I never had a leak, but had the wafer lift up, called "Pancaking."
When the poo is soft a sticky, it blocks the opening and goes under the
wafer. Luckily its not messy. It seams the messier it could be, the
less likely will be. Though if its really runy, make sure you don't let
it fill up over full.
Greg
On 3/13/2020 2:21 PM, Aaron Mann wrote:
I never have an issue with the bag leaking due to not having air. Do
you have the bags with the air vent on them or without? Is the wafer
getting pushed off your belly from the stool? If it is the latter, I
have found that consistency of the stool can matter. If it is too
firm, try taking Fiber Gummies or Fiber and some other form to loosen
your stool lab so it doesn't push the wafer off. I offer this because
I know what a pain it is to constantly have a bag with air in it on
your belly.
On Wed, Mar 11, 2020, 8:27 PM Michelle Kephart
<[email protected] <mailto:[email protected]>> wrote:
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]
<mailto:[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] <mailto:[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]
<mailto:[email protected]>>
Date: Wed, March 04, 2020 7:17 am
To: <[email protected] <mailto:[email protected]>>
Nancy Gillen <[email protected]
<mailto:[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
