are there any ostomates out there?

[flopsymopsy]

I am wanting to go into the swimming pool again but am wary about the effect of the chemicals on my stoma (called Archie!) and the peristomal area,particularly the part just round my stoma which is always quite sore. Any tips would be appreciated. I have had Archie for a year. Presumably if I go in the sea on holiday, then the salt water will have a beneficial effect.

[Hopey79]

Flopsy, My Dad had a Colostmy bag over 20 years ago, and has been swimming in pools all over the world without issue. as long as he is covered ( i assume you wear a bag) then i am sure it will be fine, - We have always called dad's Stoma his Tomato. - we were very little when he first had it!

[flopsymopsy]

Thankyou Hopey, that made me smile. I have to say mine looks nothing like a tomato, more like Mr Bobbitt's bit that Mrs Bobbitt chopped off! and it is definitely male. I hope it will shrink some more yet. It is good to hear how other people have got on-personal experience is a much better way to learn than listening to the "experts" who really have no clue as to the practicalities. I have been putting it off, now is the time to take the plunge -lol

[Hopey79]

No problem, any questions feel free to ask, i assuming that it is the same sort of thing as my dad - he had his large colon removed and his bottom stiched up. so now poohs in a bag. - is that similar to what you have had? He had it remove to severe collitis, and in those days, 1986, they just removed it. - A friend of mine is going through the same thing at the moment, and they just refuse to take it out and give her a bag, even though she wants one to get rid of the pain!

I mean dad finds in inconvient but its never stopped him from doing anything - apart from loosing weight - he lost loads of weight, but had to put some of it back on, cause he looked lopsided - very funny XX

[flopsymopsy]

Well, no jokes about not doing things so long as you have a hole in your a...e! I am just picturing your lop-sided Dad and having a titter. Yes I have been stitched up. I got ulcerative colitis in 1982 and it was always active. They said it could turn cancerous if I had it for 25 years, and exactly 25 years later I had a very large tumour, so colon and rectum and anus disappeared. Oh so much better after 25 years of "woopsies" . My only prob now is I can't paint my toe nails because of my fat middle, but what the hell, I am here to tell the tale. I lost 2 stone in 5 weeks whilst I was in hospital, but I have put it all back and more which I am desperate to lose, lack of exercise I think and over-eating. The op is not done lightly but I do so hope your friend can persuade them to do even a temporary colostomy to give her some relief for a few months. I expect like your Dad, my life has changed so much for the better, and especially so since I finished the chemo and came through the side effects. There are just some days, I do so wish I could have a good f..t as my bags keep blowing up like balloons. Please don't picture that, it brings a whole new meaning to chocolate body paint. Id better finish now before I get banned. lol

[beejaybee]

Try using CAVILLON around your stoma at each bag change. It`s excellent. BTW are you a "member" of any online forum for ostoamtes ??? I`m an ostomate of 4 1/2 years

[flopsymopsy]

Hi there Beejaybee, I use orahesive powder and cavilon spray. I have had samples of one or two wipes and sprays, but cavilon is definitely the best,and is the only thing that suits my skin. I did go to an open day last week and saw some two piece bags that had a mouldable rubber in the flange which came in circular, oval and irregular shapes. I think I might try one of the irregular shaped ones when I next do an order, and that could well alleviate the problem of the small ring of sore skin. Have you come across these, I( think they are fairly new? the flanges do not have to be cut and the mould fits round the stoma like a glove. I am a member of the Lincolnshire I.A. but have not been to any of the meetings as I do not always have the car to get to Lincoln. I do however get the magazine and have learned a lot from that. I have not actually looked for an on-line forum so do not know if there is one.