prayer that I get from all of you and my family and friends all will be well. I do have to keep up with a good diet exercise and fiber supplements for the rest of my life, but I think that is worth the effort. If I haven't told you all lately, THANK YOU ALL for everything you have done for me.:kiss:

Menopause?

fuzzy — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 21:36:24 GMT

Hi, All...since age 35, I've had extreme PMS symptoms. My former gastro stated that this was quite common for Crohn's patients (really unfair as I never intended to have children!). Anyway, when I visited the gyno late last year, she told me "Sorry, you're not menopausal". However, I have not had my period for the last 72 days (6 days shy of 3 mos., for me). Each month, however, I feel like I'm getting it...the past several days, in fact. I've never been much of a sweater (as in 'sweaty', not the clothing) but this is increasing. It's not clear as it has been fairly humid this summer. In addition, I do have that pelvic fluid problem but that was noted over 2 yrs. ago, following my ostomy surgery. I know that you have to go 12 consecutive mos. before your 'cleared' & I have read about the symptoms, many of which I have. What makes me hopeful is that, when I visited my Primary Care's office last week, for feeling really poorly, one of the tests that the doc did was the FSH (follicle stimulating hormone). The results showed my level to be smack dab in the menopause range. I'm not rushing to the gyno about this as I've got enough to deal with. Just wondering if others who are or have gone through menopause, felt the symptoms of PMS during those years. Did you experience fatigue & depression??? Thanks...;)

"singles" discussion thread pulled for etiquette reasons

C3LifeAdmin2 — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 14:04:52 GMT

Just wanted to let everyone know that the discussion thread titled “singles” was removed due to poor Forum etiquette. We are currently developing etiquette guidelines for the C3Life Community Forum which will help everyone understand the “dos and don’ts” of Forum participation. These guidelines will be posted soon. Stay tuned!

The C3Life.com Team

help-with adding a post

chuck1812 — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 08:09:26 GMT

no matter what i try this site will not add my topic help chuck1812

New Members Popping-Up!

fuzzy — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 17:28:42 GMT

Hi to all Newbies...it seems that the number of new members is increasing each week. I would just like to suggest a few of the topics which you may wish to post a reply, in order to give others some background on why you joined this forum. Examples:

Why do you have an ostomy & what type (i.e., colostomy, ileostomy)?
One-piece or Two-piece (info on what products you use)?
Where are you from (certainly optional but a high-rated topic)?

You can figure out which topics are of the most interest simply by noting the no. of views listed to the right of the topic's title. Postings to any topic, no matter how old or w/ few replies, is encouraged as are new ones that you come up with. I only suggest that you consider answering the first 2 examples as these are asked of everyone who joins, for obvious reasons. Of course, you may have personal/privacy issues & prefer to only add comments. Your choice! Lastly, I think you'll find that we're a friendly & honest group; therefore, don't be embarassed to ask those otherwise difficult questions. :)

P.S. Any suggestions from other members?

People with iliostomies using cymbalta

"S" — Sun, 27 Jul 2008 16:11:57 GMT

Is it recommended for people with ileostomies to use cymbalta?

The Phoenix

swiffer — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 18:09:22 GMT

Has anyone heard of the magazine ,The Phoenix. I just ordered it .It is supposed to be for anyone dealing with an ostomy.I ordered it from the United Ostomy Associations of America,Inc

Feeling down in the dumps

Wallop — Sat, 12 Jul 2008 08:52:19 GMT

Hi everyone, i have been feeling ill for about 3 weeks now. It started by me just feeling sleepy all the time, then turned into sore throat, then a persistant cough. I have been coughing ALL night for a week now and it has pulled all the muscles in my tummy area. I had to take lots of pain killers just to get me off to sleep. Now i have my period AGAIN, ( every 2 weeks for the past 2 months) And i'm just feeling like ####. I have no energy and i have more jobs to do around the house and garden than ever before. Moan Moan Moan...... :sick:

Things they don't tell you

Don_Wallbaum — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 06:58:21 GMT

Gentlefolk;

With the wonderful new faces here, I thought it might be helpful to start of thread of "things newbies should know, but no one ever thinks to tell them."

Let's face it... the hospital is great for SOME info, but how many nurses or techs live with ostomies?

Here is my initial contribution:

How to Tell if You are About To Have a Bag Failure
___________________________________________

Appliance failure are inevitable. But there are some ways to tell if you are on the verge of a blowout. Here is what I have found, YMMV.

The following assumes you are using a barrier ring. Even if you aren't using a barrier ring, this is still useful, although the indications are not so obvious.

Also note: this deals specifically with ileostomies, my own area of expertise, such as it is. I don't have any insights into colostomies.

First, feel what your flange feels like when it is new and just attached. The ring is smooth, firm, with a very consistant texture and solidity all the way around. Remember this feel - this is the "new-feel" and the one you will use for all other comparisons.

As the ring ages, you will notice that it begins to swell as it absorbs moisture. This part is normal. You will also notice that the top part of the ring tends to swell less and stay firmer, or stay more "new-like" than the bottom. This too is normal. Remember: your fluids drain to the bottom (thank Issac Newton for this insight) so the bottom of the barrier assembly takes the brunt of the fluidic assault.

Now, if you start feeling soft areas of the ring (remember, it is softening daily as it ages), softer and spongier than the surrounding area of the ring, you are in trouble, Or soon will be. Think of a cantaloupe that is ripening. The overall cantaloupe will soften, some some areas will be riper, will be softer, will be dimplier than the other areas.

If you feel small, spongie "holes" in the barrier ring, this is an indication that the seal has broken down in that area. This does NOT mean that you will immediately blow out, but your seal is degraded. You may have a couple of hours. You may have 12. You may have a day. But that is the weak spot.

