#190974 - 08/09/10 09:04 AM
Colostomy
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fcb
Junior Member
Registered: 06/25/10
Posts: 15
Loc: S C, Irmo
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I am a 62 year old T5-T6 para 35 year post injury. Have never had any problems with bowel care until the last year or so to speak of. This year has been hell with impactions and laxatives to clear them that work whenever they please. Lately I’ve been taking 4 Bisacodyl tabs along with Milk of Mag every other day. I work full time mostly from home but go into the office a few hours each week. My VA primary care Dr. has me scheduled for a colostomy this next week (Aug 16th). This is a scary endeavor for me. Not only am I concerned about managing the colostomy but how it will affect my appearance and dress. Any comments, suggestions, words of wisdom are welcome. Thanks.
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#190983 - 08/09/10 12:26 PM
Re: Colostomy
[Re: fcb]
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paradocs
Member
Registered: 11/20/04
Posts: 2323
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I have known a few able bodied people who had one but nobody with a disability. All agreed it was a nuisance getting accustomed to it but they adjusted. I can only wish you well.
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#190987 - 08/09/10 12:50 PM
Re: Colostomy
[Re: paradocs]
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fcb
Junior Member
Registered: 06/25/10
Posts: 15
Loc: S C, Irmo
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Thanks much, the scary part is the unknown. Maybe it won't be as bad is I imagine. At least no more 2+ hours on the toliet every other evening.
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Attitude is everything!
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#191030 - 08/10/10 12:23 PM
Re: Colostomy
[Re: fcb]
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paradocs
Member
Registered: 11/20/04
Posts: 2323
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In response to Mrs. Drublic's question about Bell's palsy, Lola wrote in part
It might be a good idea for you to ask your question there, also.
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#191036 - 08/10/10 01:16 PM
Re: Colostomy
[Re: paradocs]
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soda
Member
Registered: 08/26/07
Posts: 4726
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i have had a colostomy since 1990. i used to hate my colostomy, but since i have been irrigating it, i love it! now the colostomy is active when i want it to be active.
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 67.87.81.12
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#191042 - 08/10/10 03:15 PM
Re: Colostomy
[Re: soda]
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MrsDrublic
Member
Registered: 04/03/09
Posts: 926
Loc: los angeles ish
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my mister had one for a few yrs, he hated it to bits. i hear on this forum, as soda said, irrigating it helps a lot w makin it less of a pest. one thing to remember: tape!!! the mr had to make sure the medical tape was JUST right to avoid leaks, and ive seen things u can wear around u, kinda like a stretchy band, to help keep it in place and i spose hide it a bit, not sure how well they work, but the option is out there. i hope ur surgery goes well, and best of luck to u!
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#191050 - 08/10/10 07:38 PM
Re: Colostomy
[Re: MrsDrublic]
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Paul I
Member
Registered: 02/24/00
Posts: 7913
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I had one around 6-7 months ago and have found it to be far more convenient than traditional bowel programs. Going off and on the toilet, for me, was really hard on the butt. Let me know if you actually decide to have one.
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"...only the shadow knows"
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#191057 - 08/11/10 08:19 AM
Re: Colostomy
[Re: soda]
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fcb
Junior Member
Registered: 06/25/10
Posts: 15
Loc: S C, Irmo
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I will ask about that irrigation procedure for sure. That sounds very interesting but of course I know nothing about it at this point. Thanks for the info!
I sure want to avoid leaks, MrsDrublic. I'll wear a belt and tape even duct tape if necessary. That gives me more questions to ask about. Thank you. BTW, I love your pic.
Edited by fcb (08/11/10 09:10 AM)
_________________________
Attitude is everything!
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#191074 - 08/11/10 03:12 PM
Re: Colostomy
[Re: fcb]
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Up North
Member
Registered: 05/02/06
Posts: 62
Loc: Kenai Alaska
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I'm a C 6 quad with a colostomy and have never regretted having one.
I’m 100% independent with my bowels. I started irrigation from leaving the hospital.
I use disposable sleeve for irrigation. If you have any questions, just ask. I agree, duct tape is my friend.
Good luck,
rc
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#191253 - 08/15/10 11:19 PM
Re: Colostomy
[Re: fcb]
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MrsDrublic
Member
Registered: 04/03/09
Posts: 926
Loc: los angeles ish
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I will ask about that irrigation procedure for sure. That sounds very interesting but of course I know nothing about it at this point. Thanks for the info!
I sure want to avoid leaks, MrsDrublic. I'll wear a belt and tape even duct tape if necessary. That gives me more questions to ask about. Thank you. BTW, I love your pic.
yvw and ty!(was engagement dinner).. duct tape sounds so angry, like itd tear up ur skin over time. @ UpNorth ur brave for that lol. the mr used the cloth medical tape, the kind that u can tear off in strips rather than a lonnnnnggg roll. the issue he had w leaking was he doesnt have a flat tummy, so when hed lean or whatever the folding of his belly would cause lil gaps, usually only needed 2 pieces of tape tho.
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#191254 - 08/15/10 11:55 PM
Re: Colostomy
[Re: MrsDrublic]
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Lola
Member
Registered: 03/17/05
Posts: 5944
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mrsD looks adorable in the pic... a doll!
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#191256 - 08/16/10 12:49 AM
Re: Colostomy
[Re: Lola]
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MrsDrublic
Member
Registered: 04/03/09
Posts: 926
Loc: los angeles ish
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<3 <3 <3 <3 <3 Lola <3 <3 <3 <3 <3
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#191302 - 08/17/10 08:32 AM
Re: Colostomy
[Re: MrsDrublic]
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fcb
Junior Member
Registered: 06/25/10
Posts: 15
Loc: S C, Irmo
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A good looking couple for sure and very helpful to boot! I was admitted to the hosp. yesterday and have started the prep for Friday's surgery. I weighed in at 112 Lbs! so I don't have a lot of tummy and it does wrinkle when I'm sitting. I am worried about leaking.
Up North, thank you so much for your help also! I'll let you all know how goes once it's done. Thanks again to all.
_________________________
Attitude is everything!
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#191306 - 08/17/10 11:47 AM
Re: Colostomy
[Re: MrsDrublic]
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Up North
Member
Registered: 05/02/06
Posts: 62
Loc: Kenai Alaska
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My surgery was the best possible thing I have done post rehab to improve my quality of life. I heard about colostomy and irrigation from a fellow wheeler while doing a follow revaluation at Craig years ago. At the time others considered it taboo for whatever reason?
I have never regretted mine, not one day. I work a strange work schedule where I work 7 12 hour days with 7 days off, then 7 12 hour nights with 7 days off. Very often I get called in to cover sick leave short notice to work so any given day or week I may go on little or no sleep, eating at strange times. This funky schedule is good for paying the bills but can cause havoc with my bowels. The colostomy makes my work life doable. On my extended days off everything works very regular and almost never go in-between irrigations. As my body ages seems things get slower and slower. I do take daily fiber supplement and I drink an ounce or two of apple cider vinegar, which helps with UTI’s and keeps things moving.
The only downside of having a colostomy and doing irrigation is the costs. The bags I wear for three days in-between bowel care cost about $3.50 and sleeves are $2.50 plus so $50 bucks a month to poo but for me, it worth it, and my bowels were such a mess pre surgery I really was out of options.
Wish you well, ask if you have any question and I’ll help if I can.
Randy
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#191309 - 08/17/10 02:00 PM
Re: Colostomy
[Re: Up North]
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soda
Member
Registered: 08/26/07
Posts: 4726
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medicare pays for my pouches and irrigation equipment.
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67.87.81.12
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