The practical Advantages of having a Stoma!

Ok, due to complications of Ulcerative Colitis I had to undergo a total colectomy some years ago with consequent removal of anus and fashioning of an ileostomy, whereby the end of the small intestine is brought into the abdomen and contents discharged into a bag. Some people (those who have not undergone this procedure) might regard this as socially disadvantageous, but I beg to differ. Now I speak as a person with an ileostomy rather than a somewhat similar colostomy.

I never ever have the sensation that I need to have a cr@p, there's no chance of odour unless for a rare leak, when even then the odour is often minimal as none of it comes from a colon, the septic tank of the body. In any case I can use a rather cool charcoal gelling sachet which ordinarily takes care of any such possibility. The fact is that a vegan curry output can be identical to a vegan curry input in terms of palatability. Meat can putrify things a tad that but due to enzyme activity, but nothing like happens in a colonified being.

There is the massive advantage of being caught out in the wild. Last year in Africa, fellow travellers had to crouch down as discreetly and unsuccessfully as possible to have a sh1t in the stony desert, but I was able to lean down as if I were examining a desert flower and quickly empty the neat clean contents of my output. A bit of hand gel ensured perfect hygiene. Perfect solution for the wilderness or discretion within a no-toilet scenario.

Anybody else envy me?
All humerus replies welcome and make no bones about it please.

Excuse me, I have some questions.

When you describe emptying it -- can you explain this? The device is obviously connected to some part of your biology, so do you disconnect/ unscrew it somehow? Would you please explain that?

My second question is, how do you know when the bag is full? I suppose you just grab it every now and then, and develop a sense of things?

I'm glad you've posted this. I know from elsewhere it's something you freely discuss, so I feel able to ask forthright questions I'd never ask someone in real life. I think it's good that we should all understand each other. People should speak openly.

ButtersSuki

[Deleted User] wrote: »

Ok, due to complications of Ulcerative Colitis I had to undergo a total colectomy some years ago with consequent removal of anus and fashioning of an ileostomy, whereby the end of the small intestine is brought into the abdomen and contents discharged into a bag. Some people (those who have not undergone this procedure) might regard this as socially disadvantageous, but I beg to differ. Now I speak as a person with an ileostomy rather than a somewhat similar colostomy.

I never ever have the sensation that I need to have a cr@p, there's no chance of odour unless for a rare leak, when even then the odour is often minimal as none of it comes from a colon, the septic tank of the body. In any case I can use a rather cool charcoal gelling sachet which ordinarily takes care of any such possibility. The fact is that a vegan curry output can be identical to a vegan curry input in terms of palatability. Meat can putrify things a tad that but due to enzyme activity, but nothing like happens in a colonified being.

There is the massive advantage of being caught out in the wild. Last year in Africa, fellow travellers had to crouch down as discreetly and unsuccessfully as possible to have a sh1t in the stony desert, but I was able to lean down as if I were examining a desert flower and quickly empty the neat clean contents of my output. A bit of hand gel ensured perfect hygiene. Perfect solution for the wilderness or discretion within a no-toilet scenario.

Anybody else envy me?
All humerus replies welcome and make no bones about it please.

Always knew you were full of sheeeeeeeiiiiiiiiiiiiiit!

ButtersSuki

Also, wat colour is de ...................?

ButtersSuki

ButtersSuki wrote: »

Also, wat colour is de ...................?

It entirely depends on my consumption but I am relieved when it is tinged with bile, be it broccoli green or altered to normal sh1te colour.

banie01

Can you detach the bag and give it a twisty squeeze alà a caprisun to spray a stream of effluent at a target?

Say an annoying child? Or other such errant assholes to remind them that...
They are...
In fact!
Shítheads?

ButtersSuki

Deleted User wrote: »

It entirely depends on my consumption but I am relieved when it is tinged with bile, be it broccoli green or altered to normal sh1te colour.

Do you have a transparent bag so to speak or one of the coloured ones? I do recall seeing a patient with a very bright pink one in the hospital one day, and one that seemed to have something like Swarovski crystals on it another. Do you have a different type one for night time? I know size matters too so to speak....do you go for a few small ones or a larger one?

Also, are they free? I know they are for a lot of patients. If not, what does one set you back?

[Deleted User]

[Deleted User] wrote: »

Ok, due to complications of Ulcerative Colitis I had to undergo a total colectomy some years ago with consequent removal of anus and fashioning of an ileostomy, whereby the end of the small intestine is brought into the abdomen and contents discharged into a bag. Some people (those who have not undergone this procedure) might regard this as socially disadvantageous, but I beg to differ. Now I speak as a person with an ileostomy rather than a somewhat similar colostomy.

