I got a colostomy almost one year ago, and I wish I would’ve done it sooner. I am 37 years old and 11 years post injury, C4/5 complete. I spent the better part of the year trying to figure out why the wafer would not stay on and nothing was in the bag. I finally figured out that it was because of a lack of air in the bag. I found this website to be extremely helpful with troubleshooting: https://www.veganostomy.ca/ostomy-leaks-tips/
I decided to get a colostomy because I was having more accidents and the constant anxiety that I was about to have another accident was wearing me down. I was afraid to vary my diet at all. Now that I have the colostomy, I rarely think about it. Even when my colostomy leaks, it is so much easier to clean up. It doesn't get on my chair, I don't have to sit on the mess, and I don't have to worry about poop getting on my skin sores when I have them. If we catch the leak early enough and it doesn't get on my clothes, I don't even have to get out of my chair to clean up. And since we solved the mystery of why my bag was leaking, I have not had a single accident. I also love that my life is not dictated by the schedule of my bowel program. My skin sores healed up pretty well after I stopped sitting in my shower chair for so long. Like Aaron said, sex is pretty doable with the colostomy. Go into it with a fresh empty bag. In fact, I think it's better because I'm no longer worried about pooping on my husband (that's never happened, but it would be mortifying)! And yes, the farts are audible. I also like to keep a blanket or something else on my stomach that will muffle it. Or I blame the dog :) On Wed, Mar 4, 2020 at 5:51 PM Aaron Mann <[email protected]> wrote: > C4/5 | 32 years post| 47yr old > > I got my colostomy ~ 20 years post. At the time I got it done I was going > in for my 2nd flap surgery. I developed a small wound on my bottom that > progressed to a stage 3 quickly. The problem I was having is that I would > have an accident, not be thoroughly cleaned on/in the wound, and just > spending 1-2 hours every other day on a hard shower chair. These factors > make it near impossible to prevent fecal infections in any type of wound. > Once that happens the healing process is greatly hampered. The plastic > surgeon said that I had to do everything I could to prevent future skin > breakdown. He asked me about a colostomy and it took me two months to > decide. > > Post colostomy: > I really wish I'd done this sooner. Granted having a colostomy when > younger would have presented very uncomfortable life situations. I tell you > though, not having to do bowel programs is a HUGE plus. No more training > caregivers how to put suppositories in me, stick their finger up my bum > checking to see if I'm done. Not to mention the embarrassing times of > having an accident. Some so bad that crap is EVERYWHERE. Being cleaned up > like a 1 year old. Completely and totally ashamed that someone has to clean > you up. It is so much easier to have a bag and/or wafer change. Travel is > more convenient. No need for dragging around a shower chair. > > Now, few downsides, some more important than others depending on how well > you handle things. If you don't keep regular with the right diet, your > stool can be too firm and push the right off your belly. Too loose and > you'll be changing more often. It has taken me years to figure out on my > own the right combination of fiber gummies to take daily to keep it just > right. Let's talk gas. Now farts are funny at any age. You must have a > sense of humor if you have a colostomy. There is no longer the built in > muffler of sitting on a cushioned seat. Make a fart sound with your lips > right now. That is what colostomy farts sound like. I carry a hoodie on my > lap for two purposes; I can bundle it as a makeshift muffler over my bag on > gassy days or wear it when cold. Sex. Have your attention now? Spontaneity > will present some new barriers to overcome. Best answer is be open to > adaptation regarding your colostomy. If I plan on having fun with my wife > or whoever (just kidding hon), then I have a wide ace wrap to put around my > belly to cover the belly bag. It has worked so far for those intimate bumps > n rubs. > > Please ask questions, best thing us old quads can do is impart our ?wisdom? > > Aaron Mann > > > On Wed, Mar 4, 2020 at 3:29 PM Danny Espinoza <[email protected]> > wrote: > >> >> I've got one but as a result of my seat belt cutting in to me and haven't >> known anything else. >> >> -Danny >> >> -------- Original Message -------- >> Subject: [QUAD-L] Colostomy - Yea or Nay? >> From: "Nancy Gillen" <[email protected]> >> Date: Wed, March 04, 2020 7:17 am >> To: <[email protected]> >> >> >> Nancy Gillen <[email protected]> >> 9:58 AM (18 minutes ago) >> I am seriously thinking of getting a colostomy. If you have a colostomy, >> will you share your experiences/opinions. Need input. >> >> Thanks, >> Nan >> >> >> >>