My rule of thumb is when I feel a soft part of the cantaloupe, I change at the first convenient momement. Do I rush out away from my cube and change? No, usually things hold together until I get home and change then. But if you do feel your cantaloupe over-ripening, increased monitoring is called for, and you should be prepared for an on-the-fly swap.

Don

Grasshopper

fuzzy — Thu, 22 May 2008 21:57:16 GMT

Grasshopper...just a note to let you know that myself & I'm quite certain, many others, continue to think about you & your family, hoping that you're all doing okay, under the circumstances. We so look forward to hearing from you, when you're ready. Miss You!...fuzzy & the gang :)

Good News/Rough Day

fuzzy — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 22:40:10 GMT

Hi All...I received word yesterday that The Boston Foundation for Sight will be funding (100%) my Scleral Lens! For those who didn't read my prior post, I have severe corneal damage due to prior treatments for Conjunctival Malignant Melanoma (a rare eye cancer). This is the only place, in the world, to offer this lens. It was invented by a former Mass. Eye & Ear researcher & is used to help people w/ severe corneal damage, usually caused by Severe Dry-Eye & Stevens-Johnson Syndrome. It's absolutely amazing...it will help me w/ painful eye irritation, swelling, weeping, photosensitivity & overall vision. People come to this institution from all over the world & it's located in my hometown! I'm so excited that I was selected as an excellent candidate! Now I'll be able to drive & not struggle to keep my eyes open! No, I didn't have any accidents, thankfully. :P

Tough day today, however. Awoke for the 3rd time this month w/ somewhat of a migraine. I had lunch w/ a couple of former co-workers & spent most of it fighting off panic-attacks (I'm not prone to headaches & that 'out of it' feeling brings on panic)! I originally thought that the cause was due to hormones but am now wondering if it's sinus/allergy, or maybe a combo. To top it off, I stopped in the grocery store & had a mucous attack...only a dribble came out but I've had rectal soreness since...I'm tired of dealing w/ these daily problems & I can't face the 'big' surgery...rectum/colon (okay, I only have 10% of that) removal! I need a break from always feeling lousy. That's it...thanks, once again, for letting me bend your ears...:w00t:

Your best freebie

Don_Wallbaum — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 07:20:52 GMT

My BEST one is a really nice duffle bag - unfortunately, it is festooned with the logo and name of a cancer drug. So, let's go ahead and advertise the fact the guy with the tote has had cancer!! Whoopee..... Lessee... got that during a chemo run one day.

I got a HUGE stack of Procrit post-it notes, which are useful around the house, but not used on anything going OUTSIDE the house... lets advertise that the user is taking PROCRIT and his body is falling apart! Irony here is I just got the chatchky,never did take Procrit.

Prob. the most USEFUL chatcky was the Hollister travel bag for packing all my ostomy clutter. - bags, rings, flanges, etc etc etc. Got that from the hospital as I was leaving. The curved scissors are quite irreplaceable if you cut a flange. Also dull rather quickly. Oh, well...

On the plus side, my junk mail has been reduced, since I no longer get any soliciations for insurance. The last piece of solicitation I rather enjoyed. It was, IIRC:

"On your bed, where you lie,
Is probably where you're gonna die
Before you take your last sigh
Please don't renew your insurance."
- Your Friends at Acme Insurance

Don

Wendy crashed her car!!

Wallop — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 09:32:53 GMT

Hi , i need you sympathy. Ive just reversed my car into my house. The first time in 25 years of driving, that ive had an accident. The car belonged to my Dad and he left it to me in his will . He sadly passed away 18 months ago. And now i feel so guilty. The lights are all smashed and i cried and cried. My op tomorrow too. All a bit too much to cope with. Feeling very sorry for myself.:(

Fancy building a stupid house right next to a drive way , i ask you ??

Woo

C3Life.com Forum Improvements

opalwintry — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 08:49:01 GMT

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How well / long do you sleep?

Don_Wallbaum — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 05:35:29 GMT

Gentlefolk;

Ileostomies require frequent watering to thrive and be happy. Thankfully, they also require very little light, or my world would be much different than it is.

But as I dutifully slam my water during the day, the downside is that I am hitting the loo (Hi Wendy! I also speak English as well as American!) 2-3 times a night, which pretty much destroys my sleep patterns.

Does anyone else have a similar hassle with sleeping? Am I overlooking something terribly simple?

thx!

Don

Waxing

fuzzy — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 16:19:45 GMT

Hi All...just curious, does anyone get bikini waxes & does the appliance interfere w/ this...specifically, if you want the top area done? I haven't had alot of luck w/ this technique in the past but occasionally think of trying it again. Worried about it being somewhat embarassing... :blush:

Forgotten Topics

fuzzy — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 20:29:23 GMT

Hi All...I was revisiting a few of the older Forum Topics & wondered why no one has added comments to these? I'm guessing that there are many 'guests' that may be reading some of the older posts & wishing that they had or could ask a question, voice an opinion, etc. There appear to be numerous issues that we only skimmed the surface of...I'd just hate to see these go to the recycle bin. Also, some of the new topics tend to mimic the old. I just figured that I'd mention this & hopefully, some new friends will join us and/or some old friends will add to the topics. Are we really done talking about waxing?!!! Okay, I'll give you that one...RECYCLE! Honestly, just look at how many people have viewed some of these topics. :P

what to wear when going out in public and not wearing the ostemy inside your pants

sunseeker — Sun, 02 Mar 2008 15:03:20 GMT

Because of the location of my ostomy it is difficult to wear the bag inside of my pants. I have two family weddings coming up and I don't want to go because I can't wear dress pants and tuck in a shirt. I am having a very hard time adjusting to the major change in my lifestyle because of my ileostomy. Does anyone have any suggestions to help me deal with the "what to wear" when going out in public?