I never ever have the sensation that I need to have a cr@p, there's no chance of odour unless for a rare leak, when even then the odour is often minimal as none of it comes from a colon, the septic tank of the body. In any case I can use a rather cool charcoal gelling sachet which ordinarily takes care of any such possibility. The fact is that a vegan curry output can be identical to a vegan curry input in terms of palatability. Meat can putrify things a tad that but due to enzyme activity, but nothing like happens in a colonified being.

There is the massive advantage of being caught out in the wild. Last year in Africa, fellow travellers had to crouch down as discreetly and unsuccessfully as possible to have a sh1t in the stony desert, but I was able to lean down as if I were examining a desert flower and quickly empty the neat clean contents of my output. A bit of hand gel ensured perfect hygiene. Perfect solution for the wilderness or discretion within a no-toilet scenario.

Anybody else envy me?
All humerus replies welcome and make no bones about it please.

The bag is pasted to the abdomen. It is a proud accomplishment when you become an expert at this. The bag cones with an adherent "base plate", but the human body has plenty of tiny gaps especially after surgery, and more so after three abdominal surgeries as in my case. A little "stoma paste", akin to marzipan from a tube, forms a very nice seal indeed. You learn the amount of marzipan needed. As an artist and painter I enjoy this process of squeezing stuff from tubes. In fact I could create an art piece from stoma paste if asked to do so.

As for emptying it, rule of thumb is when you have a p1ss you have a quick leak from the bag at the same time. In the case if a male would make for a typical female p1ss time.

corner of hells

banie01 wrote: »

Can you detach the bag and give it a twisty squeeze alà a caprisun to spray a stream of effluent at a target?

Say an annoying child? Or other such errant assholes to remind them that...
They are...
In fact!
Shítheads?

Id like to add to Banie questions, is it possible to detach and throw the bag at say someone in a road rage incident for example? Asking for a friend.

Leg End Reject

How does sex with a new partner go down? Are they squeamish, curious etc?

ButtersSuki

ButtersSuki wrote: »

Do you have a transparent bag so to speak or one of the coloured ones? I do recall seeing a patient with a very bright pink one in the hospital one day, and one that seemed to have something like Swarovski crystals on it another. Do you have a different type one for night time? I know size matters too so to speak....do you go for a few small ones or a larger one?

Also, are they free? I know they are for a lot of patients. If not, what does one set you back?

When you initially have one in ICU after surgery it is completely clear for obvious medical reasons. Thereafter there are opaque, but viewable by wearer for inspection, so to speak. Personally speaking I change mine every second day. Some people change every day, others every three days or so. A very strong dose of Imodium almost stops things, and can be done very safely in a person with an ileostomy for change of bag or intimacy (not that a filling bag presents any practical problem).

banie01

corner of hells wrote: »

Id like to add to Banie questions, is it possible to detach and throw the bag at say someone in a road rage incident for example? Asking for a friend.

Actually I'd also like to ask another related question?

Can you attach a nozzle to the bag?
Like a piping bag to leave artistic and themed icing shít piles on the desks and cakes of your enemies?

Leg End Reject

Leg End Reject wrote: »

How does sex with a new partner go down? Are they squeamish, curious etc?

Yep, almost nobody has had experience of a stoma. I have heard of very sad cases where people have been abandoned, but this is invariably because of a combination of bad communication, bad management, or tactless impatience. It interfere not a whit with sexual performance. In fact before my surgery I had massive adhesions from my colitis which interfered painfully with my reproductive area. Immediately post surgery, in spite of surgical pain, I knew I regained a new lease of life. There are nice abdominal bands available for people who want to secure/hide bag during sex. Sexual activity will not ordinarily dislodge a securely fitted bag.

banie01

banie01 wrote: »

Can you detach the bag and give it a twisty squeeze alà a caprisun to spray a stream of effluent at a target?

Say an annoying child? Or other such errant assholes to remind them that...
They are...
In fact!
Shítheads?

Oh you could!

corner of hells

corner of hells wrote: »

Id like to add to Banie questions, is it possible to detach and throw the bag at say someone in a road rage incident for example? Asking for a friend.

Trouble is you need to quickly re-attach one ASAP before the tap continues its inevitable flow.

Leg End Reject

Have you ever considered confusing the regulars in the Etiquette thread?

:pac:

Leg End Reject

Leg End Reject wrote: »

How does sex with a new partner go down? Are they squeamish, curious etc?

I can't find it, but I'm sure there was a thread here a few years ago which featured models with stomas. I think the general consensus was surprise at how ordinary stomas look.

