I'm now a 5-month old colostomy person and wanted to say how grateful I am to have discovered this forum. I have [and continue to] learn so much. I've read just about every one of the topics and read many of the threads looking for answers to questions I had, and some I didn't know I had! One of the things I learned was in cleaning my pouch. Until I read through that thread I didn't know you could use water to flush out the pouch when emptying. My output tends to be thick and not easy to clean out; now I have a bottle of water I keep handy. Once I've gotten most of it out I add some water, kind of mush it around and then carefully pour it out - that took practice - discovered it really saves on TP in cleaning up the neck of the pouch as the water cleans so much. Makes me feel cleaner somehow. (By the way, I'm so grateful it is possible to talk about this stuff so frankly.)  I haven't yet had the experience of needing to empty in a public restroom - yes I read that thread too - but I'm thinking of adding a small spray bottle of water to my purse supplies. Today I purchased a large purse that has a top zipper. It is wide enough to hold my pouch change supply bag (got one from Coloplast when I initially got set up with supplies. That bag holds everything needed for one pouch change.) This new purse also has room for the aforementioned spray water bottle, a drinking water bottle, my wallet, glasses case, sunglasses and has a zippered compartment for essentials like lip gloss, comb etc. Whew so much stuff! In early December my husband and I are going on a 3 day trip for a conference, sleeping at his cousin's house. During the day we'll be at the conference and I'll have to use the public restrooms there. Sigh. Think I'll write up some questions I can post here for tips on getting through it. Flying free. Thank you for sharing, and I'm glad that you've found the forum to be helpful! Public washrooms are sometimes hit-and-miss, whether you have an ostomy or not. One thing I've learned, especially when I'm out with my bike, is to bring some toilet paper with you! So many public washrooms either don't have toilet paper or they do, but the design of the dispenser won't give you any if it's been fiddled with. Good luck on your trip! You've still got a lot of time to practice before you go 😉 Just your friendly neighborhood ostomate. Granddayout, I think a lot of us are grateful for this site. I was on a different site for awhile, but left and joined VO. It was a good move - this site is very positive and helpful. I can’t say enough about Eric, who manages this in his free time, without corporate sponsors or ads. 👍 The sheer volume of information and videos is incredible and so helpful for someone with a new ostomy. There is so much to learn in the beginning - I remember being so afraid I’d damage my stoma somehow. There is no substitute for reassurances from those who’ve been there. Glad you found us.  Laurie Just a semicolon being honest I don't think I would have survived getting an ostomy without Eric and this site , I was given very little in the way of info and supplies when I was discharged from hospital , Coloplast were the first to help me with a visit to my home one day after I arrived back from the best and most understanding stoma nurse , then I discovered one of Erics vids on you tube which led me here and have being doing well since then I appreciate this form so much for the kind sharing of information. I think I gravitated here, after reading what feels like the entire internet, because it's the only place that having an ostomy seems normal. You guys are showing me how this new alteration to my body can be just a part of life, and not the end of it. Lots of sites and posts deal with huge blowouts, extensive recurring surgery, can't eat this can't eat that problems problems problems.... It can be scary to look at. It's been so helpful for me to hear from folks who are calm about sharing your experiences. Thank you! I know VO has improved my ostomy journey. I thought I was doing ok but there was room for improvement. Great community and support 🙏 ileostomy 31st August 1994 for Crohns Just wanna add this . I joined VO 6 years ago after receiving my Stoma (Norman) as I call him . I too like you granddayout perfer to rinse my bag just feels cleaner . I carry a collapsible cup in my pocket to use when I'm not home . I have learned so much from being on this site and am grateful for finding it . I've learned I can take everything off and take a shower which I never thought I could do before . It feels good just to get it all off even if only for a few minutes . Anyway can't tell ya how much I appreciate Eric for starting VO and everybody on here for all the insight I have gotten . Proctectomy , Ileostomy , Ulcerative Colitis
~ Crohn's Disease ¦ Ileostomy ~
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