In reality I am still a rookie when it comes to having an ileostomy bag. In January 2016, I had my colectomy with ileostomy surgery as a result of Colonic Inertia. I am still learning as I go, trying new suggestions, and maneuvering through this new experience. However, along my journey thus far, I have made some personal discoveries that make life with an ileostomy easier. 1) Having an ileostomy has dramatically decreased the time that I have to spend in the bathroom! Emptying the bag literally takes a minute, whereas before surgery, it was common to stay in the bathroom for hours and hours before any relief was found. 2) I have drastically reduced the amount of medications, specifically laxatives, that I was dependent on for day to day survival prior to my colectomy. 3) Prior to surgery I was fearful of how often I was going to have to empty and change the bag. However, since surgery, I usually only have to visit the restroom a couple times a day (some people depending on their bodies and intake may be more often). The first month after having the ileostomy, I was having to change my bag numerous times a week, sometimes the same day. However, now, I only change it one to two times a week. Luckily, after the first month, leaks have not been an issue. 4) I tried a few different styles of ileostomy bags. My current preference and favorite has been the Convex Hollister. I have found the 2 piece ones to be the most comfortable and dependable one for me. 5) To keep the area around my stoma healthy, I use the stoma powder, barrier wipes, and moldable barrier rings. I prefer this much better than the stoma paste - though I had to use both the rings and paste to begin with until my stoma reached it's "normal" size. (It shrinks during the first month or two.) 6.) I prefer to take a shower with my bag still attached, though some people actually like to take a shower without the bag. To begin with, I tried covering my bag with a plastic bag to keep it dry while taking a shower. However, that was a huge and unnecessary nuisance. There is no reason to cover the ileostomy bag to prevent it from getting wet. It dries very quickly on it's own. I have heard of some people drying theirs with a hair dryer. I'm not sure which brand of bag they use, but my Hollister bags dry fast enough without worrying with hair dryers or any other drying technique. 7.) Swimming with an ileostomy is perfectly fine and rather easy. I was only able to go once for about 20 minutes, due to my health condition and current symptoms, but the bag was comfortably covered by my bathing suit and posed no problems or issues. Hopefully, by next summer, I will have my symptoms better managed and actually be able to enjoy the pool with my kids. 8.) With an ileostomy bag you can wear any clothes that you are comfortable in. I love wearing my sweatpants and yoga pants/leggings around the house. When I go out in public, I am usually wearing either jeans or jean shorts. The ileostomy bag is not noticeable under my clothes as long as it is empty (or near empty). I have found that wearing underwear that covers the entire bag is the most comfortable and desirable for me. I don't like it when the underwear "cuts" off in the middle of my bag. Most of the time I wear "normal" cotton underwear. If I am wearing a dress or if I am extra conscious about my bag for some reason, I will sometimes wear underwear that has some support, as they help keep the bag flat against my abdomen and reduce "ballooning." Do you have an ileostomy?
I would love to hear about your experiences, good and bad, as well as any ideas or suggestions that you would like to share regarding life with an ileostomy.
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Trisha BundyA proud mother, educator, Gastroparesis & GI Motility Disorder Advocate, Like my content? Want to thank me with a small token of appreciation? https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/1LH7R639ORBML?ref_=wl_share
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