The gyst was something like this
https://www.glamourmagazine.co.uk/article/inspirational-women-with-stomas

I mean, let's face it, assholes are already pretty weird. If anything, stomas are an upgrade.

banie01

banie01 wrote: »

Actually I'd also like to ask another related question?

Can you attach a nozzle to the bag?
Like a piping bag to leave artistic and themed icing shít piles on the desks and cakes of your enemies?

You could indeed be artistic and creative with your output. Nozzled bags belong to urostomates.

Sky King

I imagine it slowly inflating with farts throughout the day.

How is this dealt with? Pressure relief valve?

(Awesome AMA by the way, cheers).

Sky King

Sky King wrote: »

I imagine it slowly inflating with farts throughout the day.

How is this dealt with? Pressure relief valve?

(Awesome AMA by the way, cheers).

Ah, gas is not so much produced my the small intestine. Nothing like the large one! However personally I adore sparking water (and with an ileostomy you need to intake at least twice as much water) so indeed yes the bag fills with this carbonated air. I simply discharge it when I go for a p1ss, it's no deal.

ButtersSuki

ButtersSuki wrote: »

Do you have a transparent bag so to speak or one of the coloured ones? I do recall seeing a patient with a very bright pink one in the hospital one day, and one that seemed to have something like Swarovski crystals on it another. Do you have a different type one for night time? I know size matters too so to speak....do you go for a few small ones or a larger one?

Also, are they free? I know they are for a lot of patients. If not, what does one set you back?

I forgot to answer about the cost. In any case I pay the maximum monthly medicines cost, were it for this or not, so the added stoma supplies are included. However somebody (eg a healthy person who might have undergone a probable curative bowel cancer surgery) would immediately be Mandes in this maximum medical supplies outlay territory, and it changes with budgets.

iamstop

Deleted User wrote: »

Trouble is you need to quickly re-attach one ASAP before the tap continues its inevitable flow.

You need an isolation valve.

Gregor Samsa

Do all the bags by different manufacturers have a standard interface in the attachment to the port on your body, or do you have to use particular compatible bag? I’m thinking like the way vacuum bags are different for Hoover vs Electrolux or whatever.

Gregor Samsa

Gregor Samsa wrote: »

Do all the bags by different manufacturers have a standard interface in the attachment to the port on your body, or do you have to use particular compatible bag? I’m thinking like the way vacuum bags are different for Hoover vs Electrolux or whatever.

Aha, the base plates are either flat or convex. I use the Mater as I have a deep additional scar over stoma since the (rare) subsequent emergency hernia/bowel obstruction surgery. One cuts the opening in the interface plate to (as) perfectly fit (as possible) so there is a really neat fit. I am really proud of my art at this and often listen to Joe Duffy's promo as I perform the task. It is a beautiful skill and I gave oases one many tips to fellow ostomates to accomplish complete success. I am fully open to pms for any advice from novices who may think life is somewhat depressing/curtailed. Life is only beginning!

An ileostomy, sfa.

tc20

my dear departed Mother had a colostomy bag for approx. 15 years and occasionally suffered from occasional "accidents" where the bag would become unattached.
It didn't deter her sense of humour however as she would say "its a divil to find shoes to match the bag", god bless her

JustAThought

!!!

There was a really stunning woman on First Dates who had one and showed it :0 It looked like an opaque (hospital) drip bag. Do they all have the same basic shape & size? If you eat a big platefull of food do you have to keep emptying it as the night goes on?

What about swimming/sports?

Is there a special hardy type for rugby, etc?

O - and if you don’t
mind - what about airport security and when you fly? My water bottle always crimples up - does the altitude affect the bag & flow :0

JustAThought

JustAThought wrote: »

!!!

There was a really stunning woman on First Dates who had one and showed it :0 It looked like an opaque (hospital) drip bag. Do they all have the same basic shape & size? If you eat a big platefull of food do you have to keep emptying it as the night goes on?

What about swimming/sports?

Is there a special hardy type for rugby, etc?

O - and if you don’t
mind - what about airport security and when you fly? My water bottle always crimples up - does the altitude affect the bag & flow :0

They are roughly the same shape and size, but colostomy bags have slightly bigger capacity as the discharge tends to be more occasionally and in larger bulk at a time just like as in anyone with a colon who "defecates voluntarily".

I speak as somebody with an ileostomy where the discharge is entirely from the very narrow gauge small bowel and is continuous. Yes if you don't eat for say 18 hours the output will be minimal, just a trickle of digestive juices etc. If you eat a large meal, inevitably the output will be larger, but I have gone through nights without emptying until early morning after a bit of a feast. I usually wake up some time to have a pee in any case and would look after that quick other task whilst I'd be at it.

