One year ago today, I launched the VeganOstomy Blog. I started it with the wish to share my experience of having an ileostomy due to Crohn’s disease while maintaining a vegan lifestyle. I’ve learned so much in the past year and hope that I’ve provided some entertainment and education along the way.
IBD stands for Inflammatory Bowel Disease, yet a large percentage of us with IBD (estimated to be upwards of 40%) experience extraintestinal manifestations (symptoms outside our gut). These symptoms can sometimes be as hard to deal with as the abdominal symptoms of IBD; for some, they’re even worse.
When you get out of ostomy surgery, you’ll likely be given supplies from a manufacturer who partners with your hospital.
It seems rather silly that I even have to make a post about this, but unfortunately the information on the Hollister website isn’t very clear (no pun intended).
Disposing of a soiled ostomy pouch can be a challenge, especially if you aren’t at home.
It’s all done. Over with. Finished. I was given my first ileoscopy yesterday and it was an interesting experience to say the least!
We have so many amazing advocates in the IBD and ostomy community, but one team of advocates really stands out with a campaign they’ve been able to turn into an international sensation, and that’s the #GetYourBellyOut movement.
Started in March 2014, the #getyourbellyout team is made up of four incredibly hard-working ladies: Victoria Marie (twitter @colitisandme), Gem Gem (twitter @wales28), Sahara (twitter @Sahara88uk) and Lorna (twitter @lornamary_1981).
Symptom tracking apps seem to be available just about everywhere, but ostomy management apps are sorely lacking. Fortunately, one genius developer has come up with a solution, and he calls it OstoBuddy. OstoBuddy, which is available for both Android and iOS, is an ostomy supply tracker, history recording app, and appliance change reminder. In this review I’ll be covering those aspects of the app, which I purchased for myself through both the Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
On July 9th, 2014, I was scoped as a follow-up to my ostomy surgery and to also make sure that my Crohn’s hasn’t spread to my small intestine.
I’ve used the Hollister New Image line (with CeraPlus) for over 2.5 weeks and I’ve been pleasantly surprised at the results.