Hi, AMS!

Welcome to the forums!

I completely feel your pain with pancaking - this is something I'm often dealing with because my output is pretty thick and some of the accessories I use can make it worse.

Firstly, I would suggest having a look at this article for some "quick fixes":

https://www.veganostomy.ca/pancaking-ostomy-tips/

Because you have a colostomy, I would also suggest speaking with a stoma nurse about the possibility of irrigating your colon. This may help to solve several problems at once, but it does require some instruction and may not be appropriate for your particular situation. 

Have you kept a food diary to see if there are any culprits you can reduce or eliminate the consumption of? 

For gas, I have another article that may helpful:

https://www.veganostomy.ca/ostomy-pouch-ballooning/

Can't sleep.  So here I am. I had my colon surgery Nov. 20th.. We r close. I deal with Pancaking alot. My sense of humor has helped. I to, have to move my output around. I don't mind anymore. It does and can be odd at times. I try to be discreet but heck,  I'm alive. I went to 3 Doctors, tests. No one knew. Emergency room Dr. caught it. I was upset naturally, all that time wasted. I came home from Hospital knowing NOTHING. I was in for a crazy ride. I believe anyone getting ready to have these type of surgerys should watch Eric's videos. He calmed me down and his smile helped. I was a wreck. Now, im confident, relaxed and living life. I enjoy my online Family here. We are all in this together. I read your stories and am amazed at how strong you are. I count my blessings. When Doctor told me I had rectal cancer my world stopped on that rainy day by myself. I had so much to say and do.  I've become a better Linda. Humbles you. 

Eric thanks for the welcome.  I have watched so many of your videos and I have to say you do a great job for us noobs who are struggling with one thing or another. I did try almost all of your tips for pancaking.  The ONLY thing that seems to help is letting the bag hang free and loose.  But that is not practical because I have to wear clothes lol.  I have, briefly, looked into to irrigation.  I'm currently undergoing chemo AND the surgery left me with a wound that needs fairly constant care.  Irrigating is something perhaps for my future but not now.  Side effects from the chemo feel like a full time job.

I'm on a Facebook colon cancer support group and I am constantly referring people to your site...you are that helpful.

Kerby, that diagnosis rocked my world too.  My humor gets me through that.  After crying bit in the hospital post diagnosis I looked up at my husband and said, "You've always known that I've been a pain in the ass".  Comic relief in tough times has been my job in life.

As I've been out and about and had to deal with output I'm almost defiant about anyone coming up to me.  Cripes I have SO much going on that I really don't care what people think.  Well I did care on my first blow out IN THE MIDDLE OF WALMART.  All I could do was hightail it home as fast as I could.  As I was sobbing to my daughter later she, with a straight face, said, "Mom it was Walmart.  They've seen and smelled worse".  That made me laugh.

I'm sorry you are going through this too.  It sucks in a big way.

Posted by: AMS

The ONLY thing that seems to help is letting the bag hang free and loose.  But that is not practical because I have to wear clothes lol. 

What about the use of something like an ostomy wrap? When it's over your pants, it can look just like a t-shirt, but it will conceal and support your pouch at the same time.

 A few examples of ladies wearing them can be seen in this article:

https://www.veganostomy.ca/dressing-with-an-ostomy-clothing-for-women/#Ostomy_Support_Wraps_andBands  

Posted by: AMS

Well I did care on my first blow out IN THE MIDDLE OF WALMART.  All I could do was hightail it home as fast as I could.  As I was sobbing to my daughter later she, with a straight face, said, "Mom it was Walmart.  They've seen and smelled worse".  That made me laugh.

haha! I'll be totally honest, but I had the exact same thought when I read that first line! There has to be some truth in that, right? 

Posted by: AMS

Kerby, that diagnosis rocked my world too.  My humor gets me through that.  After crying bit in the hospital post diagnosis I looked up at my husband and said, "You've always known that I've been a pain in the ass".  Comic relief in tough times has been my job in life.

As I've been out and about and had to deal with output I'm almost defiant about anyone coming up to me.  Cripes I have SO much going on that I really don't care what people think.  Well I did care on my first blow out IN THE MIDDLE OF WALMART.  All I could do was hightail it home as fast as I could.  As I was sobbing to my daughter later she, with a straight face, said, "Mom it was Walmart.  They've seen and smelled worse".  That made me laugh.

 

I'm sorry you are going through this too.  It sucks in a big way.

Sorry...I had to laugh...I too have suffered thru  the dreaded "Walmart blow out". Not fun but your daughter speaks the truth.

I have an ileiostomy due to having rectal cancer. My surgery was in march of 2017. I went thru the chemo and radiation together for six weeks before surgery and another 18 weeks of chemo after surgery. I know how hard that is. Hope you feel better soon. I am hoping to have reversal surgery this summer...Lord willing

Hey, manure happens! 

At least, no one can call us A-HOLE  any more.

I don't like to go shopping after dinner, because I will have to empty my bag in the restroom. Fortunately,  I can time it pretty good.  If they do not like it, too bad. Once, someone made some noise about my feet facing the wrong way in the stall. I got mad enough to be not nice.

Eh, manure still happens.

Z