Swimming and water is a non issue. Most activity is also a non issue, except for contact sports like boxing, but even then protection could be worn for the duration.

The basic "box of tricks" for a bag change is the bag itself, with a self adhesive base plate. Typically I change bag every two days, and preferably after a shower, where it is easy to wash off the old glue residue etc and just feels good. The tube of paste is piped out in a circle around the edge of stoma or onto the rim of the bag opening as I do. It fills in the inevitable small gap between stoma and skin. Digestive juice digests skin too, so protection much be provided. The Cavillon spray provides an additional thin protection barrier over skin, once it has been dried after the shower. The white swabs can be used dry or moistened to help with cleaning & drying. The perfumed blue tie bag provides an odour-proof, watertight means of disposal. Two bags can be used for added security & hygiene. In addition base plate extenders can be added for extra security if desired, a glue dissolve the can be used to aid removal of bag (although I have learned to peel off successfully without), and charcoal gelling sachets can be inserted into bag to thicken output which is especially handy after drinking wine.

Onion Bahji

Deleted User wrote: »

The fact is that a vegan curry output can be identical to a vegan curry input in terms of palatability. Meat can putrify things a tad that but due to enzyme activity, but nothing like happens in a colonified being.

Beautiful post OP. Educational, poetic and life-affirming. I tip my hat to you ser.

Thelonious Monk

My Dad has had UC for over 30 years now, suffered with it badly at times. He took up smoking a few years ago, 5 a day maybe, and now no hardly any symptoms, and his quality of life is a lot better. It seems to work for some people.

JustAThought

Thelonious Monk wrote: »

My Dad has had UC for over 30 years now, suffered with it badly at times. He took up smoking a few years ago, 5 a day maybe, and now no hardly any symptoms, and his quality of life is a lot better. It seems to work for some people.

that’s bizzare. Is that a thing? A unofficial hit & miss cure - smoking!?

I know 4 people affected by it - its like a new plague - NOBODY ever had it before and now it is literally destroying lives all around me. Shocking ‘disease’.

Thelonious Monk

Thelonious Monk wrote: »

My Dad has had UC for over 30 years now, suffered with it badly at times. He took up smoking a few years ago, 5 a day maybe, and now no hardly any symptoms, and his quality of life is a lot better. It seems to work for some people.

I gave up smoking about 6 years after diagnosis. It has been noted that for some reason smoking appears to improve symptoms of UC but it certainly isn't recommended to smoke on that account. UC seems to be related to a defect in the mucus production/quality. I have one copy of a CF gene, which may possibly be contributory, and occasionally get spates of respiratory issues. In UC it seems that elements in the mucus kill the resident good gut flora, allowing others to reach pathogenic level, giving rise to severe ulceration. During surgery it was discovered that I had almost definitely already suffered a silent perforation of the colon as there was evidence of an old abscess from the transverse colon under the diaphragm, causing masses of adhesions which led to some of the very troublesome symptoms. Only colectomy was able to help me.

Thelonious Monk

JustAThought wrote: »

that’s bizzare. Is that a thing? A unofficial hit & miss cure - smoking!?

I know 4 people affected by it - its like a new plague - NOBODY ever had it before and now it is literally destroying lives all around me. Shocking ‘disease’.

Yeah it seems to be. Something to do with nicotine suppressing the immune system, which is overactive in individuals with ulcerative colitis.

He's been to see countless specialists over the years and this is all that seems to manage the illness.

Thelonious Monk

Deleted User wrote: »

I gave up smoking about 6 years after diagnosis. It has been noted that for some reason smoking appears to improve symptoms of UC but it certainly isn't recommended to smoke on that account. UC seems to be related to a defect in the mucus production/quality. I have one copy of a CF gene, which may possibly be contributory, and occasionally get spates of respiratory issues. In UC it seems that elements in the mucus kill the resident good gut flora, allowing others to reach pathogenic level, giving rise to severe ulceration. During surgery it was discovered that I had almost definitely already suffered a silent perforation of the colon as there was evidence of an old abscess from the transverse colon under the diaphragm, causing masses of adhesions which led to some of the very troublesome symptoms. Only colectomy was able to help me.

Ah yeah I don't think it's a cure for all, but honestly it has changed my Dad's life.

A medical research article reference regarding the effect of nicotine on colonic mucus, the defect in which seems to be the cause of the disease rather than maybe simply being autoimmune:

Nicotine & Ulcerative Colitis